From Capitol Intern to Incoming LBJ School Global Policy Student

After four years in College Station, Grace MacLeod is returning to her hometown of Austin — this time as a Longhorn. 

An incoming Master of Global Policy Studies student at the LBJ School, MacLeod is eager to begin her graduate school journey just blocks away from the Texas Capitol, a place that helped shape her path long before grad school.

“Growing up in the capital city gave me access to so many opportunities and was where my interest in policy first took root,” MacLeod says. “I’m so excited to be back home for the next two years.” 

Last summer, she interned with the Governor’s Public Safety Office on the Child Sex Trafficking Team, an experience that reinforced her commitment to public service and ignited a deeper interest in transnational policy issues. That experience, paired with a previous opportunity to teach English abroad in Tanzania and Comoros, deepened her passion for serving others both at home and abroad. 

While her sociology studies at Texas A&M University helped her understand the social forces that impact global conflict, the LBJ School’s mission and community ultimately drew her to pursue her master’s degree at UT Austin. A pivotal moment came when Professor Paul Pope personally reached out during her decision-making process to answer questions and talk through the MGPS program. That connection helped her envision herself as part of the LBJ community. Later, attending Admitted Students Day confirmed that the LBJ School was the place for her. 

“The LBJ School’s mission and commitment to public service, academic rigor and diverse faculty made it stand out when I began looking into different graduate programs.” 

MacLeod is especially excited to tailor her coursework around her interest in national security and international crime prevention. She hopes to pursue a career focused on human trafficking, counterterrorism or intelligence — areas where she believes she can help shape strategies and policies that protect the most vulnerable. Whether working for a U.S. agency or an international organization, she envisions herself in a policy analysis or intelligence-focused role contributing to global efforts to prevent violence and promote justice. 

Classes begin August 25, and MacLeod looks forward to building a strong community of peers who are just as passionate about public service as she is. She’s also excited to attend LBJ School events where she can learn directly from leaders and change-makers who are paving the way.