Student Experience
Leadership, service, and belonging beyond the classroom.At the Bush School, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students grow as leaders through hands-on experience, service, and involvement in a wide range of organizations and programs. Whether building leadership skills, connecting with peers, or giving back to the community, students find many ways to shape their own experience and prepare for a life of public service.
Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP)
The Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP) integrates the development of students’ leadership knowledge, skills, attributes, and values throughout the two-year Bush School experience. Leadership development is reinforced in three ways: through the academic curriculum, including courses, workshops, and guest speakers; through experiential learning, including internships, student organizations, intramural sports, and community engagement; and through self-assessment and reflection, including individual development plans and leadership assessments.
Mission
The program’s mission is to support faculty and students in educating principled leaders for careers in public service and international affairs by integrating leadership development throughout the Bush School experience. The Bush School defines leadership as the art of influencing people, organizations, and institutions to accomplish missions that serve the public interest, and leader development as the process of educating individuals in the theory and practice of leadership in the context of public service.
The Dean’s Leadership Certificate
Established by the Dean in 2007, the Dean’s Leadership Certificate recognizes students who complete a structured leadership development pathway across three areas: formal education and training (four leadership program workshops); self-assessment and reflection (personalized feedback, an Individual Leadership Plan, and a professional coaching session); and experiential learning activities (a formal leadership role and a service project).
Assessments
Students complete a series of assessments designed to build self-awareness and strengthen their leadership development. These include CliftonStrengths, which helps students identify and develop their natural talents, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which helps students understand their personality preferences, communication style, and approach to teamwork and leadership.
Conversation in Leadership
Each semester, students have multiple opportunities to meet distinguished public service leaders during informal luncheon conversations. Organized by the Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP), the series brings leaders from government, nonprofit organizations, academia, and other public service sectors to share their leadership experiences and engage in meaningful discussion with students. Past speakers have included former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former presidential speechwriter Mary Kate Carey, and former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.
These conversations give students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced leaders, ask questions in an informal setting, and gain valuable insights into leadership and careers in public service.
Contact
Holly Kasperbauer
Assistant Director, Public Service Leadership Program
hjkasperbauer@tamu.edu | (979) 862-8837.
Leadership Development & Recognition
The Bush School is committed to preparing principled leaders for careers in public service. Leadership development extends beyond the classroom through speaker series, workshops, coaching, experiential learning, and opportunities to lead within the Bush School community. Together, these experiences reinforce the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in public service. The Public Service Leadership Program serves as the foundation for this work, while the Bush School’s broader leadership opportunities and recognition programs provide students with additional ways to develop, practice, and be recognized for their leadership.

High Impact Opportunities
Bush School students take their learning into the field through internships, field seminars, and international opportunities. Explore these high-impact experiences on The Bush School Experience.
Student Organizations
From professional associations to service and social groups, Bush School students lead, connect, and give back through a wide range of student organizations.
Aggies in Foreign Affairs (AIFA)
Aggies in Foreign Affairs is a Bush School-affiliated student organization that prepares students for careers in international affairs through mentorship, networking, research and publication opportunities, and cross-cultural engagement. Open to students of all majors and classifications, the organization offers free programming, including a mentorship program, career panels with former students, a student-run research journal, and the Global Student Dialogue.
Alexander Hamilton Society
The Alexander Hamilton Society is a nonpartisan student organization dedicated to fostering thoughtful discussion of foreign policy, economics, and national security. Through guest speakers, panel discussions, and events featuring scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, the chapter promotes informed dialogue and intellectual engagement among Texas A&M students, particularly those interested in international affairs, public policy, history, political science, and economics.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) at Texas A&M connects students with careers in fundraising and nonprofit management. Through networking events, professional development workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects, members gain practical experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, event planning, and nonprofit leadership. Open to students of all majors, AFP provides valuable connections with industry professionals and a pathway to careers in the growing nonprofit sector.
Bush School Ambassadors
The Ambassadors Council is a student organization that represents the Bush School of Government and Public Service at development functions, alumni events, and Bush Foundation events. Ambassadors serve as official student hosts of special guests and provide support for recruitment efforts. Serving on the Ambassadors Council gives students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills by engaging with and supporting Bush School students, faculty, and distinguished visitors. Primarily, the ambassadors are student liaisons to special guests and students invited to come to the Bryan/College Station community.
Bush School Graduate Student Government Association (SGA)
The Bush School Graduate Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the official voice of the graduate student body. SGA represents student interests, fosters communication among students, faculty, and administration, oversees student committees, and strengthens connections with former Bush School students while building community through programs, events, and student initiatives.
Bush School Undergraduate Student Council
The Bush School Undergraduate Student Council serves as the official voice of the undergraduate student body. The council represents student interests, fosters communication among students, faculty, and administration, promotes student involvement, and builds a strong sense of community through leadership initiatives, events, service projects, and professional development opportunities.
Freshmen Leader in Law and Government
Freshman Leaders in Law and Government (FLAG) is designed to introduce first-year students to leadership, civic engagement, government, and the law. Through interactive programs, discussions, service, and hands-on learning experiences, FLAG helps students develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and ethical foundation needed for active civic participation and future careers in public service, law, and government.
International Development and Economics Association (IDEA)
The mission of IDEA is to engage students in the most pressing economic challenges confronting the United States and world economies by distributing policy-relevant research; hosting and participating in educational sessions; and engaging stakeholders in the areas of trade, economics, and public policy. IDEA, with the assistance of the Bush School Mosbacher Institute, is dedicated to understanding and explaining the complex relationship between the United States and the rest of the world. We value open trade policies, data-supported research and policy analysis, government transparency, and economic efficiency.
John Quincy Adams Society
The John Quincy Adams Society (JQAS) is a nonpartisan student organization dedicated to thoughtful discussion of U.S. foreign policy, grand strategy, and national security. Through guest speakers, reading groups, and policy discussions, members engage with diverse perspectives on international affairs while developing critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of America’s role in the world.
Legacy Project
The Legacy Project is a student-led organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, traditions, and values of President and Mrs. Bush. Through storytelling, special projects, and engagement with students, faculty, staff, and former students, the organization helps strengthen the Bush School community while honoring its enduring commitment to public service.
Model United Nations (UN)
Model United Nations is a student organization that develops skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and global affairs through simulated United Nations conferences. Members participate in debate, collaboration, and professional development while building lasting friendships through social events. Students may also audition for the nationally competitive team, which represents Texas A&M at conferences across the country.
Political Science Aggies
Political Science Aggies is a student organization that brings together students interested in political science, public policy, government, and public service. The organization fosters community and professional growth through networking, discussions, campus events, and opportunities for students pursuing degrees in political science and the Bush School.
Ready Room
The Ready Room is a student-led publication affiliated with the Intelligence Studies Program (ISP) that showcases analysis and commentary on intelligence, national security, and global affairs. Through articles, podcasts, and other digital content, students share research and insights while engaging with intelligence professionals and subject matter experts. The Ready Room provides a platform for students to develop their analytical and communication skills while highlighting the expertise and perspectives of the Bush School community.
Women in Public Services (WiPS)
Women in Public Service (WiPS) empowers and supports students pursuing careers in government and public service. Through professional networking, guest speakers, leadership development, service projects, and community-building events, WiPS helps members build the confidence, skills, and connections needed to succeed in public service while promoting the Bush School’s values of excellence, integrity, leadership, respect, and selfless service.
Women Peace, Ready
Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) is a student organization dedicated to advancing the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Through guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, discussions, and social events, WPS explores the role of gender in peacebuilding, national security, intelligence, and conflict while fostering awareness of the diverse factors that shape global security.


