LBJ School Announcements

Austin screening initiative strikes a cost-effective balance in colorectal cancer prevention among underserved populations

We are one step closer to identifying an optimal solution for colorectal cancer screening among low-income populations – one that is both impactful and cost effective – thanks to researchers from The University of Texas at Austin. The study of more than 22,000 adults is published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

LBJ School team makes research discoveries, places 2nd at Microsoft and ODI's Education Open Data Challenge

Professor Kenneth Flamm and a team of graduate public policy students from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin identified broadband infrastructure as more important than the number of COVID cases and death rates in a school district's decision to switch to remote learning, while placing second in an international data science competition run on the X-Prize platform. The team also discovered that Texas did better than the national average in closing the digital divide, and that in Texas, Dallas did best.

COVID safety measures in prisons and jails harm mental health and odds of effective reentry for women behind bars

Corrections agencies implemented COVID-19 safety measures that are exacerbating the trauma women were already experiencing in prisons and jails, according to a new nationwide report from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Agencies also did not prioritize the release of women who are especially vulnerable to COVID and low risk to public safety. There are extremely few examples of agencies taking a gender-responsive approach to COVID-19 precautionary measures, researchers say.

The Graduating Class of 2021: Barbara Kufiadan chosen as class speaker

It is our great pleasure to announce that Barbara Kufiadan will be our LBJ School Class of 2021 Student Commencement Speaker! She will be sharing the stage with Ibram X. Kendi, our Commencement Keynote Speaker.

President Biden announces key administration nominations

Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve in domestic and economic positions.

• Jennifer Moffitt, Nominee for Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Department of Agriculture
• Alejandra Castillo, Nominee

70 women comprise LBJ Women's Campaign School second incoming class

Today, the LBJ Women's Campaign School announced the 70 women who will form its second incoming class. The LBJ Women's Campaign School is a nonpartisan, issue-neutral program that trains women who want to run for elected office or become campaign managers, regardless of political party. The program brings together top political experts from across the nation to lead an immersive training program on topics including media relations, public speaking, fundraising, grassroots organizing and more. The program kicks off virtually on Saturday, April 17, with monthly training through November. Through the eight-month program, these women will gain an insider network, professional mentorship and the skills they need to win.

Ibram X. Kendi to deliver LBJ School 2021 graduation remarks

Historian and anti-racist activist Ibram X. Kendi will deliver keynote remarks to the 2021 graduating class of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. The online graduation program will take place on May 22, 2021.

LBJ School's COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker reveals disparities

Last month, UT-Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs released its Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, a digital tool for tracking vaccination progress across the state. In addition to publishing data on providers and the pace of distribution, the tool also aims to assess equity by tracking vaccines given by age, race and ethnicity, and gender, as well as geography.

Todd Olmstead on team awarded $3.5M grant to study peer recovery support in substance use treatment

LBJ School Professor of Public Affairs Todd Olmstead is a co-investigator on a recently awarded National Institutes of Health grant to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using peer recovery supports (paraprofessionals who have "lived experience" with substance use problems) to improve treatment adherence and reduce treatment dropout among emerging adults (ages 18-25) with substance use disorders.

2022 USNWR best grad schools: LBJ School of Public Affairs ranks #7

The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin ranks No. 7 in graduate public affairs schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's (USNWR) 2022 edition of "Best Graduate Schools," released Tuesday morning.