Lieutenant General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, 25th U.S. national security advisor, headlined Wichita State’s 2026 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series April 8.
McMaster spoke to attendees at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center and shared stories and perspectives shaped by his time in the U.S. Army, his work as a scholar and his experience in national leadership while answering questions from the audience. Earlier in the day, he met with students in the Rhatigan Student Center during his visit to WSU.
The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual Wichita State event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation. Previous speakers include Robert Gates, 22nd United States secretary of defense (2006-2011); Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama; and Norah O’Donnell, former anchor for the CBS Evening News and “60 Minutes” contributor.
Details for the 2027 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series event will be announced at a later date.