Burr to speak at Duke, discuss his career and future of politics

In the Terry Sanford Distinguished Lecture, “Reflections on a Quarter Century in Congress and the Future of Politics in the 21st Century,” Burr will draw on his 24 years of experience representing the people of North Carolina and give his perspective on what lies ahead, according to a news release from the university.

His talk will be from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in Fleishman Commons. Seats are limited, and simulcast rooms will be available. Doors open at 5 p.m., and free parking is available in the Public Policy lot. The Sanford School will livestream the event on its Facebook and YouTube pages.

Deondra Rose, assistant professor of public policy and political science, will interview Burr.

“Throughout his lengthy career in public service, Sen. Burr has shaped some of our nation's and our state's most important policy areas, including national security, employment, college affordability, and biomedical research, to name just a few,” Rose said in a statement. “We are excited to have the opportunity to learn from him, and we are delighted that he will be the first North Carolina senator to deliver the Terry Sanford Distinguished Lecture.”

Burr is serving his third term in the U.S. Senate, where he serves as chair of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the committee charged with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He also serves on the health, education, labor, and pensions committee and on the finance committee.

He occupies the same Senate seat Terry Sanford – after whom the Sanford School is named – held from 1986 to 1993. From 1995 to 2005, Burr served five terms in the U.S. House. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where he played football and majored in communications.

Duke's previous distinguished lecturers include U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Congressman Adam Schiff.