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Elevate Your Leadership Skills
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The Hobby School is hosting a spring Civic Leadership Boot Camp at the University of Houston for the campus and surrounding communities on Friday, March 28, from 1 to 6 p.m. in room 109 at the Bates Law Building. The half-day training is designed to help strengthen individual civic leadership across roles and issues and will feature speakers and panelists with expertise and leadership from various sectors. Participants can engage in interactive workshops, breakout sessions and activities to elevate professionalism and build confidence. The group exercises will prompt thought-provoking discussions, challenge comfort zones and equip participants with additional tools and strategies. The afternoon will close with a panel on bridging leadership and professionalism, followed by a power-networking hour with refreshments. The Hobby School's Jessica Ruland O'Connor is the boot camp organizer. Attendance is free, but registration is required, and spacing is limited.
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What’s Next for Public Education?
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As the Texas Legislature is poised to pass an education savings account program and Houston ISD remains under state-appointed leadership, education policy expert Robert Pondiscio will discuss the state of public education and the future of classrooms on Thursday, March 27, from 4-5:30 p.m., in the Space City Room at the Student Center South. The former New York City public school teacher and journalist will reflect on the education reform movement, narrowing the achievement gap, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles' approach to curriculum and classroom instruction and decades of researching and writing on education reform issues. The lecture is sponsored by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership and is free and open to the University of Houston and surrounding communities. Additionally, Pondiscio will join Dean Jim Granato on the Hobby Talks podcast to discuss public education in Texas and across the country. He is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, and is the author of several books, including “How the Other Half Learns: Equality, Excellence, and the Battle over School Choice.” The episode will be available on April 3 on the Hobby School’s website and popular podcast applications.
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Public Officials of the Year Honorees Announced
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The Master of Public Administration program will recognize five exceptional leaders at its annual luncheon on Friday, March 21, at noon at the Hilton University of Houston for exemplifying the highest standards in public service. This year's honorees are Texas state Rep. Ann Johnson, Mayor Dan Davis of the City of Manvel, Fire Chief David Langenberg of the City of Humble and Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez. Carol Lewis, professor in transportation studies at Texas Southern University, is the Pioneer Award winner for her long record and consistent demonstration of working for the public good. The Public Officials of the Year Awards recipients reflect the values held by the graduate program by serving their communities through dynamic problem-solving and innovative and ethical leadership. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the scholarship fund for MPA candidates. Learn more about individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
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Ethics Center Partners with CLASS for Sociology in Action Lecture
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Join the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership and the UH Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences for a joint lecture on the impact of college-in-prison programs on change within and beyond prison walls with sociologist and criminologist Mary Nell Trautner on Thursday, March 20 at 3 p.m. in the Rockwell Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Library. The University at Buffalo associate professor spearheaded the development of a BA degree program that will be offered at a maximum security prison. Her research focuses on social justice and issues related to prisons and incarceration on multiple levels. The Sociology in Action lecture series features leading topics in sociology, examining the connections between sociological research and application in our society.
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Alumni Visit Certified Public Manager Class
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The Certified Public Manager program cohort heard from graduates on their professional journeys in public service, how the experience helped their careers and advice for the newest participants to get the most out of the nationally recognized certification course. City of Pearland Assistant Chief of Police Chad Randall, policy expert and strategist Paige Powell and political consultant Gareth Morgans shared how they leveraged executive training on the job, in their communities and in leadership positions. Randall presented his capstone presentation on performance reviews and best practices designed to improve employee performance. Powell, a former Civic Houston Intern and Master of Public Policy alumna, spoke about how she combined her data analysis learning and managerial training. Morgans, a former Civic Houston Intern whose career in city government has allowed him to support elected and appointed officials in office and on the campaign trail, underscored the value of networking and community connections. Powell and Morgans are past recipients of the Hobby Leadership Award for their significant contributions to their professions and communities. CPM is a 14-month program for public service professionals. Co-directed by the Hobby School's Emily Janowski and professional executive management consultant Arquella Hargrove, the program culminates in individual capstone projects to improve governments, communities and public services. The current cohort will graduate in 2026.
