Cooper Slack is set to return to the Forty Acres as an incoming student in the dual Master in Public Affairs (MPAff) and Master in Public Health (MPH) programs at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and the School of Public Health at The University of Texas at Austin. With a strong foundation in Health Promotion and History, Slack is uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to healthcare policy.
“I’m excited to be continuing my education through the dual Master in Public Affairs and Master in Public Health program at the LBJ School and School of Public Health,” said Slack.
Slack's academic journey began with a double major here at UT Austin, where he studied Health Promotion and History. This combination provided him with a comprehensive understanding of how historical and systemic factors, such as segregation and discrimination, continue to impact health outcomes in underrepresented communities today. His health promotion courses further equipped him with the skills necessary for disease prevention and program planning, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in public health.
For the past two years, Slack has been an integral part of a research team at Dell Medical School. His work focused on studying barriers to kidney transplantation access in Central Texas. By collecting and analyzing data from hundreds of pre-transplant patients, the team identified high-need areas, such as East Austin, which suffer from high rates of end-stage kidney disease yet exhibit low patient referral levels. This research underscored the critical need for targeted interventions and informed Slack's decision to pursue a dual-degree program that would deepen his understanding of health policy.
In addition to his academic achievements, Slack is dedicated to community service. He volunteers as a counselor for the Citizenship in the Nation and Public Health merit badges for his local Boy Scouts of America Troop. Through workshops and courses, he educates young Scouts on important public health topics, demonstrating his commitment to fostering knowledge and awareness in the next generation.
Slack chose the LBJ School for its unique dual-degree program, which stands out among other institutions. He believes that gaining in-depth knowledge from two top-rated schools will best equip him to pursue an impactful career in public policy.
“I look forward to the many valuable opportunities and connections LBJ offers, whether through internships, faculty or the Policy Research Projects,” said Slack. “As an LBJ student, I intend to build on my previous experiences by focusing on health policy issues.”
At LBJ, Slack intends to focus on health policy issues, building on his previous experiences and continuing his work with the transplant team at Dell Medical School. He aims to help them take the next step in their research by developing recommendations for interventions and policies to reduce disparities in end-stage kidney disease in the local community.
Upon graduating from LBJ, Slack aspires to become a Health Policy Analyst for an organization like the Department of Health and Human Services. He hopes to conduct research and analysis to help develop impactful health policies and improve health outcomes. With his dedication, experience and the opportunities available at LBJ, Slack is well on his way to making a significant impact in the field of healthcare policy.
While Slack's current focus is on advancing his dual degrees and making a tangible impact on health policy, the LBJ School continues to expand its offerings to cultivate future leaders in public affairs. In line with this mission, the school recently announced its inaugural Bachelor of Public Affairs degree, which will be accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. This program is designed to prepare the next generation of policy leaders, like Slack, with foundational skills in policy analysis and organizational leadership.
“Earning a Bachelor of Public Affairs, especially from a top school like LBJ, is a great opportunity for students to engage with policy issues early in their academic careers,” stated Slack. “I believe this early exposure gives graduates a deeper understanding and commitment to public service, enabling them to become more passionate and prepared leaders. If this degree had been available to me as an undergraduate, I would have certainly considered applying for the program.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Public Affairs degree. Applications for the Fall 2025 semester open on August 1st.