Shirley Franklin

Shirley Franklin serves as the Barbara Jordan Visiting Professor of Ethics and Political Values at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, a position she assumed in 2013. A trailblazing public servant, she was Atlanta's first female mayor (2002-2010) and the first African-American woman elected mayor of any major Southern city.

Her research focuses on ethics-driven governance, urban policy development, and political leadership frameworks. These interests stem directly from her pioneering career in municipal administration and commitment to values-based decision-making, as embodied by the Barbara Jordan Chair endowment supporting her professorship.

Franklin's exceptional contributions to public service have earned prestigious recognition:

• Governing magazine’s 2004 Public Official of the Year
• TIME magazine top five mayors (2005)
• U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Leaders (2005)
• John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award (2005)
• Southern Institute Ethics Advocate Award (2006)
• Newsweek Magazine women to watch (2007)

She currently chairs Purpose Built Communities as CEO and serves on the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Board, extending her impact beyond academia into national civic institutions.