The Future of Public Policy Schools in Texas

Leaders in Texas public policy education convened students and alumni from the state's major public policy schools to explore ways to implement a vision for the public policy school of the future at the University of Houston on March 28.

Panelists stressed training the next generation of leaders to identify and address the most complex issues of the day and developing and supporting a range of education programs and innovative initiatives to shape the public policy arena of the future.

Featured panelists
Michael Adams, Director, Executive Master of Public Administration Program, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University
JR DeShazo, Dean, LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
Jim Granato, Dean, Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of Houston
Ambassador David M. Satterfield, Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University

Moderator
Jodi Sandfort, Dean, Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington

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The Future of Public Policy Schools in Texas

The deans and directors described the latest efforts in public policy education, from new degree programs and civic engagement opportunities to research. The leaders also discussed their schools' namesakes and founding stories, the challenges they face today and ways to continue collaborating and positively impacting communities through education, research, experiential learning and leadership development.

“Policy schools are like a vacuum for interdisciplinary partnerships and training. Policy is everywhere. I’m excited about this unique opportunity bringing together public policy leadership, students and alumni from across Texas for an insightful conversation on working together toward good governance, good policy and investing in the next generation to tackle tomorrow’s most pressing challenges.”

Jim Granato, Ph.D., Dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston

“I found it valuable to see public policy education from another perspective, giving me a look into my degree and the vision of the Hobby School with a different lens. I understood how programs are shaped to offer specific skills in data analysis and ethical frameworks through an interdisciplinary and practical approach. I also enjoyed learning about the deans' perspectives on current policy needs in Texas, including an emphasis on education and healthcare. I look forward to future events like these.”

Gabriela Hamdieh, Hobby School of Public Affairs public policy undergraduate and Next Generation Leadership Academy student

“We all recognize this is a moment of tremendous need when it comes to supporting government at all levels and training the next generation of public leaders. It seemed like a good idea to get together the leaders of the major schools and institutes in Texas that focus on the development of public policy and the development of public leaders to learn about each other and how we can collaborate.”

JR DeShazo, Ph.D., Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation. We hope you left the discussion and networking reception inspired and confident of your critical roles as higher education leaders, students, alumni and supporters in living out our missions as public policy schools.

Never has there been a more crucial time for compassionate, intelligent and sensible policy experts and public service leaders to guide the decisions, laws and processes governing our communities.