Our Speaker Series has featured over twenty nationally-known speakers including poet laureates, photographers, authors, performers, political figures, heroes and heroines. This series is made possible by support from the Welborn-Payne Endowment, established in 2006 in honor of Ernestine Payne Welborn. The foundation focuses primarily on supporting organizations in Lubbock, Texas and Colorado Springs, Colorado, with emphasis on faith-based initiatives, education, and human services addressing basic needs.

Previous speakers include:

• Emmitt Smith
• Christian Wallace, Co-Creator of “Landman” Series
• Illusionist Michael Carbonaro
• “Brunch with Babs” – Barbara Costello
• Miron Crosby Boots Creators Lizzie Means Duplantis & Sarah Means
• Jay Leno
• Voices of Service
• Kendra Scott
• Barbara Pierce Bush
• The Texas Tenors
• Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer
• Stylist Rachel Zoe
• Texas Country Reporter Bob Phillips
• Humorist Jeanne Robertson
• Naomi Judd
• Air Force Major Dan Rooney
• Chef Stephan Pyles
• Dallas Cowboys Former Fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston
• Hoda Kotb
• Zach Thomas
• Jenna Bush Hager
• Joan Lunden
• Airline Pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
• Ambassador Karen Hughes