Eric Chester, a nationally recognized motivational speaker who is widely regarded as the premier expert on “Generation Why,” is the first speaker in the UTM Academic Speaker Series. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Student Life Center Alumni Gym.

On his Web site, Chester points out that “Generation Why” is a “broad term describing the 68 million individuals born between 1980-1994 (post Generation X).“

He also discusses how this generation never knew Mork, Manilow, or Milli Vanilli; ET, Mr. T., or McDLT’s; Jordache, Jaws, “Who Shot J.R?,” PacMan, mopeds, and 10-speed bikes, traditional “Leave it to Beaver” families and when every boy wanted to be like OJ and every girl dreamed of being treated like the first lady.

“Eric Chester is a nationally known motivational speaker who offers cutting-edge insights, perspectives and strategies for educating and employing the next generation. We are very pleased to bring a speaker of Mr. Chester’s caliber to UTM to work with our students, faculty, staff and the community of Martin,” said Dr. George Daniel, director of the UTM Student Success Center.

Based in Colorado and with a master of arts degree from Northern Arizona University, he is the author of “Employing Generation Why and Getting Them to Give a Damn.” He will be speaking on “The Power of Young Leaders.”

Chester’s appearance is sponsored by the Honors Programs, Student Success Center, Freshman Experience, Office of Student Life, Student Activities Council, Lead Academy and Title III.

The lecture will end with a brief question-and-answer period. A reception will follow the lecture.

The Academic Speaker Series annually brings distinguished scholars, writers and performers to the UT Martin campus. All lectures are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Dan McDonough at danmc@utm.edu or 731-881-7436.