Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education in Oakland, Calif., will speak at 7:30 p.m. March 27, in Watkins Auditorium.

Scott's topic is "A Scientist's View of the Creation/Evolution Controversy." Her appearance is sponsored by the Honors Programs and American Democracy Project. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will end with a brief question-and-answer period.

In addition to the evening presentation, Scott will participate in a panel discussion with UTM faculty and community residents from 4-5:30 p.m. in Watkins Auditorium. Among participants will be Dr. Lionel Crews, assistant professor of physics; Dr. Michael Gibson, professor of geology; Dr. Norman Lillegard, professor of philosophy and religious studies; Dr. John Schommer, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. Chris Brown, assistant professor of philosophy; Dr. Roy Whaley, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Greenfield; and Patricia Royle, Camden Junior High School science teacher. Dr. Dan McDonough, Honors Programs director, will moderate.

Each panelist will have several minutes to state his or her viewpoint before the question-and-answer discussion. Questions for the panel may be submitted in advance to Crews at lcrews@utm.edu or at the time of the discussion.

"This is an issue that is being debated nationally," Crews said, "but it is being debated rather than discussed, which tends to polarize proponents of both sides. We want to foster an atmosphere that gets all points of view on the table to be discussed so everyone has a better understanding of the issues."

Also as part of Scott's visit to campus, area teachers will be invited to meet with her for a question-and-answer session at 10 a.m., March 27, in Holland McCombs Center. Those interested in attending the teachers' session, should contact Crews.

"Dr. Eugenie Scott is one of the most prominent voices in the ongoing national debate over the teaching of evolution versus creationism in our public schools," McDonough said. "As this issue assumes an increasingly prominent role in local and national affairs, it is important that we understand the issues as clearly as possible. Thus, I encourage students, faculty and community members to attend Dr. Scott's lecture, as well as the panel discussion on Monday afternoon."

Scott holds a doctorate in Biological Anthropology from the University of Missouri and has taught at the universities of Kentucky and Colorado. The recipient of numerous honors and awards, Scott is the author of "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction."

The Academic Speaker Series annually brings distinguished scholars, writers and performers to the UTM campus. All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact McDonough at danmc@utm.edu or 731-881-7436.