This year at the LBJ School promises to be exceptional, marked by new achievements and ongoing pursuits.
Expanding our world-class public affairs education
Our mission to provide a top-tier public service education is steadfast. In fact, we’re thrilled to introduce our new Bachelor of Public Affairs degree, which we announced in July. For over 50 years, the LBJ School has played a crucial role in building our future leaders and policymakers, and now we’re excited to offer UT undergraduates this same world-class education and training.
A destination for policy leadership and dialogue
As UT’s hub for policy leadership, we’re a destination for today’s top policymakers and a community forum for important policy conversations. From President Joe Biden, who visited over the summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and deliver a major speech on the Supreme Court, to upcoming events with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, former White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove, former Texas Governor Rick Perry and more, we are proud to offer our community and guests opportunities to engage in bipartisan, thoughtful discussion with today’s leaders. We’ll continue to offer these opportunities for learning and growth at a variety of events this fall, including The Patman Center’s series of trainings to boost skills in civic leadership. You can RSVP to a couple of our upcoming events below:
RSVP to Mayor Kirk Watson (Today! Aug 26)
RSVP to Karl Rove (Sept 9)
Growing the LBJ School community
I’m delighted to welcome new faculty, students and staff to the LBJ School community.
Please join me in welcoming our newest professors who will enrich our classrooms:
Alexandra Sukalo, Assistant Professor of National Security Affairs
Chi Ta, Assistant Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics
Michael E. Webber, Sid Richardson Chair at the LBJ School
Learn more about why some of our outstanding new students chose the LBJ School:
Megan Bennet, EMPL '25
Cooper Slack, MPAFF/MPH '27
Delaney Gates, MPAFF '26
Aria Stiefelmaier, MGPS '26
Madison Wallace, MPAFF-DC '25
And get to know the new staff who help make our research, teaching and mentorship possible:
Mia Abbe, Patman Center Administrative Program Coordinator
Crystal Arteaga, Administrative Associate
Vanessa Bouche, Research Fellow
Jennifer Horsak, Interim Assistant Dean for Business Affairs
Jeramy Howell, Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development
Marc Jordan, Digital Strategy Manager
Mikkel Leveriza, Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
Oriana Lopez, Assistant Director, Extreme Weather Adaptation Policy Lab
Deidra Miniard, Social Science/Humanities Research Associate V
Jacquie Moss, Director, Extreme Weather Adaptation Policy Lab
Moji Olokode, Business and Administrative Specialist, LBJ School Executive Education
Meredyth Wiegand, Marketing Manager, LBJ Executive Education
I hope you’ll join me at our annual Party on the Plaza on September 26. This time is meant to mark the start of the new academic year and provide a space to connect with the LBJ community.
An enduring legacy
I also encourage you to discover all the Forty Acres has to offer and explore the amazing city of Austin. From the LBJ Presidential Library across the Plaza to Lady Bird Lake downtown to the Wildflower Center south of the Colorado River, the LBJ legacy and footprint is all around us.
I’m optimistic about the year ahead, and the opportunities it presents. I hope you will join me in building a bright future.
Hook ‘em,
JR DeShazo
Dean, LBJ School