Alumni Spotlights & Events

WCS elected to office

LBJ Women's Campaign School Alumni Elected to Key Offices in November 2026 Election

November 4, 2026
The LBJ Women’s Campaign School is celebrating eight alumni who were elected to public office in the November 2026 election!
Interim Dean Pope State of the College Address

Interim Dean Pope Highlights LBJ School’s Momentum During a Year of Transition at the 2026 State of the College

September 28, 2026
The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin launched an exciting academic year with its annual State of the College address by Interim Dean James "Paul" Pope on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Alumni Awards

The LBJ School Announces its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients

September 4, 2026
The LBJ School of Public Affairs is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards: R. Paul Kinscherff (MPAff/MBA '85) and Katie Fine (MPAff ’15).
LBJ Alumni Daughter/Father Emma and Jim Niewald

Two Generations, One LBJ Legacy: A Father-Daughter Journey Through the LBJ School

June 19, 2026
When Emma Niewald (MGPS '26) graduated this spring, she followed in the footsteps of her father, Jim Niewald (MPAff '80), who earned his degree from the LBJ School 46 years earlier.
Carlos Contreras 2026 Commencement Speaker, Goodwill San Antonio

Carlos Contreras, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, to Deliver 2026 LBJ School Commencement Address

March 27, 2026
Carlos J. Contreras, an alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, will return to his alma mater on May 9 to deliver the LBJ School’s 2026 commencement address.
Becky McKnight Milan Winter Olympics

From the Forty Acres to the Winter Olympics: LBJ Alumna Secures Team USA

February 25, 2026
As the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games unfold across northern Italy, LBJ School alumna Rebecca “Becky” McKnight (MPAff ’08) is at the center of operations, ensuring Team USA can compete safely and securely. Serving as deputy U.S. Olympic security coordinator with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, she has spent nearly two years in Italy preparing for this global event, coordinating with Italian law enforcement, the Games’ organizing committee, and U.S. interagency partners. 
LBJ student, Victor To, graduates in DC with 10th Cohort. Visit from Dean DeShazo

Recent LBJ Washington Center Graduate Reflects on DC Concentration Experience

December 18, 2025
On December 6, the LBJ School celebrated the graduation of the LBJ Washington Center’s 10th cohort. Among them was Victor To (MPAff-DC ’25), who graduated alongside 16 fellow cohort members after completing two semesters in Austin followed by two immersive semesters in Washington, DC. As a newly minted LBJ School alumnus, Victor’s journey reflects the purpose-driven experience at the heart of the DC Concentration. 
JR Speech

Dean DeShazo’s Vision of Rising to Meet the Moment for the LBJ School in the 2025 State of the College

October 2, 2025
The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin launched an exciting academic year with its annual State of the College address by Dean JR DeShazo on Thursday, Sept. 25.
LBJ grad, Kaylah Glaspie

Turning LBJ Lessons into Community Impact: A Graduate’s Life After LBJ

September 10, 2025
For recent 2025 Master of Public Affairs graduate Kaylah Glaspie, the LBJ School was more than a place to earn a degree. It was a space to explore a wide range of policy interests and prepare for a career centered on equity and community impact.
alumni awards 2025

The LBJ School announces its 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients

September 3, 2025
The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards: Christopher Purdy (MPAff-DC ’15) and Corrie Stokes (MPAff ’00).