Everyone at the Hobby School is excited about the beginning of the fall semester. We welcome new and returning faculty and staff members, about 100 combined Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy and graduate certificate students, 80 undergraduate public policy majors and 20 public leadership minor students. Nearly 50 students participating in the Civic Houston Internship Program will gain experience working part-time in local government, nonprofit and campaign offices. And a second cohort of Next Generation Leadership Academy participants embarks on a new journey with a national network and cross-sector collaboration opportunities rooted in public service.

The Hobby School calendar has a fresh season of events and happenings featuring new Hobby School research, student-centered engagement activities and experiential learning opportunities with a spotlight on local elections and voter education. Be on the lookout for distinguished speakers and experts addressing prominent issues on the national stage and in the Lone Star State, from a series on restorative justice from the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership to a keynote lecture on racial and gender equality. 

You will find us at our new location in the Bates Law building, 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd., in the northeast corner of campus. Click here for more information on visiting the Hobby School, including a building map to familiarize yourself with key areas and suites, such as student services, the office of the Dean and the study room.

We look ahead with enthusiasm as we kick off a new semester. Let’s go, Coogs!

Jim Granato, PhD
Dean
Hobby School of Public Affairs
University of Houston