The Movers & Change-Makers series highlights some of the 2025 graduates of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs who are set to make an impact in both their policy areas and communities. These leaders embody the core values of The University of Texas at Austin, including learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Through their studies at the LBJ School, they are gaining know-how to change the world.
For Colby Jones (MPAff ’25), studying public policy was a way to help his home state become a place where young people can truly thrive. Growing up in a small town in North Texas, he often felt the urge to leave in search of safety, security and happiness. That experience fueled his determination to make Texas a better place for everyone.
"A major reason I sought an education in policy, specifically at the LBJ School, was to gain the foundation to understand how I can make Texas a better place for everyone," Jones said. "Ultimately, the goal was to make sure that, one day, young people won’t spend their childhoods dreaming of leaving this amazing, diverse and beautiful place."
Jones earned his undergraduate degree in economics and Spanish at the University of Texas at Austin, continuing a family tradition as a lifelong Longhorn; his mother is also an alumna. His studies sparked a desire to bridge the gap between economic theory and the communities it impacts, recognizing how often economics is detached from the people it affects.
"Learning how the study of economics is often separated from the people it’s inextricably connected to — either by economists or by the inaccessibility of market data to the public — led me to seek opportunities to connect my understanding of the economy to the public," Jones said. "The people are the economy and vice versa, and attending LBJ was an exciting way to develop that dichotomy in my own study."
At the LBJ School, Jones found transformative learning experiences that shaped his professional growth. Courses with Amy Leff, including communications and management science, were especially influential. "Both classes I was able to take with Amy Leff were some of the most useful and engaging classes I have taken in my entire academic career," he said. "I use what I learned in comms every single day, and my management science experience will be extremely applicable as I enter a data-driven career."
Jones also valued Evan Smith’s politics and issues of the moment course, which taught him how to engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives. Equally impactful was Patrick Bixler’s program evaluation for social impact, where he gained versatile technical skills he considers essential for success in any industry.
After graduation, Jones will join Deloitte as a government and public sector analyst. Staying in Austin was important to him, as he’s eager to deepen his personal and professional connections in the Texas capital. "I’m excited to continue building relationships here while using my skills to help develop innovative solutions for agencies, nonprofits and communities across the United States," he said.
Jones credits the LBJ School with preparing him for his next steps by offering a broad spectrum of courses and practical experiences that helped him find clarity in his career goals. He noted that the program provided him with the people skills to thrive in any environment, regardless of sector or political alignment, as well as the technical abilities to market himself as an expert in both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
As he prepares to graduate, Jones has some advice for current and future LBJ students:
"First and foremost, you made it. Bask in that for a moment because it’s too easy to get caught up in what’s next. Second, and likely unsurprisingly, your strongest asset is your network — never ever stop meeting new people. The LBJ School has a connection in every single corner of every single industry, and the doors you can open just by being incessantly chatty are infinite. Even if you don’t end up doing exactly what you originally had in mind, you’ll find what’s right for you. Find joy in the pursuit of human connection.”
Jones’ time at the LBJ School exemplifies the power of community and determination. As he steps into his new role at Deloitte, he carries forward the lessons learned and the connections made, poised to continue making a difference in the public sector.
Learn more about our Master of Public Affairs.