As graduation approaches at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Danielle Thompson (EMPL ’26) looks back on a year that strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to public service.
After nearly two decades of building her career, Thompson wanted to return to school in a way that would both challenge her and align with her professional goals. The Executive Master of Public Leadership program at the LBJ School offered that opportunity while allowing her to continue working full time.
“The EMPL program stood out because its focus on leadership, public service, and professional development aligned closely with my career and where I hope to grow in the future, while also making it possible to continue working full time.”
Thompson’s professional experience spans accounting, auditing, and law enforcement. She began working in accounting roles tied to housing programs, where she saw firsthand the importance of strong financial management in mission-driven work. She later moved into government auditing, focusing on accountability and the responsible use of public resources before transitioning into law enforcement.
Now a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Thompson enforces criminal and traffic law, conducts crash investigations, and collaborates with agencies across jurisdictions. At each stage of her career, she has seen how leadership shapes both outcomes and workplace culture.
“Throughout my time in law enforcement, I have seen how leadership shapes organizational culture, public trust, and outcomes. Those experiences reinforced my desire to become a stronger and more thoughtful leader, which is what led me to the EMPL program.”
At LBJ, Thompson found a learning environment that encouraged reflection and growth. Courses pushed her to think more intentionally about leadership, while class discussions exposed her to perspectives shaped by a wide range of professional backgrounds. Being in a new state and starting a new chapter also made those connections especially important.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program for Thompson was the close-knit nature of the EMPL cohort. Despite varied careers, students quickly formed a strong support system. Those differences made class discussions more interesting and challenged everyone to think about leadership in new ways. For Thompson, the relationships built within her cohort became an important source of support throughout the program and are connections she expects will continue well beyond graduation.
The program’s capstone project provided a practical way to apply what she was learning. Through that work, she engaged with leadership in her agency and identified ways to contribute beyond her daily duties. She has also focused on being a positive influence within her organization by supporting others’ development and tying frontline experience to bigger-picture goals.
“The EMPL program helped me better connect frontline experience to broader organizational goals, and I believe that will make me more effective as I take on greater leadership responsibility in the future.”
After graduation, Thompson plans to continue her career in law enforcement while seeking expanded leadership opportunities. She hopes to move into roles where she can mentor others, build stronger teams, and make a real impact on public safety.
Looking ahead, she views the program as a pivotal step in her professional development and encourages other working professionals to take the time to invest in their own growth.
Learn more about the Executive Master of Public Leadership program and the LBJ School's 2026 commencement.
