This August, the LBJ School of Public Affairs will welcome its very first class of undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor of Public Affairs — a huge moment for both the school and The University of Texas at Austin. One of those freshmen is Noah Mata from San Antonio, Texas.
For Mata, being a part of the first undergraduate cohort at the LBJ School is more than a milestone, it’s a personal mission. A proud San Antonio native, he’s long been interested in how city government shapes communities and sees public service as the path to help his hometown thrive.
“The LBJ School stood out to me because it felt different,” he said. “It had a peaceful atmosphere, a close-knit community and an alumni network that’s made a real impact, especially in Texas.”
Mata’s path to public service began with a simple question: how can he help his hometown thrive economically alongside other Texas cites? That early curiosity quickly turned into action. Through an internship with San Antonio’s City Manager’s Office, he got a front-row seat to the inner workings of local government, seeing firsthand how decisions are made and how policies shape residents’ lives on a local level.
During high school, when he learned that the LBJ School would launch its first undergraduate program, Matta didn’t hesitate; he knew he wanted to be part of the inaugural class. Now, as an incoming freshman at UT Austin, he’s looking forward to building lasting relationships with his peers and professors, getting involved in student organizations and helping shape the undergraduate experience for future students.
At LBJ, he hopes to develop strong skills in policymaking, budgeting, and leadership, tools that will equip him to be an effective public servant. After earning his degree, he plans to pursue a master’s in public affairs or public administration and return to San Antonio to start his career in local government.
His long-term goal? To become a City Manager, guiding policies that promote sustainable growth and support communities across his city.
“I want to be in a role where I can help San Antonio grow in a way that works for everyone,” Mata said.
Mata’s story is just one example of the passion and purpose driving the LBJ School’s inaugural undergraduate class. Set to graduate in 2029, this historic cohort is laying the groundwork for a new era, one where the next generation of public leaders begins their journeys at the LBJ School, carrying forward President Johnson’s legacy of service.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Public Affairs. Applications open August 1.