Welcome From Ellen Satterwhite, GPAC President

As President of the Graduate Public Affairs Council (GPAC), I would like to introduce myself and the other members of your GPAC Assembly, and extend you all another welcome to LBJ.  GPAC is the student governing body at the LBJ School charged with serving as the liaison between the students and the administration as well as administering funds to other LBJ student groups. GPAC organizes student events, brings in speakers, and creates opportunities for networking and alumni interaction.

This year will be characterized by expansion and innovation.  With the addition of the MGPS program, the School is pushing itself into new territory.  Physically, renovations on Sid Richardson Hall 3 will continue and GPAC will work with the Dean’s office to manage student input and concerns. GPAC members are already working on new ways to use technology to facilitate communication within the school.  Members are also working with the Dean’s Office and OSAP to develop new ways to bring LBJ to the rest of the world; through our alumni, current students, and LBJ events. And GPAC itself will explore a new structure, given by an updated Constitution and Bylaws. 

Which leads me to you, as incoming students. The LBJ School has the distinction of being student-driven.  One of our strengths is the fact that students organize and run so many events.  Our students are not, and should not be, shy about their desires and concerns.  Not only is it good practice for our professional careers, but it’s evidence of our commitment to service and our community. 

I have summarized opportunities for first-year student involvement in a chart on the following page, but the underlying idea is that all students should be involved. GPAC would not exist without you.  This body is a resource for you.  GPAC meetings are OPEN TO EVERYONE.  We WANT you there.  I know I speak for myself and all of our elected representatives when I say, our doors are open and we are willing to answer questions, listen to your concerns, and be your advocates.  We are looking forward to working with the Dean’s office and OSAP, as well as the UT and Austin communities.

We are here at an exciting point in the School’s history, and I think we have the opportunity to make our mark on LBJ, on UT, and ultimately, on the world.  My priorities, as President, are to leave LBJ better than we found it, to be good stewards to our community, and to maintain and enhance the School’s profile.

Ellen Satterwhite
ellen.satterwhite@gmail.com