College of Public Affairs & Community Service

If you are looking to a make a difference, you’ve come to the right place.

Join the College of Public Affairs and Community Service where it is our mission to strengthen communities through education, scholarship and engagement. With seven academic departments and several centers, institutes and professional programs, PACS is transforming the quality of life and becoming the “go-to” resource for community issues in Texas. Students from our college are prepared for a variety of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Our alumni can be found working in a wide range of settings such as, Federal Emergency Management Administration, Child Protective Services, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, U.S. Department of State, Peace Corps, Texas Youth Commission and many others.

Bold Ideas and Big Changes

The College of Public Affairs & Community Service (PACS) has a long history of social entrepreneurship and community outreach. In fact, PACS grew from these ideals with a mission focused on providing students opportunities to strengthen community through their educational experiences.

Our hope is that you will use this high-impact fund to develop and implement bold ideas that strengthen and transform communities.

Learn how you can make an impact!

Nicholas and Anna Ricco Ethics Awards

Congratulations to PACS 2014 Ricco Ethics Award First Place Winner: 

Olivia Nielsen - Behavior Analysis

Read her winning entry

The $1000 award was created to promote intellectual debate and discussion on ethics as related to the the College of Public Affairs & Community Service academic fields of study. 

The Ricco Awards are presented each year and the application process will reopen in Fall 2014.