State Legislation: Its Impact on Education, Tech, and Growth

Join us for a fireside chat with Amanda Rockow and Andrea Coker as we prepare for the upcoming 2027 Texas Legislative session to discuss how state legislative policy and funding are shaping higher education, technology, and economic growth across Texas.

The conversation will explore how current and emerging policy discussions are influencing universities, workforce development, research priorities, and the broader innovation ecosystem. We’ll also touch on how rapid changes in technology are shaping legislative conversation and what that could mean for the future of education, business, and regional competitiveness.

Speakers will share insights from current committee hearings, perspectives on how policy evolves over time, and how collaboration between universities, industry, and regional partners can support continued growth.

This is a great opportunity for business leaders, educators, and community partners to gain insight into how state policy decisions are expected to translate into real-world impact across our region.

Bios:

Amanda Rockow – Amanda Rockow is Vice President for Government and Community Relations at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she leads local, state and federal government initiatives as well as civic engagement for the University.

She works closely with state and local leaders, industry partners, and community organizations to align higher education with workforce needs, policy priorities, and regional growth. Prior to UT Dallas, she spent a decade with the Dallas Regional Chamber focused on government affairs and regional economic development.

Amanda’s work centers on strengthening partnerships between higher education, business, and government to support innovation and long-term economic competitiveness in North Texas.

Andrea Coker - Andrea Coker serves as the Chief Advocacy Officer for the North Texas Commission and oversees the NTC’s federal policy development, communications, marketing and management of relationships with North Texas Federal Delegation offices.

From the UK Parliament to Congress, Andrea Coker has a rich background in a variety of political roles, most recently leading communications at Visit Dallas to serving as a Communications Director for a U.S. Congress member. She has also worked to pass billions in school and city bonds in DFW, served as a lead on many municipal elections as well as managed the PR for the Dallas Police Association.

Connect with our speakers on LinkedIn:

Amanda Rockow

Andrea Coker

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1302 E Collins Blvd, 1302 East Collins Boulevard, Richardson, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App