Hobby School of Public Affairs

06/18/2026

The Hobby School is proud to launch Service to Service, a new program for veterans and military families eager to translate their commitment to service into meaningful careers in public service.

Developed in collaboration with the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans and Military Families, selected Hobby School graduate students will gain access to career readiness workshops, a national network and career placement support.

Ready to write your next chapter of service?

Learn more and apply today at uh.edu/hobby/servicetoservice.

06/17/2026

On Houston Public Media’s “Houston Matters with Craig Cohen” 🎧 show, Hobby School Senior Executive Director Renée Cross and political analyst and lecturer Nancy Sims unpacked the latest global tensions and local headlines shaping the evolving political landscape.

They discussed uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran agreement, the City of Houston’s new Technology and Innovation Committee, and key issues and races to watch in the general election, including the regulation of AI data centers.

Find the conversation at https://bit.ly/4oBuPuL.

We get an update on the forecast for rainy weather across the regio...

06/16/2026

🥳Congratulations to the latest Certified Public Manager Program cohort for completing the requirements of the nationally accredited program.

Two dozen graduates representing government, higher education and nonprofit organizations across the region celebrated their achievement at a ceremony at the Texas State Capitol on June 8.

Guided by Emily Janowski and Arquella Hargrove, these participants now join a growing network of public sector professionals committed to innovative, ethical leadership.

Learn more at uh.edu/hobby/cpm.

06/16/2026

This summer, 13 undergraduate and graduate students are partnering with four Houston-area nonprofits to turn data and research into action through the Social Economy and Enterprise Academy.

As part of a partnership between the UH Department of Economics and the Hobby School, students from various disciplines are combining coursework with hands-on experience to address challenges related to homeownership, municipal employee wellness, community health and public education reform.

06/11/2026

The June edition of Hobby Headlines highlights the 2026 Harris Fellows and a new initiative supporting veterans and their families as they transition their service into meaningful careers in public service. It also features the latest SPACE City panel reports on artificial intelligence, political conditions, neighborhood environments, and energy affordability, along with an introduction to the school’s new peer advisor. Read the issue 📰 at https://bit.ly/441Xgse.

06/10/2026

Hobby School's Maria Perez Arguelles and Gail Buttorff joined Houston Public Media's "Hello Houston" show to discuss area residents' perspectives on neighborhood conditions, including mobility challenges and access to green spaces, recreational amenities and healthy food options. Drawing on recent findings from the SPACE City Panel, the researchers highlighted how these factors shape quality of life and community resilience.

Watch the interview at https://bit.ly/4onsX94.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Leah Iem, recipient of the Spring 2026 Civic Houston Internship Program Award!

Leah served in the office of state Rep. Gene Wu. A senior majoring in political science with a minor in legal studies, she has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement through campus voter registration efforts. Off campus, she served as a debate instructor and judge and volunteered on a local political campaign.

Through CHIP, students gain valuable experience in government and nonprofit offices while learning how public service strengthens communities.

06/08/2026

Make the most of your summer with the Hobby School. ☀️ Whether you're exploring graduate school, gaining hands-on experience through an internship, volunteering with the Hobby School Alumni Association, or joining classmates and alumni for Trivia Night, there are opportunities to stay connected. Learn more at uh.edu/hobby/community/events/calendar.

06/05/2026

In the latest edition of "Letter from Texas," Richard Murray examines the Texas GOP Senate primary following incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s defeat, setting up a high-stakes general election between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. James Talarico. Murray analyzes President Trump’s late endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn and concludes that the reshuffled political landscape in Texas points to a nationally significant Senate race.

Read the issue at uh.edu/hobby/murrayletter.

06/04/2026

Meet Rodrigo Vega, the Hobby School’s peer assistant!

This summer, he’s supporting incoming students as they prepare for the new academic year. From assisting with new student orientations and course registration to sharing advice and working alongside the student services team, Rodrigo is helping new Coogs start their college journey. 🐾