The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin will welcome former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright to help initiate the school’s new Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) degree at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library.
In “An Evening with The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright,” Dr. Albright will join LBJ School Dean and former Deputy National Security Adviser James B. Steinberg in a “public conversation” on the emerging global and transnational challenges of the 21st century. They will discuss how the next generation of young leaders can contribute to developing innovative strategies to meet these challenges.
“Madeleine Albright is one of our most influential scholars and practitioners whose career has helped chart new approaches to the emerging transnational challenges of our time,” Steinberg said. “I can think of no one better suited to help us launch this exciting new degree program at the LBJ School.”
The event will be webcast live (http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/webcasts/) and presented in the virtual world of Second Life at 6 p.m. CDT. The Second Life presentation is made possible by Austin-based advertising agency GSDandM Idea City’s Idea City Island Amphitheatre.
“Second Life offers us a unique forum for the introduction of our Global Policy Studies degree program and the discussion with our inaugural guest, Madeleine Albright,” Steinberg said.
For the agenda and details on joining “An Evening with The Honorable Madeleine Albright” please visit http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/news/story/583/.
This fall, the LBJ School welcomed its first class of 44 MGPS candidates. This path-breaking program is designed to prepare future leaders to work effectively in an interconnected world where policy issues increasingly transcend national boundaries and the lines between the public, private and non-profit sectors are frequently blurred. The course of study goes beyond traditional international affairs degree programs to offer a multidisciplinary approach to the complex economic, political, technological and social issues of the 21st century. Graduates will become leaders in government, business, non-profit and international organizations by acquiring the professional skills and expertise needed to succeed in the contemporary global environment.
“Globalization presents the next generation with complex challenges but also a wealth of opportunities,” Steinberg said. “We need skilled professionals who have the tools and understanding to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, and who can provide the leadership necessary to shape the future. It is vital that our professional degree programs adapt to meet these emerging needs and I’m very pleased that the LBJ School is now home to two outstanding master’s degree programs – MPAff and MGPS. Along with its Ph.D. in Public Policy, the school is exceptionally well-placed to help shape public policy for the 21st century.”
Furthering the outreach to expand awareness of the new degree program, the LBJ School recently was inaugurated as the newest member of The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) comprising 34 member graduate schools in North America (including the LBJ School), Asia and Europe. APSIA organizes admissions fairs around the world through which schools recruit prospective students to their international programs. The LBJ School will attend its first APSIA fair in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 14, drawing attention to its large alumni presence in the nation’s capital.
For Madeleine K. Albright’s official biography, please visit http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/news/fall2008/albright_bio.php. For more information on the Master of Global Policy Studies degree program along with LBJ School faculty, policy researchers and research centers, please visit http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/degreeprograms/mgps_main.php.
