SPI President & CEO Mary Scott Nabers
Sitting in a classroom early on a Saturday morning may not be the most exciting way to start a weekend, but it was a great experience for me. I spent last Saturday morning at The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. I was invited to speak to nearly two-dozen bright individuals who will likely be the next generation of government leaders.
The students are enrolled in the inaugural class of a new program at the LBJ School. The curriculum leads to an Executive Master’s degree in Public Leadership (EMPL). The students, all of whom have at least seven years’ experience, currently work in state agencies, the Texas Legislature, local government, councils of government or nonprofits such as charter schools, neighborhood centers, etc. Many are already on the path to leadership, while others are just beginning the journey. What an interesting group it was – a diverse class of individuals with a genuine passion to serve and a common desire to hone their leadership skills.
Curriculum for the EMPL program is based on various aspects of successful leadership: working with and leading people; business and operational insight; and strategic awareness, communications and coalition building. The program, first of its kind in Texas, is described as, “For leaders. Designed by leaders. Taught by leaders.”
The students, already active in public service jobs, have opportunities to further their leadership skills through classroom study, practical learning and discussions with individuals who have served in the executive ranks of government. This particular class, focusing on budget and finance, was taught by John O’Brien, former longtime director of the state’s Legislative Budget Board. He invites outside speakers to come and share their stories and insights with the students. Then, the students have an opportunity to ask about difficult issues and/or obstacles the speakers had to overcome. Their questions were insightful and interesting.
While the students hear about and learn from real-life experiences, they also participate in academic learning from well-established scholars at the LBJ School. The curriculum is comprehensive.
The EMPL program has been called a “Real-World Master’s.” The small size class is designed to allow for student bonding and the building of a network that can last throughout their careers. That professional network will include more than 1,000 LBJ School graduates in public service in Austin alone. The EMPL also features a mentor program. Students are paired with current and former chief executive officers in both the public and private sectors for one-on-one mentoring sessions.
It’s comforting to know that the LBJ School is providing the tools that tomorrow’s leaders will need as well as a strong academic foundation. The commitment I saw in the students was reassuring enough to convince me that the future of Texas will be in good hands. Individuals like Barry Bales, Craig Pederson and John O’Brien are to be commended for their outstanding efforts.
For information on my upcoming speaking engagements, follow the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. blog for announcements.