The William A. Owens Lecture Series: A Legacy of Inspiration at UGA
Since its inception in 1989, the William A. Owens Lecture Series has been known for scholarly excellence at the University of Georgia, fostering meaningful discussions on groundbreaking research and innovation in the social sciences.
Established in honor of Dr. William A. Owens, a pioneering psychologist whose work transformed the field of industrial and organizational psychology, the lecture series has continued to elevate discussions on cutting-edge research and its impact on society.
Dr. Owens’ contributions to psychology, particularly in biodata assessment and personnel selection, left an indelible mark on both academia and industry. In 1970, then-Vice President for Research, Robert Anderson, sought someone to lead a new interdisciplinary social sciences institute at UGA. Owens, who was already heading the Measurement Program in the Psychology Department and had a large interdisciplinary research grant, agreed to take on the role. He served as the founding director of the Institute of Behavior Research (IBR) until his retirement in 1984.
An annual lecture in Owens’ honor was initiated in 1989 by IBR Director Abe Tesser. The inaugural speaker was Dr. Fred E. Fiedler of the University of Washington, whose work on leadership and organizational behavior set the stage for the esteemed series. Fiedler’s insights into how leadership effectiveness is contingent on situational factors helped lay a foundation for future discussions for the Owens lecture series.
Over the past 33 lectures, the Owens lecture series has featured an extraordinary lineup of influential thinkers, each bringing unique perspectives that have shaped social science research. Notable speakers have included Dr. Claude Steele, Stanford University, renowned for his work on stereotype threat and social identity, and Dr. John T. Cacioppo, University of Chicago, whose research demonstrated the integration of social science with neuroscience.
Each year, the Owens lecture series provides an opportunity for the UGA community to engage with ideas that challenge and refine our understanding of human behavior. The discussions sparked in these sessions extend far beyond the auditorium, influencing research, classroom teachings, and interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.
The William A. Owens Lecture Series remains a cornerstone of intellectual growth and academic dialogue at UGA. This year’s lecture, “The Surprising Science of Meetings,” a conversation with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, Chancellor’s Professor with the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, has been selected as part of the provost’s 2025 Spring Signature Lecture Series, further solidifying its role as a premier academic event at the university. Through this ongoing tradition, Dr. Owens’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars to push the boundaries of social science and its applications in the modern world.
Written by Andrea Horsman, February 3, 2025