Former Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks at the annual McLane Lecture at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

BELTON, Texas (KWTX) – On November 6, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) hosted the 47th Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, who served as governor from 2000 to 2015, to speak at the university’s 20th annual McLane Lecture Series.

Perry spoke at the university’s Maybourne campus, located at 900 College Street, at approximately 11 a.m. Perry previously performed at UMHB on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks during the university’s chapel series.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks at UMHB's 20th annual McLane Lecture Series. — Former Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks at UMHB’s 20th annual McLane Lecture Series.(Allison Hinkle)

During his speech, Perry spoke about how his Christian faith has impacted his life.

“He wants you to live a life of purpose,” Perry said, fitting into the university’s “Live with Purpose” slogan. “Find a place of service because it teaches you to be a purpose-driven person.”

Perry spoke about his early life and how his mentors openly proclaimed the gospel.

“The checklist I was given as a child was the Holy Bible,” Perry said.

Perry then detailed conversations he had with George W. Bush during his time as governor of Texas, and Perry echoed the sentiment that the best job in the world was being governor of Texas.

It was during this time that Perry met a Christian prophet who saw a vision of Perry standing in the White House with his grandson and how he initially misinterpreted the vision as he was the President of the United States.

That vision actually turned out to be true, as Perry served as President Donald Trump’s energy secretary during his first presidency.

“God’s plan is always better,” Perry said. “I couldn’t do what Trump did.”

Perry was joined by McLane Lecture Series sponsors Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr., and their son Drayton McLane III. During the lecture, UMHB President Randy O’Rear presented the McLains with honorary degrees in humanities, the highest honor UMHB has.

Drayton McLane III introduces former Texas Governor Rick Perry during the 20th annual McLane... — Drayton McLane III introduces former Texas Gov. Rick Perry during the 20th annual McLane Lecture Series at UMHB.(Allison Hinkle)

The McLane Lecture Series, sponsored by the McLane family, is designed to “bring distinguished people to the university to share their experiences and knowledge about leadership, government, business and faith,” according to UMHB. In 2023, the university hosted Christian evangelist and missionary Franklin Graham for a lecture and has also hosted figures such as Chuck Norris, George W. Bush, George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.