The LBJ Foundation—
A lifelong friend and partner

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation’s mission is simple—to provide special funding for the LBJ School and the LBJ Library and Museum. But the Foundation’s impact has been anything but simple. Measured in terms of its role in the development of the LBJ School, its impact has been multifaceted and far-reaching.

Established in 1969 as the HEC (Health, Education, Conservation) Public Affairs Foundation, the Foundation originally included among its board members President Johnson, UT Board of Regents Chair Frank C. Erwin, UT System Chancellor Harry H. Ransom, and William W. Heath. The directors changed the name to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation after President Johnson’s death in 1973, and Mrs. Johnson became a board member at that time.

During the 1970s the Foundation’s support for the LBJ School took the form of funding for research-related activities such as policy research projects (including the groundbreaking project on the South Texas colonias), student fellowships such as the Johnson Congressional Internship and Research Fellowship (see related story), and the Administrative History of the Johnson Presidency project. The Foundation also supported the creation of the Dean Rusk Chair, established in 1975 to bring in a faculty member with a distinguished background in international affairs to develop the School’s international research area.

According to LBJ School Dean Ed Dorn, the LBJ Foundation’s support of LBJ School programs over the years has been a key factor in the school’s ability to become one of the best in the country. “The Foundation’s support has provided our competitive edge,” said Dorn, who serves as an ex officio member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “It’s the difference between an adequate program and an excellent program.”

LBJ Foundation funds allocated to the LBJ School are divided into five areas of support: program, academic, student, instructional, and research. The current priority is student support, including scholarships and fellowships, student activities, career development, and recruitment.

The Foundation’s board of directors meets once a year, usually in May, at the LBJ Library and Museum. Members include, in addition to Dean Dorn, Board Chairman W. Thomas Johnson, Board President Larry E. Temple, Executive Director Harry J. Middleton, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, Luci Baines Johnson, Lynda Johnson Robb, UT Austin President Larry Faulkner, LBJ Library Director Betty Sue Flowers, Robert Allbritton, Ben Barnes, Jack Blanton, J. B. Fuqua, William P. Hobby, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Cappy R. McGarr, Ambassador Lyndon Olson, Jr., Bernard Rapoport, Hugh G. Robinson, Robert S. Strauss, and Jack Valenti.

Record Home • Publications • LBJ School
May 5, 2003
Comments to: lbjwmast@uts.cc.utexas.edu