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Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends,
As we move into the spring semester, I am delighted to welcome our newest degree students to the College of Professional Studies. Whether you are continuing your academic journey, advancing in your career, or beginning a new professional chapter, you are joining a vibrant and engaged community committed to applied learning, meaningful connection and real-world impact.
This semester offers many opportunities to connect with the CPS community beyond the classroom. From informal happy hours where you can meet faculty, alumni, and fellow students, to career-focused events designed to keep you informed about industry trends and help you chart your next steps, our programming is intentionally designed to support both your academic and professional goals.
You’ll also find timely conversations led by experts responding to current global and national issues—from politics and public leadership to cybersecurity and emerging technologies. One highlight this spring is our 2nd Annual Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference, taking place on February 3. This half-day convening brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape, workforce needs,and real-world preparedness.
I encourage students, alumni, industry professionals, government leaders and those considering a career in cybersecurity or related fields to join us. I invite you to explore the full speaker lineup and details on our cyber conference website.
As we start the semester ahead, know that you are entering a community that values connection, collaboration and lifelong learning. I look forward to seeing you on campus—and to all that we are accomplishing together this spring.
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Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
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| Cybersecurity, Stronger Together 2026: Register Today! | |
Don’t miss one of the year’s most anticipated cybersecurity gatherings. An immersive learning experience for policy, risk and security leaders with experts responsible for incident response.
Mark your calendars for Cybersecurity, Stronger Together 2026: Converging Threats & Shared Defenses.
Browse the program and register today! Be there February 3 at GW.
| | Webinar Key Takeaways: Venezuela After Maduro: Hope, Power, and the Hard Part Everyone Skips | | |
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) and Global Americans hosted a timely webinar in mid-January examining the removal of Nicolás Maduro and the political implications for Venezuela and the region. The thought-provoking conversation on the state of Venezuela, moderated by GSPM Legislative Affairs Program Director, Dr. Casey Burgat, featured three panelists and former Congresswoman and GSPM Executive Director, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Read & Watch: Key takeaways on what comes next
| | GW Program Prepares Public Safety Professionals for High-Stakes Events | | |
Emergency management leader Jason Kephart shares how GW’s new CBRNE-WMD program helped strengthen his ability to prevent and respond to public-safety threats.
Kephart recently graduated from the College of Professional Studies’ inaugural Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High-yield Explosives and Weapons of Mass Destruction (CBRNE-WMD) credentials program designed to prepare early and developing professionals for the complexities of an evolving threat environment.
Read GW Today story
| | Apply by February 20 for the 2026 Cafritz Awards | |
The 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards for Distinguished DC Government Employees are just around the corner—a chance for all of us to celebrate the extraordinary public servants who make Washington, DC a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant place to live.
Established in 2000, the Calvin Cafritz Awards honor DC Government employees whose work exemplifies dedication, innovation, and exceptional service. Each year, individual honorees receive a $7,500 cash prize and a trophy, while the Team Innovation Award comes with a $15,000 cash award recognizing collaborative work that moves the District forward in creative and impactful ways.
Learn more - Nominations due: January 31, Applications due: February 20
| | KUDOS, AWARDS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & MORE | | GSPM Alumni and Faculty Members Named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2025 List | | | | |
We’re thrilled to recognize 14 outstanding GSPM alumni and adjunct faculty members named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2025 list. Selected from more than 1,800 nominations, these leaders are driving policy, building coalitions, and creating meaningful change where it matters most.
Read more
| | Announcing CPS Associate Dean for Enrollment Management | | | | |
Congratulations to Missy Walker for her appointment as Associate Dean for Enrollment Management for the College of Professional Studies. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for recruiting and enrollment across CPS and GSPM programs, with a focus on sustainable growth, cross-functional alignment, and delivering a cohesive, student-centered experience.
Read her bio
| | Kudos: Two CPS Staff Members Contribute to New Book Gamify Your College Classroom | | | | |
Congratulations to Dr. Cody House and Drew Santorello for their contributions to the newly released book, Gamify Your College Classroom. It is an instructor playbook for nurturing life skills through the incorporation and customization of games and game elements into coursework.
Read more about the book
| | In Memoriam: Honoring a Member of the GSPM Alumni Community | | | | |
We are saddened to share the passing of Chuluunbileg Orosoo (Chuko), a 2015 graduate of GSPM’s Political Management program. Chuko was a passionate advocate for democracy whose work focused on civic engagement, youth political leadership, and anti-corruption efforts.
Read more
| | UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS | | |
Semester in Washington: Online Information Session for Summer
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Online (additional dates available)
Join us for an online information session for GW's Semester in Washington (SIW) program! During this event, we'll share details about the SIW program experience, including hands-one coursework, internships, and unique opportunities in Washington, DC. Our team will guide you through all the essential details, application information, and important deadlines to ensure you're fully prepared for this exciting opportunity.
Whether you're a prospective student eager to explore the program or a current applicant seeking valuable advice, this session is designed with you in mind.
Don't miss out on your chance to learn more about GW's Semester in Washington and take the first step toward a transformative journey in the heart of American politics and culture.
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CEPL Connections: Alumni & Friends Gathering
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm | GW Arlington Education Center
950 N. Glebe Road, First Floor, Arlington, VA 22203
Join us on January 29th for an Open House with GW's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL). This is a community gathering to reconnect, network, and celebrate leadership with the CEPL community. We’re excited to introduce CEPL 4.0, share what’s new, and explore how we can work together to shape the future.
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Cybersecurity, Stronger Together 2026 Conference: Converging Threats, Shared Defenses
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 8:30 am to 12:30 pm | GW's Media and Public Affairs Building, Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20052
A catalyst for action, the 2026 conference inspires leaders to strengthen our critical infrastructure through proactive engagement and purposeful connections. This year’s conference will unfold against the backdrop of the 2028 Olympics—an electrifying, large-scale public event that sets the stage for a realistic cyberattack on critical operational technology systems.
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Cafritz Awards Application Information Session
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 12 pm to 1 pm | Online
Are you working on your application for the 23rd Annual Calvin Cafritz Awards, but haven’t finished yet? Join us for this interactive session designed to help you cross the finish line before the February 20th deadline.
| | Featured Video: Global Perspectives Residency Program | | | | |
GSPM faculty members are frequently contacted by leading media organizations for their insights on communication, economic, foreign policy and political matters, where their perspectives receive global attention. Our faculty are the experts that journalists turn to during breaking news!
Please visit the In the Media section of our website for many recent comments from our faculty, including Dr. Todd Belt, Dr. Casey Burgat, Dr. Matt Dallek and Lesley Lopez.
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