Britt Wray

From the political landscape to the fate of our planet, students today face more uncertainty than ever before. But Britt Wray says we can harness this uncertainty to find hope and lasting purpose. The author of Generation Dread and director of Stanford’s CIRCLE initiative, she offers practical steps towards making real change.

Dan Lerner

“There’s a real mental health crisis in college, and it’s getting worse,” says positive psychologist Dan Lerner. “But there are ways for students to navigate it.” As author of U Thrive and instructor of the wildly popular NYU course “The Science of Happiness,” Dan equips students with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Jelani Cobb

Colleges have become key players in a nationwide discussion on what truth is, who gets to define it, and at what cost. The dean of Columbia Journalism School and a New Yorker staff writer, Jelani Cobb blends history and current affairs to reveal the story behind every headline, offering a vital perspective on free expression today.

Shalini Kantayya

Shalini Kantayya is the Emmy-nominated director of Coded Bias and TikTok, Boom. Her award-winning films offer an in-depth look into the platforms we use every day, from TikTok to rising AI tools. In talks, she explores the intersection of technology and humanity, envisioning a world where technology serves as a powerful tool for good.

Skylar Tibbits

With AI on the rise, every company from Apple to Google is pouring money into robotics. But Skylar Tibbits says that we can build smarter with less. The founder of MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab, he uses simple materials like cloth and sandbags to develop incredible solutions to real problems—like “building” new islands to protect coastal communities.

Eman Mohammed

Eman Mohammed started documenting international conflicts with her camera at the age of 19. From Gaza to tiny American towns, this award-winning photojournalist explores how we divide ourselves into “us” and “them,” helping us see the humans behind the headlines and make meaningful connections with the people we overlook.

How Do I Book a College Speaker for My Campus Event?

Booking a college speaker doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can either reach out to speakers directly or let a speakers bureau like ours handle the heavy lifting. We’ll help you find the right speaker for your audience, theme, and budget—whether you’re planning a large-scale campus lecture or a tiny classroom session. From suggesting top university speakers based on your goals to coordinating contracts, travel, and tech needs, we take care of the details so you can focus on your event. Need a speaker for Black History Month, orientation, convocation, or mental health week? We’ve got you covered. Reach out today and we’ll help you get started.

How Much Does a Speaker for a College Event Cost?

Speaker fees vary widely depending on the individual’s profile, travel needs, and your school’s location—but there are great options for nearly every budget. Some college and university speakers fall in the $5,000–$10,000 range, while others may be higher-profile and command $20,000 or even more. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and recommend speakers who fit both your vision and your budget. We also help coordinate logistics to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Do I Need a Speaker for My Campus Event?

No, you don’t! A keynote speaker should always serve the needs of your event and audience—not vice versa. Before you book a keynote speaker, ask yourself what need you’re hoping to fill:

• If you want to build connection between students, your budget might be better put towards networking events: coffee hours, organized events, etc.
• If you want hands-on professional development for your faculty and staff, consider an interactive workshop instead of a keynote.
• If you want students to have fun, consider putting your budget towards food, drinks, or even a DJ.

That said… if you want an insightful session that’s relevant to your audience, an event that provokes thought rather than just being entertaining, or a dynamic convocation address for families of students, you might want to consider booking a keynote speaker. The right speaker can energize your audience, bring fresh perspectives, and spark dialogue on topics from climate change to mental health to free expression. If you’d like some help picking a speaker, please get in touch.

Why Book a College and University Speaker?

Bringing in a college and university speaker is one of the most powerful ways to educate, inspire, and energize your campus community. The best speakers don’t just deliver a lecture—they spark conversations, challenge assumptions, and leave students thinking differently about the world. Whether your goal is to build community, address timely issues, or provide professional development, the right university speaker can make your event unforgettable.

What Events Should I Book College and University Speakers For?

College and university speakers are perfect for a wide range of events across campus. Some of the most common opportunities include:

• Orientation and convocation: Set the tone at the beginning and end of your students’ journey with a high-impact keynote.
• Inclusion events: Address inclusion, race, gender, and equity with depth and nuance.
• Mental health and fitness or wellness weeks: Provide real tools for navigating student life.
• Career services and entrepreneurship events: Motivate students to chart their future.
• Campus-wide lectures and panels: Bring new ideas and voices to your academic community.
• Professional development: Empower your faculty and staff to support students better than ever.

From student government to academic departments, anyone hosting a campus event can benefit from a college speaker who engages and empowers.

When Should I Book a University Speaker?

It’s best to book a university speaker at least 3 months in advance—especially if you’re aiming for high-demand speakers or tying your event to national observances like Black History Month, Women’s History Month, or Mental Health Awareness Week. We also help campuses book great speakers on shorter timelines. If you’re not sure where to start, we can walk you through the options and help you find the perfect speaker for your timing and budget.

What Topics Do College and University Speakers Cover?

Today’s college speakers cover a broad range of timely and relevant topics, including:

• Mental health and resilience
• Inclusion and belonging
• Free speech and civil discourse
• Climate change and sustainability
• Social justice and activism
• AI, technology, and the future of work
• Leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth