D'Angelo Colter’s (MPAff ’25) path from Grapeland, TX, to the LBJ School of Public Affairs reflects his resilience, passion for public policy and commitment to supporting rural communities. A Texas Southern University graduate with a degree in political science, he has always been interested in understanding the systems that shape society. “I’ve always had a passion for understanding policy," Colter said. "Growing up in a rural area, I faced my own adversities, and I want to change the landscape for many rural students like myself to make a difference.”
Before beginning graduate school, Colter worked as a full-time staffer in the Texas Legislature, where he honed his understanding of the legislative process and its potential for change. At the time, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do professionally, but his mentor encouraged him to apply to the LBJ School to expand his horizons and deepen his understanding of what he was passionate about.
He chose to pursue public policy because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of students from rural areas. Looking back on his decision, he said,
“I chose LBJ because it has so many notable alumni who are at the forefront of changing policy in the U.S. I wanted to be a part of that change.”
As the new Community Engagement Director in the Graduate Public Affairs Council (GPAC), Colter is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for his peers. Inspired by past leaders Jordan Nellums and Morgan Brown, Colter wanted to pay it forward. “Their support as I transitioned to grad school was nothing but encouraging. As a student leader this year, I wanted to have the same impact and encourage students to take chances.”
Beyond his role as a student leader, Colter is also a voter registrar. He advocates for civic engagement and ensures that students understand the importance of voting.
"Voting is a tool to be part of the political process,” he said. “It’s not just about the presidential elections—it’s about being involved in your local, state and federal elections. That’s where real change happens.”
Looking to the future, Colter’s ambitions remain high. Upon graduating from the LBJ School, he plans to pursue a PhD with the goal of becoming a university administrator. “I want to continue helping students, particularly those from rural communities, and make sure they see that there’s someone who sees them and wants to help make life better for them.”
Register to Vote in Texas
On October 2nd, GPAC will host a voter registration event to raise awareness about the importance of voting and answer frequently asked questions on registering and voting in Texas. To learn more about voting in Texas, visit https://lwvtexas.org/Be-a-Texas-Voter#gsc.tab=0.