The Art of Leadership: Lessons from the American Presidency

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Atwood Concert Hall

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Event Info

Lecture description: Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham explores what 21st-century leaders in different fields of endeavor can learn from the greatest moments of our common past. This non-partisan presentation features lessons ranging from Jefferson's pragmatism and JFK's capacity to recover from his own mistakes to the management of conflicting egos as shown by Reagan and FDR and how George HW Bush dealt with the end of his Presidency. Meacham discusses how history can inform the decisions all of us make every day in positions that demand creative and innovative solutions.

Bio: Jon Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, bestselling author, and one of America's most respected public intellectuals. A sought-after commentator, he frequently appears on MSNBC, CNN, and other national news outlets, where he brings historical perspective to today's political, cultural, and civic issues.

Meacham served as managing editor and later editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2010. He is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope, American Gospel, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, which won the Pulitzer Prize. His biography of President George H. W. Bush, Destiny and Power, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

In addition to his books, Meacham created and narrated the acclaimed History Channel podcasts Hope Through History and It Was Said, exploring pivotal moments and voices that have shaped the American experience. He has also appeared in Ken Burns' The Roosevelts: An Intimate History and is a frequent guest on major news and public affairs programs.

Named a "Global Leader for Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum, Meacham is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Through his writing, speaking, and media appearances, he has become one of the nation's leading voices on American history and its enduring relevance to contemporary life.

This event is part of UAA’s College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series “The Art and Science of Our Nation.” Please join us as we celebrate knowledge, inspire curiosity, and strengthen the bonds that make our community unique.

Notice

AGE RESTRICTION (Under Age 16)

Minors under age 16 must attend with an adult age 21 or older and have consent from their parent.

CONCESSIONS UPDATE

Beverages purchased on site may be consumed in your seat during this event. Food is not allowed inside the theater. Alcohol-free seating is available. Alcohol-free seats allow people to sit without sharing an armrest with someone consuming alcohol. More info.

Minors attending with an adult may sit anywhere; they are not limited to alcohol-free seating.

BABIES TICKETED

Ticket required for all ages

ELECTRONIC TICKETS

Tickets are issued as digital tickets that can be shown from your device as you enter. Tickets can be forwarded to a friend beginning 48 hours before the performance.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The PAC is a gathering place where all are welcome to share the Arts as a passion and way of life.
Code of Conduct

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts has introduced security measures for the comfort and safety of all guests and performers. Everyone entering the PAC will pass through an electronic security system that uses extremely low frequency radio waves (ELF) to scan for weapons. Please notify the security personnel upon arrival if you'd prefer special screening.

Find more information at alaskapac.org/visit.

DONOR LOUNGE OPEN

The Gregory M. Carr Family Lounge opens 1 hour prior to this event. Access is an exclusive benefit for the PAC’s donors of $1,000 and more. Capacity is limited. Find out more at PAC Donor Lounge.

Accessibility

If you already have tickets and are concerned that your current seats may not fulfill your needs, please complete this special seating request form.

Wheelchairs: All levels of the Performing Arts Center have wheelchair accessible locations where patrons may either remain seated in their wheelchairs or transfer to portable seats. Courtesy wheelchairs may be borrowed while on site thanks to the Carolyn Ramey Memorial Fund.; Reserved Seating:
Select seats labeled with a wheelchair icon to choose these seats.
Scooters: All levels of the Performing Arts Center have scooter accessible locations where patrons may either remain seated in their scooter or transfer to portable seats. Scooters cannot be placed in the aisles due to the Performing Arts Center's evacuation plan. Patrons are welcome to transfer to a Performing Arts Center transport wheelchair in the lobby to gain access to permanent seat locations. Scooters will be stored in the lobbies.
Assistive Listening Devices: Sound from the stage is broadcast directly to you by our in-house listening system (Listen Technologies LR-52000-072). This system has a standard 3.5mm output jack, so you can use your own headset or one of our stereo headsets. A limited number of T-coil compatible loop lanyards are also available. Listening devices are kept at the House Manager's station in the lobby prior to and during-3 performances. This service is free of charge, however a deposit or ID is required.
Braille or Large Print: Programs are available if requested at least 3 weeks prior to the event.