Guest Speaker

UT Austin: An Expert’s Case for Nuclear

When CFACT Collegians Thien Nguyen and Tiffany Lomax set out to host energy expert Sterling Burnett on University of Texas Austin’s campus, they knew they were bringing students a perspective they rarely encounter in the classroom. The day began over lunch at a local Asian restaurant, where the CFACT Collegians sat down with Burnett and discussed the unique challenge of how to engage young people on complex energy issues. The conversation soon expanded into Burnett's work in energy policy, nonprofit advocacy, and the importance of educating the public on topics often overlooked in mainstream environmental discussions. Back on campus, students gathered [...]

By Emma Arns |2026-06-05T21:25:16-04:00June 5th, 2026|Comments Off

Mississippi State Collegian Hosts Talk with Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson

CFACT Collegian Addy Rose Knotts brought a strong dose of freedom and Mississippi common sense to campus this April, hosting Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson at Mississippi State University for a speaker event focused on constitutional liberty, agriculture, and conservative leadership. Held on Tuesday, April 21, the CFACT hosted event drew roughly twenty like-minded students from several conservative student organizations for an evening of thoughtful discussion with one of the state’s top elected officials. Gipson came prepared with what Knott described as “the attitude of a true Mississippian and Patriot,” speaking directly to students about the freedoms guaranteed [...]

By Nate Myers |2026-05-05T16:48:41-04:00May 5th, 2026|Comments Off

Sounding the Alarm: Real Estate Broker Warns UTK of New ESG Threat

More than 30 people gathered at the University of Tennessee for a guest lecture and dinner hosted by CFACT campus representatives Emma Arns and Jude Abernathy (left and middle in photo above holding flag), featuring real estate broker and accredited land consultant Stephanie Cross. Her presentation focused on how ESG-related metrics are beginning to influence the housing market, particularly through third-party “climate risk” scores assigned to residential properties. Cross explained that private organizations such as First Street Foundation are increasingly generating property-level “climate risk” scores using proprietary models. These ratings are now being integrated into major real estate platforms, influencing how [...]

By Emma Arns |2026-06-10T16:16:59-04:00April 3rd, 2026|Comments Off

Heartland Institute’s Sterling Burnett Talks Energy with Texas Students

On St. Patrick’s Day at Sam Houston State University, CFACT Collegians Nicolas Walker and Nyle Torpy hosted a campus event that combined a lighthearted atmosphere with a serious conversation about energy and conservation. The turnout didn’t happen by accident. Nicolas and Nyle spent weeks promoting the event—handing out flyers, talking with students across campus, and building interest through word of mouth. By the time the day arrived, they had a solid group ready to show up, grab some food, and hear something different. And there was plenty of food to go around. Raising Cane’s chicken, pizza, and a spread of drinks [...]

By Emma Arns |2026-06-10T15:49:25-04:00March 23rd, 2026|Comments Off

Gabby Hoffmann at AU: Conservation IS Conservative

In early March, students at University of Arizona had the opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in free-market environmentalism when policy expert Gabriella Hoffman visited campus to speak about the conservative roots of conservation and the future of sensible energy policy. Hoffmann’s visit began the day before her presentation with a small group of students eager to spend time with the visiting speaker outside the classroom. On Thursday afternoon, Hoffmann joined a group of students, including CFACT campus representatives Elliot Taylor and Ashlee Mendola for a hike through the breathtaking desert landscape of Saguaro National Park, giving students [...]

By Emma Arns |2026-06-10T12:33:00-04:00March 10th, 2026|Comments Off