The Dean's Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS Community and friends,


As we turn the page on another exciting academic year, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. While next month’s issue will be dedicated to the inspiring moments from Commencement, I couldn’t wait to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements that are shaping our community right now—and to extend a warm welcome to our newest members, the Class of 2025!

We recently had the joy of honoring outstanding alumni from both the College of Professional Studies and the Graduate School of Political Management—true changemakers who exemplify the mission and values of our college. Within our walls, we also gathered as a full CPS team to celebrate the innovation and impact of our staff and faculty at the All Hands Meeting, featuring this year’s Catalyst Awards, as well as celebrating our annual Faculty Awards in a dedicated ceremony. These events serve as powerful reminders of the excellence that lives in every corner of our college.


It was also a pleasure to welcome our CPS Advisory Council back to campus for a dynamic meeting focused on the future of adult learning. This committed group of industry leaders plays an essential role in advancing our mission.

And speaking of the future, our GW RevU platform continues to build momentum through cutting-edge cybersecurity partnerships that are expanding access to education and preparing learners for real-world impact.


Thank you for all you do to make CPS a vibrant, forward-thinking community. I look forward to sharing more moments of celebration and inspiration in next month’s Commencement-focused edition.

Warm regards,

Liesl A. Riddle signature in cursive

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies

The George Washington University

Students Gain Political Insights During Week in Washington

During the Graduate School of Political Management’s (GSPM) Washington Residency Program, students had the privilege of exploring the nation’s capital like insiders. 


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CPS Supports Federal Workforce Amid Downsizing with Tuition Discounts - Apply by August 1

At the GW College of Professional Studies (CPS), we understand that the recent federal workforce reductions due to the administration’s downsizing efforts has created uncertainty for many professionals. If you have been impacted, we want to support your next career move—whether that’s transitioning into the private sector, nonprofit work, or another field. 


To help ease career transitions, CPS is offering a 20% tuition discount for current and prospective students impacted in 2025. Apply by August 1 for fall semester. More details

Sustainable Urban Planning Students Showcase Capstone Projects

Molly Lambert

Five spring 2025 graduates presented their Capstone Projects on May 2nd to an enthusiastic audience.The Capstone is the culminating experience for students in the master’s program in Sustainable Urban Planning (SUP). Students complete individual projects to showcase the knowledge, skills and abilities they have learned.


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College Faculty Honored at Annual Awards Celebration

Congratulations to all of our faculty honored at this year’s College of Professional Studies’ (CPS) Faculty Awards Celebration! We are incredibly proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of our faculty. This year we presented awards in three categories - Milestone Awards, a new CPS Service Award and the CPS Catalyst Awards. 


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Celebrating Publishing Excellence - Double Winner of 2025 EPIC Awards

Congratulations to the GW Graduate Program in Publishing for securing top honors at the 2025 Society for Scholarly Publishing EPIC Awards competition. Winners of the inaugural EPIC Awards Celebration were announced May 29 at the Society for Scholarly Publishing’s (SSP) Annual Meeting.


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Undergraduate Students Participate in 2025 Virginia Cybersecurity Fusion Competition

cyber student competition

A group of cybersecurity undergraduate students, led by Program Director Dr. Scott White, proudly participated in the invitation-only 8th Annual Commonwealth Cyber Fusion. Bringing together top students, educators, and industry leaders, the event featured hands-on competitions designed to simulate real-world cyber threats, sharpening their technical skills while gaining insights into emerging trends and workforce demands in the field.


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A Postcard from Berlin - Spring 2025 Global Perspectives Residencies Program in Germany

student group in Berlin

This spring, a cohort of students from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) embarked on a transformative journey to Berlin as part of the Global Perspectives Residency program. Led by Dr. Natalia Dinello, the Spring 2025 program brought the theory of governance to life through immersive, real-world experiences in Germany’s political and cultural capital.


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CPS Catalyst Awards Presented at Spring All College Meeting

This spring, we gathered in Washington, DC to reconnect as a team, share information and celebrate the innovation and impact of our staff and faculty. The April 17 All Hands Meeting featured Dean Liesl Riddle’s “Year in Review” report, department updates from the Faculty Affairs and Instructional Design teams and presentation of this year’s coveted Catalyst Awards. The meeting provided in-person networking opportunities, some surprising moments, a few laughs and even a fun round of Jeopardy. 


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KUDOS

Celebrating Faculty Promotions: John Warren & Casey Burgat

Please join us in congratulating two exceptional members of our faculty on their recent promotions. John W. Warren, Program Director, Publishing, has been promoted to full Professor, and Dr. Casey Burgat, Program Director, Legislative Affairs, has been promoted to Associate Professor.


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GSPM Faculty Member Nancy Bocskor Honored with AAPC Trailblazer Award

Congratulations to Nancy Bocskor, a Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) faculty member, for being named a 2025 Trailblazer Award honoree by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC).


The Trailblazer Award celebrates individuals at the forefront of change—pioneers whose groundbreaking strategies and leadership have significantly advanced the field of political consulting.


