Cultivating the Next Generation of Civic Leaders: Fall 2025 Recap

Fall 2025 Semester in Review

As The Patman Center concludes another productive semester at The University of Texas, 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. Notably, as the LBJ School welcomed its inaugural cohort of undergraduate students this semester, The Patman Center helped set a constructive, forward-looking tone grounded in thoughtful discourse, skill-building, and breaking down barriers accessing jobs in public service.

This semester, The Patman Center’s LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith series featured an exceptional lineup of bipartisan speakers whose experiences and viewpoints enriched civic learning across the LBJ School. State Representative James Talarico (D) shared his vision for Texas politics and his bid for the U.S. Senate, while Congressman Greg Casar (D) discussed working-class policy priorities and the future of progressive leadership. State Representative Gina Hinojosa (D) reflected on her newly announced gubernatorial campaign and the issues shaping Texas’s political landscape. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis offered an inside look at public safety leadership and building community trust. Representative Drew Darby (R) spoke to decades of experience in the Texas Legislature, highlighting energy policy, budgeting, and bipartisan problem-solving, and Commissioner Mike Morath examined the pressing challenges facing public education statewide. The series also welcomed Karl Rove (R), who reflected on his White House experience during 9/11 and its enduring impact on American politics, and New York Times White House correspondent Tyler Pager, provided a front-row perspective on the 2024 election and the evolving dynamics of national governance. Together, these conversations showcased a wide ideological spectrum and offered students a rare opportunity to learn directly from leaders shaping policy at every level of government.

The Renewing Democracy Speaker Series—a hands-on, bipartisan, skills-based component of Emily Bhandari’s Skills for Winning Campaigns and Elections course—delivered practitioner-led trainings and real-world political expertise directly into the classroom. Tariq Thowfeek (D) and John Wittman (R) broke down the essentials of earning media and shaping narratives in fast-moving news environments, while Joey Parr (R) (LBJ Alumnus) and James Aldrete (D) explored the strategy, tone, and creativity behind effective political advertising. Liz Chadderdon (D) provided an insider’s perspective on crafting targeted direct mail, and Nancy Zdunkewicz (D) introduced students to modern polling techniques that rely on digital outreach and data-driven insights. Digital strategist Vincent Harris (R) walked the students through high-impact digital media strategy, and Tyler Norris (R) and Scott Pollard (D) offered a step-by-step look at planning and executing campaign events. Campaign professionals Sam Robles (D) and Rob Johnson (R) shared foundational tools for managing teams and operations, while Brencia Berry (D) led a dynamic training on coalition-building and strategic alignment. The series also spotlighted the lived experiences of candidates through sessions with Former St. Rep. Larry Gonzales (R) and St. Senator Roland Gutierrez (D) on running for office, Rep. Ryan Guillen (R) on South Texas electoral dynamics, and Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D) on campaigning in a competitive districts. Together, these trainings equipped students with practical skills, bipartisan perspectives, and direct exposure to the strategic decision-making that drives modern campaigns.

Reflecting on the course, one student shared:

“The Skills for Winning Campaigns and Elections course offered one of the most valuable learning experiences of my time at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Coming into the semester with a decade of campaign experience, I assumed the course would reinforce familiar concepts, but instead it provided a comprehensive framework that deepened my thinking and broadened my perspective through bipartisan professional insight. Hearing from Democratic and Republican professionals—often side by side—offered a rare opportunity to compare how two political systems approach the same problem.”

Another student emphasized the course’s practical impact, noting:

“If asked why this course is essential for future students, my answer would be simple: it bridges the gap between political theory and the gritty, complex reality of professional application.”

In addition to its two flagship speaker series, The Patman Center hosted several signature events and distinguished lectures that underscored themes of leadership, civility, democracy, and student involvement. Together, these programs created a high-impact presence on campus, bringing depth, reflection, and meaningful bipartisan dialogue to The Center’s work throughout the semester. The 2025 Betty Anderson Speaker Series featured Run for Something co-founder Amanda Litman, who offered an energizing conversation on youth leadership, civic engagement, and building political power from the ground up—continuing the legacy of Betty Anderson’s lifelong commitment to public service. 

As part of the 2025 Lt. Gen. Norm Lezy Distinguished Speaker Series, U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales (R) shared insights from his military career and congressional service, discussing national security, border policy, and the responsibilities of public leadership. The event was followed by a networking reception honoring Lt. Gen. Lezy’s enduring impact on civic and military communities.

The Patman Center’s work this semester was strengthened by robust partnerships across the university and beyond. Our events benefited from partnerships with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, the School of Civic Leadership, and the Radio-Television-Film department, expanding our reach to students interested in storytelling, public policy, political leadership, and civic dialogue.

The semester also included a keynote event titled “Common Ground: A Conversation on Civility & Bipartisanship”, where Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm (D) and Johnny Sutton (R) reflected on their enduring cross-party friendship and the importance of respect, dialogue, and principled leadership in today’s polarized political climate. Together, these signature programs embodied The Patman Center’s mission of fostering civic leadership, encouraging bipartisan understanding, and inspiring students to engage thoughtfully in public life.

This semester saw remarkable growth in The Patman student community, with students taking on more active roles in events, trainings, and experiential learning opportunities. From volunteering on real campaigns to engaging directly with practitioners and public officials, students demonstrated an impressive commitment to sharpening their leadership skills. VIP meet-and-greets gave students rare opportunities to speak one-on-one with national figures shaping civic life today. Across our courses, students continued to share that The Patman Center offered the most hands-on, real-world learning at UT.

As we look towards the Spring 2026 semester, The Patman Center is excited to continue expanding opportunities for civic learning and leadership development. The upcoming semester will feature a new slate of conversations, practitioner trainings, and course offerings, along with fellowship opportunities such as the Summer in Oxford program and the Washington, D.C. Maymester. We encourage students and community members to stay engaged by following The Center on social media and joining us for future events. Together, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of civic leaders and strengthening the foundations of our democracy.