Assistant Professor of Practice
Education
Fellow, Harvard University
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law
MPAff, The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
B.A., Political Science and History, Trinity University
Teaching Areas
Workforce Policy
Economic Mobility
Public-Private Partnerships
Artificial Intelligence Literacy
Carey O’Connor is an Associate Professor of Practice at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, where she teaches workforce development and education policy. Her work focuses on how education and workforce systems connect and how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs and career pathways.
O’Connor brings extensive senior executive and legal experience to her teaching. She previously served as the Chief Legal Officer at Flowserve Corporation, where she led global legal strategy and advised senior leadership on legal, governance, compliance, and workforce-related issues. Earlier in her career, she practiced labor and employment law, developing deep expertise in the intersection of business operations and workforce policy.
Throughout her career, O’Connor has built multiple cross-sector partnerships to address workforce challenges. She co-founded the Dallas College Workforce Scholars, the DFW Regional Workforce Leadership Council, and Dallas Thrives. She has also collaborated with Jobs for the Future to engage employers in developing talent strategies that promote job quality and employee economic advancement.
In addition to her academic role, O’Connor serves on the Board of Trustees of Trinity University and is an independent director at Glasfloss Industries.
O’Connor holds a B.A. from Trinity University and is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative.
Courses Taught
| Fall - 60329 - P A 388K - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY |