His talk, titled “The Historic Significance of Obama’s Presidency on the African-American Culture; Embracing the Past to Embark on a Strong Tomorrow,” coincides with Black History Month. It is free and open to the public. A 6 p.m. reception will precede the lecture in Bennett Hall’s Patricia Scott Art Gallery.

Boyce, 37, took office in January. Gov. Ted Strickland appointed Boyce to replace Richard Cordray, who was elected attorney general.

At his swearing-in, Boyce said government is the people’s business.

“The best way to learn the value of a dollar is to have to work for it,” Boyce said. “I know that Ohioans work hard for their money, and every day that I’m in the Treasurer’s Office will be a day that Ohioans’ tax dollars are put to work for the state in the safest possible ways.”

A native of Columbus, Boyce graduated from the University of Toledo and holds a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. He served nearly eight years on Columbus City Council, including as president pro tem and chair of the Finance Committee.

Boyce also has served as the chief of staff for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus and executive director of both the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and Knowledge Works Ohio, a non-profit education advocacy group. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Crystal, and their two young sons.

The Kennedy Lecture Series is made possible by a contribution from the late Edwin L. and Ruth Kennedy to the university's John C. Baker Fund. Established in 1962, the series' aim is to bring nationally recognized individuals to the campus and the Athens community to lecture and participate in campus activities. A committee with representatives from the faculty, staff, community and student body selects and invites the speakers.