SEARCY, Ark. — Harding University’s American Studies Institute will host former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the keynote speaker for the first fall event in its Distinguished Lecture Series. The lecture is set for Monday, October 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022, during which his government oversaw the delivery of Brexit, marking the UK's exit from the European Union after years of political stalemate following the 2016 referendum. Johnson’s leadership also included a focus on infrastructure development, education reform, technological advancement, and efforts to reduce regional economic inequality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson led the UK’s national response, including its vaccine development and rollout, which featured the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. He also guided the economic reopening and played a central role in rallying international support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022. Under his premiership, the UK hosted the COP26 climate conference, resulting in the Glasgow Climate Pact.
Prior to his tenure as prime minister, Johnson served as the Mayor of London for two terms, where he managed projects such as the 2012 Olympic Games and initiatives like the Routemaster bus and the city’s cycle-hire program. He first entered Parliament in 2001 and is also recognized as an award-winning journalist and the author of several books, including *The Churchill Factor* and *Unleashed*.
The event is free to the public, but tickets are required. Reservations can be made starting September 24 at hardingtickets.com. For more information, visit harding.edu/asi or call 501-279-4497. Details about additional events and community resources offered by Harding University are available at harding.edu/community.