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Political philosopher Elizabeth Anderson delivered the 2025 Richard Gelwick Endowed Lecture on modern American work ethic and the socio-economic policies that support it, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. The University of Michigan professor shared her insights into the historical road to current practices and challenged listeners to apply them to today’s thinking around jobs and work conditions. The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership sponsors thought-provoking lectures, conferences and events that foster cross-disciplinary dialogue about the ethical dimensions of policy issues and leadership challenges. The lecture series honors the memory of Richard Gelwick, an ordained minister and scholar who encouraged exploring and discovering how science, faith and reason can help improve solutions to challenging issues.
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Spotlight on the Future of Texas Cities
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The Texas Metropolitan Blueprint, a collaborative research report from the Hobby School, LBJ School Urban Lab and the SMU Economic Growth Initiative identifying policy recommendations for the state's metro areas, headlined a day-long symposium organized by The Texas Tribune at the University of Houston-Downtown on March 5. Hobby School's Maria Perez Argüelles, Renée Cross and Pablo Pinto contributed to the five-year outline with identifiable strategies for strengthening the 26 metro areas. Argüelles and Pinto were panelists discussing challenges Texans face during weather events, including vulnerabilities in service delivery after disasters, and insights into a path forward. Watch the recording of "A Blueprint for Texas Cities: Growth, Challenges and Opportunities."
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UH Hosts Statewide Research Methods Conference
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Research scholars gathered at the University of Houston in February for the 2025 Texas Methods conference hosted by the Hobby School and the UH Department of Political Science. More than 45 participants from across the region and state met to exchange the latest statistical techniques and discuss new ways to further the field. The Hobby School’s Maria Perez Argüelles and Agustín Vallejo presented their work on weather disasters, “Bracing for the Storm: Ideal and Actual Natural Disaster Preparedness in Texas,” at the poster session. Assistant Professor Yuki Atsusaka delivered the paper “When Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Polarization?” during a session featuring electoral applications. The gathering aims to share and bolster social science research, especially in the southwest region, as experts expand new areas of scholarship.
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Dean Granato Among Speakers at Teen Leadership Summit
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The Hobby School's Dean Jim Granato was a guest speaker at the West Houston Teen Leadership Summit hosted by Texas state Rep. Mano de Ayala. The local event gathered more than 200 students from area high schools for panels and discussions on topics ranging from the energy industry to regional politics and government. They heard from political, business and community leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Texas state Rep. Paul Bettencourt, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and more. Dean Granato's workshop focused on jobs and the economy, emphasizing understanding one's paycheck. He also introduced the Hobby School's mission to the group of aspiring leaders.
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Ruland O’Connor Selected to Rising Stars Program
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Congratulations to the Hobby School's Jessica Ruland O'Connor for her selection into the League of Women Voters of Houston 2025 Rising Stars program. She directs the school's undergraduate internships in Houston, Austin and Washington, D.C., leads civic engagement projects and builds relationships with alumni and community partners.
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The Rising Stars program is a leadership development initiative for emerging changemakers who are passionate about civic engagement, policy advocacy and community impact. “My vision for Houston in 2030 is that it is a civic powerhouse where voters are engaged and knowledgeable, leadership is inclusive, and the youth feel empowered to shape the future.” – Jessica Ruland O’Connor
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Experts Weigh in on Legal and Policy Shifts
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The Hobby School cohosted the March webinar on navigating policy changes in the current era with the University of Houston Law Center to provide legal and policy communities with insights into how ongoing decisions impact the economy, higher education, immigration, energy and the environment. Dean Jim Granato welcomed the audience alongside UHLC Dean Leonard Baynes to start the half-day policy and solutions-oriented conversations. Granato moderated the opening economic policy session, which included Hobby School's Sunny Wong. The following session included a dive into energy and environmental policy implications moderated by Hobby School's Pablo Pinto.
