Sherman, Texas — The Austin College Pre-Law Society, the Austin College Student Assembly, and the Austin College Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship Program sponsored the 18th annual Public Administration Symposium Wednesday, October 29, in Wright Campus Center, Mabee Hall. This year’s event was titled The Challenge of Water in Fast Growing Texas.

Speakers from the governmental, industrial, and academic sectors explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding water use, policy, and infrastructure in Texas—particularly as the state continues to experience rapid growth. Discussions addressed how regions like North Texas can ensure sustainable water supplies, manage infrastructure demands, and shape policies that protect resources for future generations.

The Austin College Public Administration Symposium was founded in 2008 by Dr. Frank Rohmer, John D. Moseley Chair of Government and Public Policy, and Hatton W. Sumners Scholars to bring government officials, corporate leaders, interested citizens, students, and faculty together in a dialogue about the greatest issues facing government at the local and regional level.

The event was divided into three sessions with Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution LLC, as the moderator for the two panels:

Panel I: Future Water Use and Supplies for North Texas
Panelists:

- Jason Pierce, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications, Upper Trinity Regional Water
District

- Galen Roberts, Director of Water Resources, North Texas Municipal Water District

- Dr. Peter Schulze, Professor of Biology & Environmental Science, Director of Center for Environmental Studies, Director of Sneed Prairie Restoration

Panel II: Infrastructure & Policy Issues Impacting Texas Water (Local, State, Federal)
Panelists:

- Perry Fowler, Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TXWIN)

- David Kelly, North Texas Municipal Water District

- Wayne Lee, Director of Engineering, City of Sherman, Texas

Keynote Luncheon

Guest Speaker: Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal, Collaborative Water Resolution LLC

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming
community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an
inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.