LYCEUM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Serving as a Texas Lyceum Director means having the chance to be an active participant in robust, nonpartisan civil discussions with fellow leaders – but it’s not just all talk. Directors have the chance to actively help address challenges facing Texas. Class of 2024 applications are due September 7, 2023 at 5:00 PM CST.  

ATTENTION:
The application process is different from previous years and will require the applicant to turn in their application before their nominators and references can complete their respective forms.

We recommend that applicants turn in their applications no later than July 31st to give their nominators and references enough time to complete their portion of the application. The entire application process is completed online. Only complete applications will be considered by the Annual Nominating Committee.

Each applicant must be nominated by a Lyceum Director or Alumnus. Nominators must submit their form by 5 p.m. CST September 7, 2023. It is the applicant's responsibility to request and ensure their nomination is submitted.

Each applicant requires two letters of recommendation from a Director, Alumnus, or third party. References must submit their form by 5 p.m. CST September 7, 2023. It is the applicant's responsibility to request and ensure their references are submitted.

Director Eligibility 

The Texas Lyceum comprises a 96-member Board of Directors from across the state of Texas. The selection committee seeks applicants who have demonstrated leadership abilities in their communities and across the state.

Each term begins on January 1. No person's first term as a Director may begin on or after that person's 46th birthday. Individuals applying for the Class of 2024 are not eligible for membership if their birthday is on or before January 1, 1978.

Each applicant must be nominated by a Lyceum Director or Alumnus. Each applicant also requires two letters of recommendation, from a Director, Alumnus, or a third party. The nomination letter must be from a Lyceum Director or Alumnus, reference letters do not have to be from a Director or Alumnus.

Letters of nomination and reference must be received by 5 p.m. CST September 7, 2023. It is the applicant's responsibility to request and ensure their letters of nomination and reference are submitted.  Emails with the forms to fill out the letters will be sent to the email addresses listed once this application form is finished and submitted.

Please download and share this helpful one page resource about how to become a director. 

Submitting an Application:

Please click HERE to complete the membership application. 

Once you have completed your application you will receive an receipt of your submission to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. At the same time, your nominators and references will be notified that you have completed your application and will be emailed the link to submit their nomination and references. It is important that you use their correct email address in order for them to receive and complete these forms.

When your nominator and references complete their forms, you will receive an email stating that their form has been completed.

Director Obligations:

Lyceum Directors meet four times each year in quarterly meetings across the state. The topic and format of each meeting vary, but the meetings address timely topics through expert presentations and interaction between Lyceum Directors.

Meeting Attendance:

Directors are expected to participate actively in civil discussions, reflect on the issues facing Texas, and commit to addressing challenges. The best and most robust discussions are when all Lyceum Directors participate. To that end, the Lyceum adheres to a strict attendance policy: Directors must attend a minimum of two meetings per year and a total of five meetings in any two-year period.

Financial Commitment*:

(a) Annual Dues: $1,500, which includes registration for quarterly meetings (four meetings** per year; includes meeting activities and most meals on Friday and Saturday)

(b) Expenses: Directors are responsible for the cost of hotel and personal travel to meetings. Every attempt is made to minimize meeting expenses.

*Dues are subject to change with each new calendar year.

**In some years, the Lyceum hosts an optional fifth meeting. Registration costs for these optional meetings are in addition to dues.

Accepted members of the Class of 2024 must attend a mandatory Director Orientation to be held January 19, 2024 in Austin.

Note: If a Director cannot make their dues payments, they can apply and be considered for the financial assistance program. Assistance depends on the availability of funds and total requests made in a given year.

General Engagement:

In addition to attendance and financial obligations, Directors are encouraged to:

• Participate in one meeting planning committee each year.
• Encourage attendance at Lyceum-sponsored events through the use of your personal contacts and network. 
• Seek support from business and financial leaders in your community for the Texas Lyceum and raise money for its activities. (note: It costs roughly $7500 per Director to operate the organization.)
• Call on publishers and editors of your local media and encourage their attendance and coverage of Lyceum-sponsored events.
• Make a special effort to seek out business and professional organizations for diverse and inclusive participation in Texas Lyceum activities

For additional information, contact [email protected].

 Hear from 2021 President-Elect Sarah Jackson (c/o 2017) and Natalie Lynch (c/o 2019) about the value of directorship.