After five years at the University, the dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs will step down, according to the University. He will become the Joel L. Fleishman Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University effective July 1, according to a Duke press release published on Monday. 

JR DeShazo added three degree programs to the LBJ School’s degree offerings, including a Master of National Security, a revamped Executive Master of Public Leadership and the first undergraduate program at the LBJ School: the Bachelor of Public Affairs. The undergraduate program launched in the Fall 2025 semester.

Although DeShazo’s position at Duke University will begin on July 1, he will continue supporting the LBJ School until Aug. 1, according to an email sent to LBJ students.

“Serving as your dean over the last five years has been the privilege of a lifetime,” DeShazo wrote in the email. “All of the accomplishments below are in service of your learning experience and professional development.”

DeShazo is the University’s second dean to step down this academic year, and the LBJ School joins five other schools and colleges without permanent deans. The dean of the McCombs School of Business, Lillian Mills, announced last August that she will step down when her term ends in May. 

“Dean DeShazo has been a devoted leader, and has helped position the LBJ school for continued success and impact well into the future,” wrote William Inboden, executive vice president and provost, in an email to University faculty. “I am grateful for his effort, partnership and service to our University and look forward to working with him during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

During a recent fundraising campaign, the LBJ School exceeded its $70 million goal, raising $81 million during a recent fundraising campaign, according to the email to students. During his tenure, the school also received a $10 million donation to launch the Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement, which provides students with leadership training in a bipartisan environment and opportunities for internships and political mentoring in 2023.

“The LBJ school will always hold a special place for me,” DeShazo said in an email to LBJ students. “Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your dean.”

The LBJ school did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. The Office of the President declined to comment.