Governing magazine has named Rep. Jerry Madden, a Texas state legislator and a UT Dallas alumnus, Public Official of the Year.
The national publication recognized eight government leaders, including Madden and Sen. John Whitmire of Houston, who were chosen for their team effort to make rehabilitation treatment available to prison inmates and help prevent prison population growth.
“This is a really great honor, and I’m thrilled,” Madden said. “It was an honor working with my friend John Whitmire, and I thank the people at Governing.”
Readers and the magazine’s editorial team selected nominees based on leadership, innovation and creativity. The magazine profiles winners in its November issue and will celebrate the group in Washington, D.C., later this month.
The University lauded Madden’s achievements by awarding him the Distinguished Alumni award last year. Madden received his master’s of science degree in management and administration sciences from the UT Dallas School of Management in 1978.
“The education I received at UT Dallas gave me the background and the thinking skills that have allowed me to think analytically and work effectively.”
First elected to the Texas Legislature in November 1992, Madden serves as the vice chair of the House Corrections Committee and as a member of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee. In 2007, he was recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the 10 Best Legislators, was named by Capitol Insider to the “First Team” of performers in the 80th Texas Legislature and received “High Marks” from The Dallas Morning News.
Madden remains a frequent visitor to campus, recently returning to guest lecture for “Campaigns and Elections,” an undergraduate honors course offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.