June 27-30, the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) held its annual conference in Fort Worth, TX. Universities from across the state, such as the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, A&M University, and St. Mary’s University, were in attendance. Texas State public administration students included undergraduates Breanna Higgins, Keyshawn Clark, and James Regan as well as MPA students Samantha Martinez, Carlos Lamkin, Immanuel Tan, Nick Funari, and Desiree Adair.
Among the events, students were asked to prepare a research presentation on the topic of “homelessness”, a subject with which many cities across Texas are currently struggling. Texas State’s presentation placed 3rd. “The environment was open-minded, collaborative and constructive,” Immanuel Tan said, “with an end goal to collectively grow as public administrators.”
Students were also given the opportunity to meet and network with professionals throughout Texas including Spencer Cronk, City Manager for Austin, TX, Kenneth R. Williams, City Manager for Buda, TX, and Scott Sellers and James Earp, City Managers for Kyle, TX. “The TCMA conference was educational, inspirational and a breath of fresh air,” Immanuel added, “I encourage you to join the next TCMA conference, as I am confident that you will grow personally and professionally!”
