Remembering Professor Barbara Jordan: An Oral History
What’s it like to be taught by Barbara Jordan?
From lessons in ethics and constructive feedback to backyard barbecues and soulful singalongs, the LBJ alumni who “survived” Barbara Jordan’s classes at The University of Texas reflect on the enduring influence she had on their careers and personal journeys.
Listen to the trailer:
Oral Histories from LBJ Alumni
Transcripts available by selecting the name of interviewee.
DeAnn Friedholm (MPAff ‘79)
A retired Department of Health and Human Services professional reflects on the experience of being the first teaching assistant for Barbara Jordan’s political ethics class.
Brad Englert (MPAff '84)
An author, advisor and technologist reflects on his inspiration for having ethics at the center of private and public decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of sharing stories about Barbara Jordan and why that tradition carries through this oral history project.
Elisa Hendricks (MPAff '89)
A government professional details the awestruck moment she first laid eyes on Barbara Jordan. She tells a story about the time she performed as Barbara Jordan in a skit in front of her and LBJ School peers.
Geoffrey Laredo (MPAff '88)
A mental health policy advocate talks about how he became a personal driver for Barbara Jordan. He recalls an improvised speech she gave that inspired many.
Jennifer Mason (MPAff '88)
NASA Specialist shares how Barbara Jordan’s class was a wake up call to always be prepared, and how what she learned in class carried over into her current work in export control at NASA.
Stephen Niemeyer (MPAff '92)
An environmental field professional recollects Barbara Jordan’s wit, integrity, and unwavering commitment to her principles. He discusses how he always asks himself, “What would Barbara Jordan do?”.
Ann Howard (MPAff '88)
A county commissioner discusses how Barbara Jordan broke the ice in new classes, as well as her expectation of excellence for all of her students. She also discusses her experiences working with Barbara on her professional report and their shared love for UT women’s athletics.
Don Grier (MPAff '92)
A consulting professional details a powerful speech Barbara Jordan gave at his alma mater, West Point. He also discusses how her course taught him the importance of civil discourse.
Charles Hansen (MPAff '91)
A lobbyist-turned-middle school teacher shares what lessons from Barbara Jordan’s classroom he takes into the classroom with his students. He also shares comments that she left on a paper of his from one of her classes.
Dawnita Grimes (MPAff-JD '93)
An attorney in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recalls Barbara Jordan's powerful speech at her end-of-year Thurgood Marshall Legal Society banquet. She discusses how Jordan's profound impact resonates in her career as an attorney.
Petros Pashiardis (MPAff '86)
A professor in educational leadership talks about the example Barbara Jordan set for him as a professor and how he uses her methods with his students. He also shares memories of attending barbecues and swimming at her house.
Kyle Peterson (MPAff '94)
A former Peace Corps member and philanthropic consultant talks about how he treasures his dissertation that Barbara Jordan supervised, complete with her handwritten notes and signature. He also discusses Barbara Jordan’s unwavering commitment to excellence that crossed party lines.
Kathryn Talkington (MPAff '90)
A Public Health professional thinks back on the times she drove Barbara Jordan home once a week, where she got to know her better than when she was in class. She shares a story where Barbara Jordan stood up for her at Lady Bird Johnson’s house.
Mark Troppe (MPAff '84)
A government professional recalls unique out-of-classroom memories with Barbara Jordan. He shares the time Barbara Jordan met his mother and when she talked with friends in politics to find out information on a potential job for him.
Gabriel Fidel (MPAff '93)
A university vice president remembers the nickname Barbara Jordan gave him. He also discusses how not only did Barbara Jordan teach him, but he was able to teach her something as well.
Ken Wall (MPAff-JD '86)
A lawyer talks about his time as Barbara Jordan’s driver. He shares details about her love for music and a memorable moment from a road trip home from Houston.
Mike Abkowitz (MPAff '80)
A financial manager discusses his nephew’s special bond with Barbara Jordan and her love of UT Women’s Basketball. He also shares a story about enjoying a Jewish holiday with Barbara.
Brenda Harvey-Williams (MPAff '87)
An assistant city manager talks about how she viewed Barbara Jordan as a trailblazer. She also recollects her witty sense of humor.
Michael Hricz (MPAff '89)
An administrative professional remembers an intimate conversation with Barbara Jordan in her office. He also recollects experiencing her singing for students in her home.
Charles Patton (MPAff '86)
A power and energy executive discusses helping Barbara Jordan with accepting awards on her behalf when her mobility became limited. He also discusses the personal lessons he learned from her that continues to influence his life today.
B.C. Cornish (MPAff - JD '80)
An attorney shares how being one of 15 students in Barbara Jordan’s class was similar to being in the presence of god after watching her keynote speech at the 1972 Democratic Convention in high school. What she learned at the LBJ school has influenced her work regarding women’s rights.
Alan Gambrell (MPAff '84)
A Federal Consultant shares how his time in Barbara Jordan’s class put an end to his public speaking fear and the importance she has on his life and American history.
Kim Smith Unberhagen (MPAff '94)
A business leader remembers watching Barbara Jordan’s Democratic National Convention speech and feeling touched by her call to action. She also discusses Barbara’s encouragement to pay close attention to the words we choose and how to think before we speak.
Philip Ritter (MPAff '86)
A government professional emphasizes how valuable the diverse political perspectives were in Barbara Jordan’s class and the importance of them today.
Mark Zion (MPAff '80)
An energy industry professional shares his experiences in Barbara Jordan’s Political Values and Ethics class. He recalls that Barbara’s style wasn’t lecturing, but challenging her students to think critically and have lively debates.
Isabel Nart (MPAFF '84)
A multi-faceted professional from Houston remembers what it was like to learn under her hero. She shares a story about the time her classmate won an argument against Barbara Jordan in their Intergovernmental Relations class.
Michael Smith (MPAff '89)
A lawyer reflects on the unique time Barbara Jordan wrote a letter of recommendation to his boss and how much he and his fellow students cared deeply for her successes.
Robert Stewart (MPAff '86)
A community development professional shares his time in Barbara Jordan’s Policy Research Projects on local government election systems and how he views her as a leader that the University of Texas needed.
History in High Fidelity:
Making the LBJ School Barbara Jordan oral history project
Brad Englert (MPAff '84)
A former student of Barbara Jordan, Brad Englert (MPAff '84) approached the LBJ School with the idea of collecting stories from alumni who had the privilege of being taught by the trailblazing public servant in the classroom.
Because of his vision and financial support, Barbara Jordan’s legacy as a teacher can be fully realized through these oral histories and enjoyed in perpetuity by all.
The Drag Audio Production House
Produced by The Drag, an audio production house built by students, professors and Moody College alums at the University of Texas at Austin.
Campbell Williams
Host and interviewer
Leni Steinhardt
Producer and editor
Katey Psencik Outka
Executive producer