The Retired State Employees Association (RSEA) has pledged to financially support LBJ School graduate students who are interested in state government careers.
At its meeting on Feb. 27, 2020, the board of RSEA agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with The University of Texas System to create a fellowship in state public service. RSEA pledged a gift amount of $50,000 to be paid over five years, at $10,000 per year.
The funds will be used to create four $2,500 fellowships each year for second-year graduate students in either the Masters in Public Policy or Masters in Global Policy Studies programs. Recipients will be expected to show an interest in pursuing careers in the Texas state government upon graduation.
RSEA was established in 1977 to promote the health and welfare of Texas state government retirees, especially their retirement benefits in the Employees Retirement System of Texas. RSEA's President Bill Hamilton, himself a 1971 graduate of the LBJ School, had this to say upon the announcement of the 2020 RSEA Fellows:
"We warmly welcome this worthy first class of RSEA Public Service Fellows as we wanted to make a significant investment in the future of state public service. With these four outstanding young people, the prospects for continuing the legacy of public service in Texas state government are promising and bright. President Johnson would be proud!"
The LBJ School is grateful to the Retired State Employees Association for their kind gift and continued support of our students. We look forward to working together to help our students achieve their career goals.
Meet the 2020 RSEA Fellows:
Sarah Dodamead
Master of Public Affairs candidate
After graduation, Dodamead hopes to work at an agency within Texas's energy market, leveraging her technical skills in energy policy.
"Thank you for so much the support as I pursue my research and career goals within Texas's power sector." —Sarah Dodamead
Molly Ellsworth
Master of Public Affairs candidate
Before attending the LBJ School, Ellsworth spent three years working at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the Air Quality Division.
She hopes to continue working in environmental policy after graduation and knows that Texas is the place to be to make a significant impact.
"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for your support as I continue my education." —Molly Ellsworth
Brenna Lyles
Master of Public Affairs candidate
After graduate school, Lyles hopes to pursue a longterm career in government affairs for TxDOT or another state agency and one day hold a director-level position.
"I am honored to be recognized as a Retired State Employees Association (RSEA) Fellow and wish to express my sincere gratitude to RSEA for their support." —Brenna Lyles
Bethany Offer
Master of Public Affairs candidate
Offer is interested in education equity and policy. She hopes to uplift student voices and support Texas teachers.
Thank you for your assistance in achieving my goals." —Bethany Offer