Lewis Honors College continues ‘Ideas that Matter’ series

This spring, the Lewis Honors College continues its “Ideas that Matter” series, a program connecting students with leading scholars, innovators and changemakers on issues shaping today’s world — from exploring the cost of primates in captivity to how college sports are navigating the implications of the name, image and likeness policy changes, and how comics provide social commentary.

The Honors College Director of College Life Libby Hannon, who initiated the series, said the goal is to enlighten and expand perspectives. The spring speakers include a UK alum, a UK professor and a local illustrator.

All events in the series are in the Lewis Scholars Lounge.

This semester’s series will begin 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, with Primate Rescue Center Executive Director Eileen Dallaire, who will share her experience about the unique ways she has turned her psychology career into a career with chimps.

The series continues 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. Kwame Agyemang, Ph.D., professor of sport, organizations and society, and the George and Betty Blanda Endowed Professor in sport leadership will lead a discussion titled “Shadow Governors: How Athletes, Media & Money are Reshaping College Sports.” Agyemang also directs the Future of Sport Institute.

“College sports are in the middle of disruptive change. Name, Image, and Likeness, the House settlement, conference realignment, shifting media rights, and new revenue-sharing models are rewriting the rules in real time,” Agyemang said. Students will get a glimpse of the content that will be explored in the new fall Honors class, “The Future of College Athletics,” taught across the Southeastern Conference Honors College and Programs.

The final event of the semester, 5 p.m. Monday, March 30, will feature local artist and animator Bryce Oquaye in a presentation titled “Comics and Social Commentary.” Oquaye explores how his comic books and visual art uncover cultural truths and spotlight the values that shape who we are.

Through this series, which is open to the public, Lewis Honors College offers attendees a chance to learn about career transitions, timely topics and influencing opinions.