As a compliment to the seminars, The Nelson Institute brings guest speakers to JMU who are experts in the subject of the seminar to enhance the learning experience. Examples of past lectures include:

• Peter Gelderloos: "The Justice Trap: Law and the Disempowerment of Society"
• William Adler on the Life, Times, and Legacy of Joe Hill, Labor Icon
• Dr. C. Brian Rose on the Past Imperfect: Cultural Heritage and War in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Tom Horton on The Politics of Saving the Chesapeake Bay
• JD Stier on Conflict-free Campus
• Dr. Tony Eksterowicz on The Contested Presidency: Competing Views of the Modern Presidency