2016 Jamison Lecture

Sarah Weddington is a nationally known attorney and spokesperson on leadership and public issues. She is particularly well known for her work on issues affecting women through her many roles, which include attorney, legislator, Presidential adviser, professor and expert, called upon by the national media and institutions of higher learning.

In 1973, she became the first woman from Austin/Travis County elected to serve in the 150-member Texas House of Representatives, serving for three terms. In 1977, she was the first woman ever to serve as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she supervised more than 200 lawyers. From 1978 to 1981, she served as Assistant to President Jimmy Carter, directing the administration’s work on women’s issues and leadership outreach. From 1983 to 1985, she was the first female director of the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations.

A former adjunct professor at The University of Texas at Austin, Weddington writes and travels extensively, speaking on the development of leadership skills.

She received her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law in 1967 and is a Distinguished Alumna of McMurry University in Abilene. She holds several honorary doctorates.

For her complete bio, visit www.weddingtoncenter.com.