The Salem State Series Presents “A Conversation with President Barack Obama”

SALEM, MASS. – Salem State University will welcome President Barack Obama to campus on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 for “A Conversation with President Barack Obama,” a major installment of the Salem State Series that reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, public discourse and community enrichment. 

Founded in 1982 by the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., the Salem State Series has brought more than 100 nationally and internationally recognized leaders, artists, athletes, and other public figures to the university’s North Shore campus. President Obama’s appearance represents one of the most significant events in the Series’ history and underscores Salem State’s mission as the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, fostering conversations around leadership, democracy, citizenship and public service. 

The event will take place at the O’Keefe Sports Complex on Canal Street. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, July 15. Additional event and ticket information is available at salemstate.edu/series.

“The Salem State Series was created by the Alumni Association and Foundation to serve as a community enrichment program that connects the North Shore with influential leaders and meaningful public dialogue,” said Salem State University President John Keenan. “Welcoming President Obama to Salem State reflects the university’s enduring commitment to civic engagement and to creating opportunities for our students and broader community to engage with ideas and voices shaping public life.”

President Obama served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 following careers in constitutional law, community organizing and public service. A graduate of Harvard Law School and former president of the Harvard Law Review, President Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago before serving in the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate. 

In his post-presidency, President Obama has dedicated his efforts to supporting the next generation of leaders. The Obama Foundation is bringing that vision to life through programs for emerging leaders across continents, and the Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That legacy will carry on through the Obama Presidential Center, which opened this summer on Chicago’s South Side.

In accordance with security protocols and event requirements associated with a former president’s appearance, media access inside the venue will not be available.