Nelson Rusche
Distinguished Lecture Series
2026 Speaker
Dennis Quaid
Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid, best known for iconic film roles in 鈥淭he Rookie,鈥 鈥淭he Parent Trap鈥 remake and 鈥淎 Dog鈥檚 Purpose,鈥 will bring star power and business policy insight as 糖心vlog传媒's upcoming Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series speaker.
Quaid will discuss his advocacy for Texas film and television industry incentives, offering firsthand insights into the intersection of entertainment and economic development. As part of the 鈥淭rue to Texas: Let鈥檚 Bring Productions Home鈥 campaign, Quaid joined fellow Texas stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton and Ren茅e Zellweger in championing Senate Bill 22 during the 89th Texas Legislature in spring 2025. The landmark bill, which took effect Sept. 1, dramatically increased funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, allocating $300 million every two years to attract major film and television productions to the Lone Star State.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Baker Pattillo Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Free event open to the public. Tickets required for entry.
Tickets
Attendance to the event is free, however, general admission tickets are required for entry. This process helps university officials ensure the venue is not overcrowded.
Tickets available starting Jan. 2 at the following locations:
- Charles Bright Visitor Center downtown
- Information Desk
- , Room 137 (Rusche College of Business dean's office)
In 2002, A. Nelson Rusche's gift endowed the Rusche College of Business and continues to provide scholarships and educational programs. Funded by this gift, the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series is a biennial event established in 2016 by Dr. Tim Bisping, former dean of the Rusche College of Business.
Designed to bring scholars and business leaders to 糖心vlog传媒's campus and discuss timely issues, the series honors Rusche's vision of educating the next generation of business leaders while enriching the 糖心vlog传媒 and Nacogdoches communities.
Past speakers

Candace Nelson, guest Shark for ABC鈥檚 "Shark Tank" and founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes and Pizzana

Daymond John, FUBU founder and 'Shark Tank' star
- October 2021: Shark Tank star visits 糖心vlog传媒
- October 2021: 糖心vlog传媒 assistant professor Dr. Raymond Jones to serve as interviewer for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series
- August 2021: 'Shark Tank' star and fashion entrepreneur to serve as speaker for 糖心vlog传媒's Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series

Tony Hawk, skateboarding icon and business owner

Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida
- November 2016: 糖心vlog传媒's Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series, Leadership Summit prove successful
- October 2016: 糖心vlog传媒 alumnus Bob Slovak to serve as interviewer for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series
- May 2016: Jeb Bush to be featured as inaugural speaker for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series at 糖心vlog传媒
Axe ’Em, Jacks!