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Casey Burgat Publishes New Book - We Hold These "Truths": How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back

We Hold These Truths book by Casey Burgat

Are you worried about the state of our democracy? Want to get involved but not sure where to start?


In We Hold These "Truths", former congressional staffer turned George Washington University grad school associate professor Casey Burgat leads a diverse team of officials, academics, and experts from both sides of the aisle to expose the lies at the heart of our political dysfunction. They debunk talking points about term limits, lobbyists, money in politics, and more – offering real-world insights into how our government actually works.


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Professor White Speaks at 2025 Cyber Summit

Congratulations to Dr. Scott White for being a part of the May 15 Cyber Summit organized by the Potomac Officers Club. He participated in Panel A: Leveraging Big Data and Advanced Analytics to Enhance Cybersecurity.


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Center for Excellence in Public Leadership Hires Director of Administration

The George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) has announced the appointment of a new Director of Administration. Rachel Mahmud brings over 15 years of experience in program management, strategic planning, and partnerships.


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SUP Faculty Member Participates in Multi-National Convening on the Just Energy Sector

Dr. Matthew Dalbey, a faculty member in the Sustainable Urban Planning program, recently participated in a convening in Italy entitled “Creating Just Transition Ecosystems.” Dr. Dalbey was the lead discussant on three panels related to workforce development, grassroots approaches to a just transition, and ways to improve coordination between local community-based organizations and state/provincial and national governments.


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UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Spain

Fall 2025 Global Perspectives Residency in Spain: Apply Today!


Immerse yourself in global politics through our transformative short-term study abroad program. This fall’s residency, “Politics and Policies at a Crossroad of Ideas and Cultures,” offers a four-week asynchronous course that delves into Spain’s political landscape, governance, and its dynamic ties with the U.S., EU, and Latin America—all while exploring the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. The course culminates in a one-week, in-country immersive experience where students meet with leaders, engage with institutions, and gain real-world insights into political and social change. Application Deadline: September 1 | Sign up to attend an info session

Homeland Security Bachelor's Online Information Session

Friday, June 13 | 1 pm to 2 pm | Online


Join us to learn more about GW's Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree Program. This program recognizes the needs of those working in the Homeland Security industry and provides essential information for those seeking to advance in their respective fields.

Publishing Program Online Information Session

Friday, June 13, 2025 | 4 pm to 5 pm | Online


Today's publishing industry continues to evolve rapidly under new and dynamic pressures. Stay ahead of the curve with a Master's degree in Publishing from GW. Learn how the program integrates traditional print with electronic publishing topics.

GW's Paralegal Program Course Sampler and Live Class Session

Try a Free Mini-Course and Attend a Paralegal Studies Class Course Materials Available: June 15-June 20, 2025

Live Class Session: June 18, 2025 | 6 pm to 7 pm | Virtual 


Get an inside look at the student experience at GW with our free Online Course Sampler. We'll also spend some time studying legal philosophies and history. Register today to join discussions and learn from the program director and lead faculty member, Professor Toni Marsh, JD, during this one-week non-credit virtual course.

Cybersecurity Bachelor's Completion Program Online Information Session

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 12 pm to 1 pm | Virtual


Are you intrigued by the prospect of an exciting career that contributes to safeguarding U.S. national security? Join us for our online information session, where you will gain valuable insights into how GW's Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree Completion Program can pave the way for your success in the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity.

Information Technology Program Online Information Session

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 12 pm to 1 pm | Virtual

The Information Technology (IT) program is innovative for community college graduates and working professionals seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Homeland Security Master's Online Information Session

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm | Virtual


Please join us to learn more about GW’s Homeland Security Master’s Program offered by the College of Professional Studies. This program is designed to train homeland security professionals to develop and implement coordinated response practices at the local, regional, and national levels. 

CSIM Online Information Session

Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm | Virtual


GW's Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management (CSIM) master's program was developed for working professionals from the military, homeland security, and private sectors who want to gain the expertise to address current and emerging challenges in cyberspace. Join us to learn how GW's program can help you overcome the challenge and learn the mission-critical skills to secure your organization’s infrastructure.

GSPM Online Info Session

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 12 pm to 1 pm | Virtual


Mark your calendar! GSPM is hosting a Virtual Info Session where you can connect with GSPM faculty, admissions staff, and alumni from your program of interest—Political Management, Legislative Affairs, or Public Relations and Communications.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introducing GWorld Mobile Cards: Now on Your Phone!

The GWorld Office has launched new technology that allows the GW community to add and store their GWorld Card to their phone. Once installed, tap your Apple or Android mobile device where you typically tap a physical GWorld Card. Are you ready to Go Mobile? Setup is quick and easy. Visit the GWorld website and get started. If you do not have access to a mobile device or prefer not to use a GWorld Mobile Card, you can continue to use your physical GWorld Card.


More Information

CPS IN THE NEWS

GSPM Faculty:

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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