State of the School address unveils projects Projects that will give a new face to the LBJ School were the highlights of this year's state of the school address. Sponsored by the Graduate Public Affairs Council, this year's program included reports on faculty and student recruitment, two new research institutes, and plans to renovate and expand the LBJ School's facilities. In his presentation, LBJ School Dean Edwin Dorn celebrated the achievements of LBJ School alumni who have recently made headlines or been recognized for their success (see story). Dorn also reported on several major initiatives that are underway. Among them is an effort to establish a presence in Washington, D.C., which Dorn called "a Washington campus." In addition, the School has established an advisory council and is involved in the development of two new research units--the Center for Ethical Leadership and the Southwest Center for Philanthropy, Volunteerism, and Nonprofit Management. The effort to develop the Center for Ethical Leadership is headed by Howard Graves, Distinguished Visiting Tom Slick Professor of World Peace, and LBJ School Advisory Council members George Christian, Bobby Inman, and Larry Temple. Meanwhile, Professor David Eaton and LBJ School Advisory Council member Curtis Meadows, Jr., are leading the development efforts to establish the Southwest Center for Philanthropy, Volunteerism, and Nonprofit Management. According to Graves, the new Center for Ethical Leadership will be interdisciplinary, reaching out to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the university community to promote good leadership. To make this possible, the School is seeking $10 million to establish an endowed chair, fund two lecture series, and implement other aspects of the program. Associate Professor Victoria Rodríguez, who is the chair of the 1998-99 admissions committee, also gave a report. According to her, this year's student recruitment goal--to increase the School's applicant pool--has been met. As of March, 463 applications had been received, compared to 309 last year. Business Office Director Don Wallace, who also serves as a special assistant to the dean, gave the final presentation. Wallace's report focused on the LBJ School's proposal to the university to renovate Sid Richardson Hall. Besides providing space for the two new centers, the renovation plans include a new 500-seat auditorium, a distance learning center, and a much needed face-lift for the 30-year-old facility.

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