About Us

About The Texas CPM Program

In July 1996, Texas State University established the Public Service Academy to deliver the CPM Program in Texas. In 1998 the name of the Texas State University Public Service Academy was changed to the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service after former Texas Lt. Governor William P. Hobby made a $1 million donation to Texas State University to help fund the Texas CPM Program. Governor Hobby’s gift also provided funds to support the William P. Hobby Professorship, held by Dr. Howard Balanoff, and public service activities such as the annual William P. Hobby Distinguished Lecture, Hobby Scholarships/Fellowships and Student Teaching/Research Assistantships.

The CPM program is a nationally accredited comprehensive statewide management development program with the goal of improving the organizational performance of managers in federal, state, and local government and in the not-for-profit sector. It is a comprehensive 7-course sequence of study by which leaders can acquire and apply the best practices and theory to their management behaviors and strategies using prescribed professional standards. The curriculum uses theory as the foundation and applies it to practical problems facing the participant, their agency/department, and communities. Those who complete the program earn a national trademark designation of CPM (Certified Public Manager®) accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Consortium.

The Texas CPM Program is administered by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service. It is also offered statewide through partnerships with numerous prestigious institutions throughout the state.

How Will It Benefit Me?

What do I get from the Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program?

The Texas Certified Public Manager® Program offers you the opportunity to enhance your leadership abilities, improve your effectiveness in the workplace, and advance your career through specially designed curriculum focused on the practical challenges you face as public servants.
Participants develop valuable skills in personnel administration, quality management, communication, finance, policy evaluation, information systems, and applied research that can be immediately applied in your workplace.
Public managers from different cities, agencies and functional departments have a unique opportunity to build networks with other professionals throughout the region, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration. The wisdom in the room is honored as students learn from each other’s knowledge and experience.
At the completion of the program you will earn a nationally recognized credential, the Certified Public Manager designation, signifying excellence in professional public service.
Graduates join over 2600 alumni in the state of Texas and over 45,000 CPMs across the United States.

For employers, the program provides a unique opportunity to develop supervisors and managers, equipping them with the competencies needed to tackle real-world challenges and lead their organizations more effectively. We have found that participation in the CPM program in many organizations becomes a strategy for employee upskilling, retention and succession planning.

Why You Should Consider The CPM Program

For Employers

Use in succession planning to fill upcoming vacancies.
Bring your best staff up to speed quickly, save time and money.
Create promotional opportunities to build morale.
Employees bring their classroom energy and learning back to the office.
Take this opportunity to focus on a long term agency project.
Use this program as part of an employee development and mentoring plan.
Champion a capstone project that improves effectiveness, efficiency or saves money.
Take advantage of your employees improved management skills and delegate new assignments.

For Employees

Enhance your personal leadership strengths for both your work life and personal life.
Broaden your intergovernmental networks and communication.
Increase your personal awareness and effectiveness.
Evaluate and implement innovative solutions.
Become a leader in promotion of quality in public services.
Take advantage of competency based learning that you can take back to work with you the next day and apply.
Successful graduates are eligible for membership in the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®
In some states, participants can earn undergraduate and graduate credit upon completion of the program.