UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler to Present Best-selling Author Tara Westover Sept. 17

September 14, 2018

Media Contact: Beverley Golden
Senior Director of Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.566.7303

The University of Texas at Tyler announced Dr. Tara Westover, author of the New York Times No. 1 best-seller "Educated: A Memoir,'' will be featured Monday, Sept. 17, in a talk hosted by the UT Tyler Honors Program and Freshman Book Committee.

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Dr. Tara Westover

A book signing and reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the University Center Theater foyer, followed by the talk at 6 p.m. in the UC Theater. The events are open to the public.

"Dr. Westover's book explores the power of education and touches on family, poverty and the nature of memory,'' said Dr. Paul Streufert, Honors Program executive director. "We are looking forward to bringing her to campus to share her inspiring story with the university and the Tyler community.''

Born to survivalist parents who opposed public education, Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. By saving up to buy books and studying independently, the Idaho native scored well enough on the ACT to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history and graduated magna cum laude. She went on to earn degrees from Cambridge and Harvard.

The UT Tyler Freshman Book Committee selected Westover's memoir for distribution to incoming first-year students. The Freshman Book Program has brought award-winning scientists, journalists and novelists to campus to inspire and encourage students to explore the world and value the life of the mind.

For more information about the Sept. 17 event, visit uttyler.edu/commonread.

A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered. With more than 10,000 students, UT Tyler has facilities in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.