Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics

@SHSUPresWhite Annel is great.

In Austin for the TX Lege & ran into Annel Guadalupe, member of the first class of @LEAPatSHSU. As economic development director for Fulshear, TX, Annel is still leading. #BearkatsServe

On the “Democracy Tour” for the Presidential Inauguration, we took advantage of the travel to find Richard Haas murals @nypl and in @visitphilly. While these were impressive, we’d like to remind everyone that Huntsville has more exterior Haas murals than any city in the world!

En route to the 47th Presidential Inauguration, LEAP Ambassadors explored NYC highlights: the Brooklyn Bridge, Richard Haas murals, and Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated 225 years ago. Read more: leapatshsu.com/2025/01/17/an-…

The LEAP Ambassadors embark today on their fifth consecutive Presidential Inauguration--which we do without regard to party affiliation. Some highlights from inaugurations gone by...

LEAP students and SHAIP students enjoyed learning from The Texas State University System, Governor Abbott's legislative staff, and from each other in a "lunch and learn" in Austin. Read about it here: leapatshsu.com/2025/01/15/a-l…

Eight Sam Houston State University students are enjoying the opportunity to work in Austin (and DC) this spring as part of the SHAIP program. They began last week, but things will really kick off today with the selection of a speaker!

LEAP students not only follow the news; they also record the news! In 24, LEAP set a record for productivity/exposure on its student-run blog, writing & posting 160 blogs with 26K visitors from 148 countries. Here the students meet with Sonal Shah, the CEO of the Texas Tribune.

It may be 2025, but we are still reviewing our 2024 activities, including theater. LEAP logged 4 plays this year: 2 at @alleytheatre, 1 at @samhoustonstate , & 1 at @kennedycenter : Dial M for Murder, Noises Off, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, and Shear Madness.

LEAP Year in Review--Art: Ambassadors expanded their horizons in 2024 with art by Salvador Dali, Georgia O'Keeffe, Robert Indiana, and James Surls--among others!

LEAP's Year in Review: As part of LEAP's broad learning program, students have a chance to learn from major authors. This year, the students had a chance to learn from David Brooks, Harlan Coben, Maurice Cook, Malcolm Gladwell, Jean Becker, and Frank Figliuzzi--and many others!

2024 was a great year for LEAP Students, who had the chance to eat at Ana Liz Taqueria, SAFFRON NOLA, El Naranjo, and 1010 Bridge--all James Beard winning or nominated restaurants. It was wonderful to try new foods and to learn about the culinary arts of diverse cultures.

LEAP students consciously set a goal of being exposed to various political views among the major parties, and this year was no different. LEAP students heard from Congressman Luttrell, President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Congressman Crenshaw, WV Senator Nelson and more!

✨The LEAP Ambassadors wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season! May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones.🎄

LEAP Ambassadors were with Mark Burns on the Winter Solstice, six years ago, when he took this amazing photo of the moonrise over the Grand Canyon.

LEAP Ambassadors wrapped up the semester with a wonderful holiday party, some good food, gifts, and many thanks!

Sam Houston Austin Interns got a great orientation from Dean Shani Robinson and Ms. Julie Schwab. Many thanks for the support as these SHSU students head to Austin to intern in the TX Legislature and at the Texas Association of Counties.

City Fellow Interns concluded their internships with the City of Huntsville by presenting to fellow interns and supervisors, showcasing their accomplishments and highlighting what they achieved during their time in the program!

The LEAP student's trip to NOLA went by too fast! Check out their favorite parts about the trip in our newest blog: leapatshsu.com/2024/12/12/fav…

LEAP Ambassadors enjoyed the Council of State Governments Conference, while also learning as much as possible while exploring Louisiana.

LEAP students had a fantastic third day in New Orleans, learning from the National World War II Museum on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, exploring the oldest existing cemetery in the city, and watching a holiday parade. Read about it here: leapatshsu.com/2024/12/10/a-p…