Happy Wednesday!
We have some interesting events coming up in the final weeks of February and I will 
attach a PDF of our entire spring semester calendar. All events are in the Toyota 
Auditorium and free and open to the public. 
 
Thurs. Feb. 23, 1 – 2:30- pm -  Energy & Environmental Forum - Gary Parker, W. H. 
Johnson Professor of Geology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Friday, Feb. 24, 1-2:30 pm – Energy & Environmental Forum - Andrew Light, University 
Professor of Philosophy, Public Policy, and Atmospheric Sciences, and Director of the 
Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy at George Mason University.  

Monday, Feb. 27, 1:15-2:45 pm, Understanding the First Amendment on Campus, Jeffrey 
Rosen, National Constitution Center with UT panel of:  David Reidy, Philosophy, Bonnie 
Ownley, Faculty Senate; Cynthia Polk-Johnson, Student Life; Matthew Scoggins, UT 
General Counsel; Brittany Moore, 3rd Year Law Student and Barry Hawkins, Senior in 
Sociology. 

Monday, Feb. 27, 5:30 pm – Last Lecture - Dr. Jimmy Cheek – in partnership with UT 
Mortar Board

On a personal note, I will be retiring from UT on Feb. 17 after 33 years at UT including 
13 with the Baker Center. I am taking a new job in Washington, DC with the American 
Institute of Architects as the Director of Academic Engagement. It is the perfect 
combination of my first degree in Architecture, doctorate in higher education, love of 
design and long UT career. Of course, I will miss the Baker Center and all the wonderful 
people -- staff, students, faculty and you, the community. It has been a pleasure to help 
build the Center from its beginning in 2003 and an honor to add to the legacy of the late 
Sen. Howard H. Baker, Jr.  I know that with Matt Murray’s leadership and our great staff, 
faculty and students, the Baker Center will continue to grow and thrive. 

My position has been posted on the UT employment site, but in the meantime, Elizabeth 
Woody will continue to handle the event logistics. Thanks to all of you for your support 
and don’t forget to mark your calendars now for these great Spring events.  

Best wishes, 
Nissa Dahlin-Brown, EdD
Associate Director