In partnership with the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri, the Rothermere American Institute at Oxford University, The Patman Center supported its 2026 cohort of eight undergraduate and graduate students in participating in a four-week summer program at Oxford University in July 2026.
Designed as an immersive, experiential learning opportunity, the program gave students the chance to experience Oxford’s rigorous academic environment while exploring the history and culture of England. Participants had the rare opportunity to learn directly from Oxford faculty, live and dine in the historic halls of Corpus Christi College, and gain insider access to the university’s historic buildings, academic resources, and traditions.
Throughout the program, students engaged in a diverse range of coursework covering topics such as British history, democratic theory, geopolitical policymaking, and more. The coursework not only introduced students to important aspects of England’s history and political development, but also encouraged them to examine how democracy has developed in countries and cultures beyond the United States.
Students explored enduring democratic themes—including freedom, justice, accountability, and governance for the common good—and considered how these principles have shaped societies around the world. This broader perspective encouraged participants to think critically about the institutions, ideas, and values that influence public life.
“My time in Oxford challenged me to think more deeply about democracy, power, and the institutions that shape our lives. Studying democratic theory and political power while living at Corpus Christi College -- and then seeing those questions come alive through experiences across Oxford, London, Bristol, and Blenheim -- made the program unlike anything I had experienced before. The most valuable lesson I leave Oxford with is that democracy doesn’t require us to eliminate disagreement; it requires us to think carefully, argue honestly, listen seriously, and cultivate a politics worthy of the People’s trust. I’m incredibly grateful to the Patman Center for giving me the opportunity to carry those lessons back to Texas and into a future life and career of public service.”
-William He, Undergraduate - Double Major in Government and History
For many participants, the experience extended well beyond the classroom. Their time at Oxford provided an opportunity for reflection as they considered their academic and professional futures. For students pursuing degrees in public affairs, government, and related fields, the program opened their eyes to new possibilities and helped them think more intentionally about the paths they hope to pursue as young professionals.
The 2026 Summer in Oxford program offered students not only an exceptional academic experience, but also the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, engage with a different cultural and intellectual tradition, and return home with a deeper understanding of their potential role in public service and civic life.
"I would say my most important lesson from the Summer in Oxford was how learning extends to every aspect of life. Whether it was over lunch, in lecture, or on the lawn, we were constantly having intellectual civic discourse, furthering our learning. We were constantly challenging each other and pushing our ideas further in a way I hope I can recreate at UT. "
-Mikayla Martin, Undergraduate - Majoring in Government, Rhetoric, and Sociology
One of the highlight of the UT specific experience was the traditional British tea hosted at the Old Parsonage Hotel. This extracurricular event, only for UT students, brought together our Fellows, the former Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Dr. Mary Evans, and Ambassador Carrin Patman for reflection about the Oxford experience and an opportunity for our students to genuinely connect with leaders and experts in their field. Additionally, the tea offered students the opportunity to learn soft skills, such as poise and confidence in a formal environment that will continue to serve them throughout their professional careers.
"My month at Oxford was an unforgettable experience that challenged me academically while giving me the opportunity to explore England. Our professors were brilliant and incredibly supportive as we navigated studying and living abroad. Weekly excursions offered unique perspectives on England’s history and current affairs, while formal dinners brought us together with fascinating guests. As a graduate student, I was initially nervous about joining a program designed primarily for undergraduates, but I learned so much from students with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. I came home with lasting friendships, wonderful memories, and a newfound appreciation for a cup of tea."
- Becca Alonso, Graduate MPAff Student
The Summer in Oxford program offered much more than simply an opportunity to study abroad to our cohort. It allowed students and faculty to bridge differences across cultures, consider thoughtfully democracy in theory and democracy in practice across the world, and understand Britains history and contributions to western civilization. More than that, it gave students a once in a lifetime chance to experience and consider what a career in public service can look like abroad while learning from faculty at one of the worlds most renowned universities. The Patman Center is happy to provide this kind of experience for our cohort, and is hopeful that they will come back and share what they've learned with the wider UT community while they continue to strive toward their careers in public service!
We'd like to thank our partners at the The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at The University of Missouri and the Rothermere American Institute at Oxford University for making this kind of programming possible for our students.
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Iliana Flores-DuMond
Iliana is a proud UT Alumna who earned a bachelor's in Government at the university. After graduating she pursued a career in civic education, working with K-12 students from across the state to educate about the structure of government and the role youth play in engaging as citizens in their communities. As the Program Coordinator for YMCA Texas Youth and Government she helped to recruit and train volunteers, plan events for over 1,300 young Texans, and provide supports to educators across the state working to build the next generation of civic leaders. Along similar lines, she is now putting her experience in the civic education arena into practice as The Patman Center program coordinator.