News

As The Patman Center concludes another productive semester, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the breadth of work accomplished and the momentum built across the UT-Austin campus. Guided by its mission to cultivate civic leaders, strengthen democratic participation, and expand hands-on learning opportunities, The Center experienced strong growth in attendance, broadened its bipartisan programming, fostered meaningful civic dialogue, and deepened student involvement.

On November 11, 2025, the Patman Center brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends to celebrate a year of growth and accomplishment at its annual Leadership Symposium.

The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement at the LBJ School of Public Affairs is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Research Award for Advancing Democracy. This annual award honors outstanding student scholarship that deepens our understanding of democratic systems, promotes civic engagement, and drives public service.

At the close of the 2024-2025 academic year, The Patman Center proudly reflects on a year of growth, innovation, and impact.

From May 12 - May 16, The Patman Center hosted a May-term course for students entitled "Effective Advocacy for Influencing Federal Policymaking," in Washington, D.C. Students learned directly from elected officials, legislative staffers, and lobbyists from both sides of the partisan aisles.

Each year, The Patman Center selects six graduate students who show exemplary promise to become civic leaders, to receive a scholarship that supports experiential learning opportunities. Six of the chosen Patman scholars interned in the 89th Texas Legislature and spoke about their experience.

The Patman Center is excited to announce our 2025 Maymester scholarship recipients! The Patman Center Maymester is taking place May 12th - 16th in Washington D.C. The course, titled Effective Advocacy for Influencing Federal Policymaking, provides students the opportunity to learn directly from political professionals working in D.C. The Patman Center's $3,000 scholarships are awarded to five select students who can use the money to pay for transportation and hotel accommodations while in D.C.

To celebrate the Patman Center’s one year anniversary, we are highlighting two LBJ students who have taken classes at The Patman Center. In the past year, The Patman Center has offered six courses at The LBJ School. Learn what its like to take a Patman Center class!

The Patman Center prides itself on making civic leaders and lessons on democratic participation accessible to the public. Each week, all Patman Center events are open and free to all members of the public. Learn more about what this life-long learner gets out of attending our events.

As The Patman Center approaches its one-year anniversary, we’re excited to highlight Patman Scholar Christy Beauchemin, a second-year Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.