The Movers & Change-Makers series highlights some of the upcoming graduates of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs who are set to make an impact in both their policy areas and communities. These leaders embody the core values of The University of Texas at Austin, including learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Through their studies at the LBJ School, they are gaining know-how to change the world.
Education has always been more than a personal pursuit for Melissa Drexler (EMPL ’25). It’s a family legacy, a professional calling and a pathway to meaningful public service. As a Leadership and Organizational Training Coordinator and Instructor at the Governor’s Center for Management Development, Drexler has dedicated her career to teaching and supporting public sector professionals across Texas. Enrolling in the Executive Master of Public Leadership program at the LBJ School wasn’t just about advancing her career, it was about deepening her impact and honoring the values that have guided her life.
“I’ve been inspired every day by the state agency professionals I teach,” Drexler said. “They show up to tackle hard problems with dedication and integrity. I wanted to grow as a leader so I could better support them and contribute to society in a meaningful way.”
The daughter of a lifelong learner, Drexler draws inspiration from her late mother’s favorite saying: “In Judaism, we honor those who teach and those who learn.” That belief shaped her identity as a teacher, leader and student and ultimately guided her to the LBJ School.
Drexler’s path has been anything but conventional. She earned her GED at 17 and quickly became the youngest crew leader for the U.S. Census Bureau. She later earned a bachelor’s in business, spent over a decade in Europe training executives in business English and communication and returned to the U.S. to advocate for her son’s education, earning multiple teaching certifications in Texas and taking on leadership roles in K–12 schools.
A pivotal moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s when I realized I wanted to pivot again. This time to make an even greater impact on people’s lives,” she said. “When I began teaching leadership development for public professionals, it felt like everything clicked. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of service and learning, and the EMPL program brought both together.”
Through courses like public leadership ethics and strategic leadership and communications, Drexler honed her approach to ethical, values-driven leadership. She credits professors like General Bill Troy and Trent Thurman with modeling authentic leadership that emphasizes trust and integrity. Both qualities she strives to embody in her own work.
She also found strength in numbers.
“The relationships I’ve built with my cohort and the faculty have been one of the most valuable parts of the program,” Drexler said. “Everyone comes from different educational backgrounds and professional experiences, and I have learned so much from each of them. I’ll continue to lean on this community long after graduation.”
However, perhaps the most profound moment of her LBJ experience wasn’t found in the classroom. As she walks the stage to receive her EMPL degree, Drexler will be joined by someone very special: her son, Coltrane, who is graduating with his undergraduate degree from UT Austin this year.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” she said. “I’ve had to pause my own goals to prioritize his education more than once. Now, we’re both graduating as proud Longhorns. It’s a celebration of perseverance, growth and the power of believing in yourself.”
For Coltrane, the moment is equally as meaningful.
“I think seeing my mother take on the extraordinary challenge of working full-time and studying full-time has served as a great demonstration that you really can do anything you set your mind to,” he said. “Additionally, her picking up a new degree so late in her career illustrates that you really can always be a lifelong learner. It’s never too late to keep learning and keep reinventing yourself!”
Looking ahead, Drexler plans to continue her work in leadership development. She would like to lead a training department in the public sector or advance professional development initiatives in higher education. The EMPL program gave her the tools to think more strategically, assess programs with data and metrics and lead with purpose.
Drexler encourages future EMPL students to fully embrace the program, even when it feels overwhelming.
“Have an open mind and be curious. This program will challenge you in so many ways,” she said. “Trust the process and lean into your cohort. It is a huge time commitment on top of your full-time job. Remember that your story, no matter how nontraditional, is your strength. Your EMPL journey will not only make you a better leader, but it will also connect you to other leaders and a community that lasts long after graduation.”
Learn more about the Executive Master of Public Leadership.