Hobby School of Public Affairs

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Hobby School of Public Affairs The Hobby School of Public Affairs is a thriving resource for public affairs education and research.

The Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston is a thriving resource for public affairs education, research and civic engagement directed by Dean Jim Granato. Future generations of leaders are prepared to face unique challenges across sectors and various industries through interdisciplinary coursework, relevant research, training in ethics and leadership and experiential learning opportunities. Research at the Hobby School incorporates objective and rigorous methodologies to focus on the issues important to Texas and the nation. Students can study public policy or public administration, minor in public leadership or gain real-world experience at a paid internship in Houston, Austin or Washington, D.C. Professionals can earn the Certified Public Manager designation through a nationally accredited leadership training program or the public policy certificate programs.

Join political commentator and author Chris Stirewalt for a conversation on today's political landscape, the state of jo...
10/09/2026

Join political commentator and author Chris Stirewalt for a conversation on today's political landscape, the state of journalism and how to stay informed in an era of polarization and digital disruption. The lecture is part of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center's Democracy in America lecture series exploring the forces shaping U.S. democratic institutions. Learn more and register to attend at uh.edu/hobby/edr-center/events.

Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs on Nov. 11 as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Civic Houston Internship...
10/08/2026

Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs on Nov. 11 as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Civic Houston Internship Program with students, interns, alumni, community partners, faculty, staff and supporters of the school’s mission.

The evening will offer opportunities to network, reconnect, and reflect on the program’s impact on civic leadership and public service over three decades. Tell us you’re coming at forms.gle/GacF85JsZwwJyBdaA.

In the latest edition of “Letter from Texas,” author Richard Murray analyzes recent polling in the U.S. Senate and guber...
10/07/2026

In the latest edition of “Letter from Texas,” author Richard Murray analyzes recent polling in the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races and considers the factors that could shape the general election and whether Democrats can overcome the structural advantages that have kept Republicans dominant in statewide races for more than three decades. Read the issue at https://bit.ly/4i7L6WE.

The Civic Engagement Boot Camp brought together students and community members for a day of learning, discussion and act...
10/06/2026

The Civic Engagement Boot Camp brought together students and community members for a day of learning, discussion and activities focused on voter education and increasing civic leadership capacity.

Led by Program Director Jessica Ruland O’Connor, the program included sessions on civic storytelling and finding your civic purpose with Houston Voting Initiative, an interactive Civic Escape Room with Engaged Voters, developing a personalized voting plan with BakerRipley, and delivering public testimony with Mi Familia en Acción. The day ended with the Harris County Clerk’s Office guiding participants through a sample ballot and mock election experience.

The Hobby School celebrates National Voter Education Week 🗳️, Oct. 5-9, to encourage voters to gain the tools and information they need to cast their ballots with confidence.

On Saturday, the Houston Futures Festival brought together residents, students, artists and community organizations for ...
10/05/2026

On Saturday, the Houston Futures Festival brought together residents, students, artists and community organizations for a day of learning, connection and celebration across the Greater Third Ward. From workshops and community resources to live performances, festivalgoers explored ideas that help shape Houston’s future while honoring the neighborhood’s rich history and culture.

Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered. For more photos from the daylong event, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6KA2.

Andrew Marantz of The New Yorker kicked off the Democracy in America lecture series, sponsored by the Elizabeth D. Rockw...
10/05/2026

Andrew Marantz of The New Yorker kicked off the Democracy in America lecture series, sponsored by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership, sharing insights from his reporting on the second Trump administration’s expansion of presidential power. Marantz placed the current moment in historical and global context, drawing on his visits to Hungary.

While on campus, Marantz also sat down with Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center Director Brandon Williams for a Hobby Talks podcast conversation on democratic backsliding, the role of a free press in a healthy democracy and youth involvement in civic life. Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app or at uh.edu/hobby/hobbytalks.

Rapper and poet Noname closes the inaugural Houston Futures Festival at Project Row Houses following a day of future-foc...
10/04/2026

Rapper and poet Noname closes the inaugural Houston Futures Festival at Project Row Houses following a day of future-focused conversations, hands-on learning and performances by local artists. Thank you, Third Ward!

The Houston Futures Festival in Third Ward is underway! Conversations, connections and a celebration of culture are brin...
10/03/2026

The Houston Futures Festival in Third Ward is underway! Conversations, connections and a celebration of culture are bringing the community together. Explore all-day programming featuring workshops, resources and live performances. Learn more at uh.edu/hobby/edr-center/hff.

The Houston Futures Festival is almost here! Before you head to Third Ward on Saturday, take a moment to review the sche...
10/02/2026

The Houston Futures Festival is almost here! Before you head to Third Ward on Saturday, take a moment to review the schedule, event locations and other information so you can make the most of your experience.

Attend a workshop that interests you, catch a local performance, explore community resources, and come and go throughout the day as your schedule allows. Attendance at individual workshops and performances is first come, first served. Learn more at uh.edu/hobby/edr-center/hff.

October brings opportunities for workshops, conversations and civic engagement, along with deadlines to recognize public...
10/01/2026

October brings opportunities for workshops, conversations and civic engagement, along with deadlines to recognize public service impact and a lecture with political commentator Chris Stirewalt. See what’s happening this month at the Hobby School at uh.edu/hobby/community/events/calendar.php.

Address

4104 Martin Luther King Boulevard
Houston, TX
77204

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17137433970

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hobby School of Public Affairs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Hobby School of Public Affairs:

Shortcuts

Share

Category