News and Insights

Application opens for Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2026

May 12, 2025

A one-of-a-kind opportunity to join a powerful network of leaders and learn from the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson May 12, 2025 – The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program opened applications today for its 2026 program cycle. For ten years, PLS has brought together leaders […]

FULL STORY →

News

The Root 100’s list of the most influential African Americans

September 23, 2020 | Rob Gore (‘18)

Recently, Class of 2018’s Rob Gore was named as one of The Root 100’s most influential African Americans. Check it out: https://interactives.theroot.com/root-100-2020/

FULL STORY →

News

100 inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientists in America

September 18, 2020 | Ricardo Correa Marquez (‘19)

Recently, Cell Press journal published 100 Hispanic/Latinx scientist in America. Class of 2019’s Ricardo Correa made the list – Take a Look: http://crosstalk.cell.com/blog/100-inspiring-hispanic-latinx-scientists-in-america

FULL STORY →

News

Online platform connects teens and senior to form unlikely friendships

August 31, 2020 | Michael Hole (‘19)

Class of 2019’s Michael Hole and his team at the Dell Medical School recently launched the “Big & Mini” match program, which pairs seniors and teens to bridge generations and combat loneliness in COVID-19. Check out their highlight on the Today Show: https://www.today.com/video/online-platform-connects-teens-and-senior-to-form-unlikely-friendships-88225861525?fbclid=IwAR1vNe8RTpTPxqZPukorJq8rwzCH0Vr6hup2MQwajDJvykmWeucAYc4d3Rw

FULL STORY →

News

Pizza Hut Appoints First-Ever Chief Equity Officer

August 20, 2020 | Chequan Lewis (‘18)

Class of 2018’s Chequan Lewis, who formerly oversaw Pizza Hut’s domestic Express chain, was recently appointed as their first ever Chief Equity Officer. Learn more via Ad Week: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/pizza-hut-appoints-first-ever-chief-equity-officer/?fbclid=IwAR2CZ55ADUmucqw_BoOZH-jKtcYHYOVqV62ngpR2P4OQ1Z76HAFiKv-eEYE

FULL STORY →

Insights

An Urgent Invitation to The Movies

August 13, 2020

PLS Class of 2015 Scholar Holly Gordon provides a list of movie recommendations to her fellow Scholars on the topic of democracy, race, and justice. As the Chief Impact Officer at Participant, a film production company in Los Angeles, I often describe my job as not making our movies, but making our movies make a […]

FULL STORY →

News

Real Reform Comes From Civic Stamina

August 4, 2020

Recently, PLS Class of 2020-2021 Scholar Sloane Davidson’s PLP Hello Neighbor won a Renewal Award from The Atlantic and Allstate from over 13,000 applicants. Learn more: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/07/2020-renewal-award-winners-profiles/614125/

FULL STORY →

News

Revitalized by summer protests, Dallas’ inequity programs fight through pandemic’s ‘gut punch’

July 27, 2020 | Byron Sanders (‘17)

Class of 2017’s Byron Sanders was recently highlighted by the Dallas Morning News about his nonprofit, Big Thought. Read the article: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2020/07/24/revitalized-by-summer-protests-dallas-inequity-programs-fight-through-pandemics-gut-punch/

FULL STORY →

News

Good Apple helping keep Austin fed and healthy amid coronavirus pandemic

July 20, 2020

Class of 2019’s Michael Hole recently spoke to CBS Austin about Good Apple – a doctor-prescribed grocery delivery service fighting hunger, which during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped people stay healthy in their homes. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/good-apple-helping-keep-austin-fed-and-healthy-amid-coronavirus-pandemic Read more about Michael’s role with Good Apple: https://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/notes-from-the-field-qa-with-michael-hole/

FULL STORY →

Featured

Statements by President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

July 18, 2020

Statement by President George W. Bush Statement by President William J. Clinton

FULL STORY →

News

Ending the Pandemic Threat: The Implications of Public Charge

June 29, 2020 | Ricardo Correa Marquez (‘19)

“As part of the the Council of Young Physicians, we are worried about the public health being endangered every day due to the “public charge” perception that has been hitting our community. We need to be united in these hard moments to improve health outcomes with commonsense policies that would benefit public health.” Read more […]

FULL STORY →