Heather Hill
New Barnes Fellowship Jump-Starts Student's Public Affairs Education
Even before she walks into an LBJ School classroom for the first time, entering master’s degree candidate Heather Hill has found that being the first recipient of the Ben Barnes Fellowship has given her a head start on her public affairs education. After she was notified of the award this spring, Hill was given the opportunity to attend several high-profile fundraising events with Barnes.
“It’s quite a privilege,” said Hill, who at Barnes’ invitation has attended fundraisers for national figures such as Erskine Bowles and Bill Richardson. “It’s fascinating to see how politics operate on a national level.”
Established in 2001, the $1.25 million endowment recognizes Barnes’ career-long dedication to higher education. Hill is the first recipient of the $25,000 fellowship, which will be awarded annually to students with a demonstrated interest in public leadership.
While Hill is unsure if her future will include running for public office, she said her motivation for pursuing a Master of Public Affairs degree is to acquire the skills and knowledge to develop social policy that empowers individuals at the community level.
Born and raised in Harlingen, Texas, Hill moved to Austin in 1997 to pursue a B.A. in government with a minor in geography. A Dedman Distinguished Scholar at UT Austin, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors.
After finishing her degree in government, Hill learned firsthand about the nuts and bolts of policymaking working as a legislative aide in the office of State Representative Ignacio Salinas, Jr. One piece of legislation she is particularly proud of working on is a law that expanded the requirements for hepatitis A vaccinations to children in 22 additional counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
Other work experience includes a summer job writing articles for MTV online and teaching at a debate camp for students from low-income schools.
“While I was trying to decide where to go to school, the faculty and staff at LBJ were nothing short of phenomenal in answering my questions and helping me explore my options,” said Hill. “I am overwhelmed by the various and accomplished backgrounds that my new colleagues will bring to the table with them.”
August 7, 2002
©2002 Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
P.O. Box Y
Austin, TX 78713-8925
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August 7, 2002
Comments to: lbjwmast@uts.cc.utexas.edu