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Data Analysis Summer Internships Available
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Students interested in using their data analysis skills during a summer internship should consider applying for the next Social Economy and Enterprise Academy participant cohort. University of Houston students are paired with local nonprofits that need project data research and analysis. Students will apply classroom theory and learning to real-time challenges as they develop the skills employers look for in social science specialists. Pablo Pinto of the Hobby School and German Cubas and Piruz Saboury of the College of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts teach the summer coursework and lead the competitive program. Enrolled students will work in teams under the direct supervision of faculty and the leadership of a nonprofit organization to develop a social enterprise idea, conduct quantitative research or create a venture plan. The course is open to all majors and may particularly interest students majoring in business, computer science, economics, engineering, public policy and political science. Interested students can apply for consideration by March 24.
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Apply for Summer Harris County Government Internship through April 4
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University of Houston students are eligible for summer government internships in the third-largest county in the nation as a 2025 Harris Fellow. Interns work full-time in a Harris County office on various assignments, including constituent services, communications, research, policy analysis and special projects. The program provides undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students interested in public service careers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of their host offices. Applications for the paid summer internship are open through Friday, April 4.
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Chinwe Nwaeze entered the program as a senior majoring in philosophy and political science. As an international student, Nwaeze was interested in global politics and international law, particularly how the fields catalyze democracy and legal reform on a global scale.
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"My typical day as a policy intern at Harris County Precinct 1 entails researching initiatives that reflect the precinct's goals, collaborating with other departments on projects and attending events and meetings. Volunteering at one of Precinct 1's Beryl relief distribution centers taught me that personal interactions are crucial in policymaking. Policies shine when they reflect the needs revealed through these meaningful interactions."
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Hobby School faculty members and researchers contribute to conversations on topics that impact public policy and address Texans' opinions on issues of importance to the state and nation. Associate Professor Chris Bronk recently published "Security Concerns Surround AI Vision for US Government," an issue brief examining the pooling of government data and the national security risks it poses on behalf of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. Bronk was also interviewed for a news story on the Australia Bureau of Meteorology's out-of-date technology carried on the country's major media sites. Bronk is abroad as the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Cyber-Information-Influence at the Defence and Security Institute at the University of Adelaide. The media attention on the Texas Legislative Issues 2025 report series continued through February, especially on contentious policies such as the legalization of cannabis, gambling and THC regulations. Coverage included regional media outlets such as the Austin American-Statesman, The Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, KXAN-TV, Texas Standard and Houston Public Media. The 2026 GOP U.S. Senate primary election report received attention among political coverage in KRIV-TV, The Texan, the Houston Chronicle and KVUE-TV.
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Hobby School Happenings captures lectures, events, application deadlines, programs and collaborations hosted or co-sponsored by the Hobby School and its centers. Mark your calendars and join us for the next Hobby School happening. Thursday, March 20, 4-5:30 p.m.
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Prison Education
Mary Nell Trautner, University at Buffalo
Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library
Register Friday, March 21, Noon
2025 Public Officials of the Year Awards Luncheon
Conrad N. Hilton Ballroom, Hilton University of Houston
Sponsor and Ticket Information Monday, March 24
Social Economy and Enterprise Academy Internship
Application Deadline Thursday, March 27, 4-5:30 p.m.
Change has arrived. What's Next for Public Education?
Robert Pondiscio, American Enterprise Institute
Space City Room, UH Student Center South
Register Friday, March 28, 1-6 p.m.
Civic Leadership Boot Camp
Room 109, First Floor, Bates Law Building
Register Thursday, April 3
Hobby Talks Podcast: State of Education
Subscribe and Learn More Friday, April 4
Harris Fellows Program
Application Deadline Thursday, April 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
Art and Activism: An Evening with Nadya Tolokonnikova
Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library
Register
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