Dean Liesl Riddle

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS Community, 


As we approach the end of the Fall 2022 semester and my first full semester as Dean of CPS, I couldn't be more excited with the direction and progress of the college. This month's newsletter will highlight several events, such as the college's end of year celebration, GSPM Board of Advisors Fall Meeting, CEPL’s Women Support Women event and CPS faculty, staff and alumni achievements. In addition, there are several upcoming events that might be of interest to you. 


The holiday season is upon us, and I am so grateful to the entire CPS community for working together to see us through this transformative year. I hope that you all have a restful, restorative winter break and that you enter 2023 with resilience, energy and excitement for the future.


Warm regards,

Liesl A. Riddle signature in cursive

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies

George Washington University

COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Strategic Partnerships & Executive Education Department Updates

TSU & GSPM student group

GSPM Renewing Texas Southern University Partnership

The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is renewing its partnership with the Executive Master of Public Administration Program in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University (TSU). The partnership was piloted last year, and after a successful first experience, TSU has agreed to renew the contract. This partnership offers TSU students the opportunity to explore career pathways in the fields of politics and public affairs.

Upcoming GSPM Global Residencies

Global Residency in Mexico group picture

The Graduate School of Political Management’s Global Perspective Residencies program empowers and prepares students for success and leadership in foreign environments. The residencies bring students face-to-face with senior leaders in politics, advocacy and business abroad. To provide an insider’s perspective on a country’s systems of politics, communications and advocacy, each residency includes four weeks of online coursework, followed by a one-week in-country residence.


Mexico City, Mexico - December 2022: GSPM students will be meeting in Mexico City on December 11th for the immersion week of the Mexico Residency course. Led by Dr. Natalia Dinello and Jessilyn Larsen, students will visit with the Senate of the Republic, the National Institute of Elections and the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary, American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, Mexican Business Roundtable, and with other political, advocacy and communication leaders in Mexico. 


Tbilisi, Georgia - Spring 2023: GSPM is now accepting applications for the Spring 2023 Global Perspective Residency in Tbilisi, Georgia. The course runs from May 15 – June 10, 2023, and the immersion week runs from June 11 – 17, 2023. The deadline to apply is January 31. For questions about registering, please reach out to Jessilyn Larsen ([email protected]).

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

GSPM Board of Advisors Meeting

GSPM BOA with dean
GSPM BOA students with dean

On Thursday, November 17th, 2022, the GSPM Board of Advisors met for their once-a-semester meeting. The event was kicked off by the inaugural Fall GSPM Board Dinner, giving board members an opportunity to break bread and share ideas and experiences with GSPM faculty, staff and GSPM Director Scholars. At the board meeting, board members and CPS leadership brainstormed event ideas for the spring semester, as well as new ways for GSPM alumni to mentor our students in the coming year. 

CPS Staff Recognized for Reaching Career Milestones

career milestones pic with the dean and associate dean

Congratulations to CPS staff members honored at the 2022 Career Milestone Awards Ceremony for their commitment to GW. GW's Career Milestones Celebrations are held annually in December to honor those who have achieved career milestones of 5, 10, 15, or 20+ years of service.


Congratulations to Richky Nguyen, 5 years; Tiana LaGon, 5 years; Tobi Greiff, 5 years; Mag Gottlieb,15 years; Shirley Florus, 15 years; Suzanne Farrand, 15 years; and Mona Yep, 20 years.

CEPL Celebrates National Women Support Women Day

In recognition of the National Women Support Women Day on December 1st, the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL), in partnership with CommPro, hosted a special virtual roundtable event with extraordinary women leaders and dynamic speakers from across the public and private sectors.


More information about the event and on demand event recording

First Joint CPS-GWSB-SEAS Alumni Event on Technology and Innovation

CPS Dean with SB and SEAS deans

On December 6, fellow Northern Virginia area alumni joined a conversation with GW leadership about how the latest trends in the technology industry create opportunities for innovation at the university. The conversation featured Dean John Lach from the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS); Dean Anuj Mehrotra from the School of Business (GWSB); and Dean Liesl Riddle from the College of Professional Studies (CPS).


The Deans discussed the many ways that the three schools are collaborating this year on events and programs, exciting new initiatives at each of their respective schools, and the partnerships they are developing at the university, and in the region, that will enhance the university’s research, teaching and outreach for maximum impact.


Learn more about and join GW's Alumni in Technology Industry Network

CPS End of the Year Celebration

CPS Holiday party dean talking
GW Troubador singing student group

For the first time in over two years, the College of Professional Studies came together in person to celebrate the end of the year with colleagues and friends. The team enjoyed great food and a live performance from GW’s Acapella group, the Troubadours. Provost Chris Bracey and Dean Riddle thanked former interim dean, Melissa Feuer, for her leadership and expressed their excitement about the coming year for the college.

Photo Gallery

KUDOS & RECOGNITION

Roberto Izurieta, Associate Research Professor and Program Director, Latin American Projects


After working for more than 22 years as the Director of Latin American Projects, Professor Izurieta is stepping away as he has been assigned to be the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Chile. He will remain a co-instructor for GSPM classes and seminars.

Toni Marsh, Associate Professor and Program Director, Paralegal Studies



Professor Marsh has joined the National Constitution Center Education Advisory Council. In this capacity, Professor Marsh will participate in, advise on and advocate for educational activities, including scholar exchanges, professional development and presentations. The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.


Professor Marsh also has been asked to join the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows Review Committee. The Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright Exchange, builds connections between U.S. and foreign leaders to advance solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from combating climate change, to protecting human rights, increasing access to education and building global health security.

Larry Parnell, Associate Professor and Program Director, Strategic Public Relations


PRSA NCC, the nation’s largest and most active Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), announced its incoming leaders on November 30th. Congratulations to Larry Parnell for being elected as Vice President for a two-year term. Read the full press release

Dr. Michelle Lague,

CPS Instructional Designer


Michelle recently completed her Ph.D. in Education from George Mason University. Dr. Lague’s research focuses on literacy(its), culture, reading and teaching/teacher education. In her dissertation, Dr. Lague focused on university-based, early-career teacher professional development.

Erin Houchin, GSPM Alumni 


Erin Houchin (R) was recently elected to Indiana’s 9th Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives after winning the general election on November 8, 2022. She will begin her term on January 3, 2023.

Donovan Fenton, GSPM Alumni 


Donovan Fenton (D) was recently elected to the New Hampshire State Senate to represent District 10 after winning the general election on November 8, 2022. He recently represented Cheshire 8 as a member of New Hampshire’s House of Representatives; his term ended on December 7, 2022. 

Grant Hauschild, GSPM Alumni


Grant Hauschild (D) was recently elected to the Minnesota State Senate to represent District 3 after winning the general election on November 8, 2022. He will continue to focus on issues that matter most to our communities that include: supporting families, increasing public safety funding for police and mental health services, economic growth, affordable healthcare and eliminating the social security income tax. He will begin his new role on January 3, 2023.


UPCOMING EVENTS

The Final Lap

Fun & Stress-Free Events to Help Take Your Mind Off Finals


Whether you are an undergrad or grad student, the Division for Student Affairs wants to help you successfully cross the end-of-semester finish line in The Final Lap. These FREE and low-cost events are designed to promote your well-being prior to and during final exams. Highlights include FREE breakfast during our daily Breakfast Break, FREE group fitness classes with prizes, FREE chair massages and more! While most events do not require pre-registration, some events do require a pre-registration through the GW Engage or the Final Lap websites.

CPS IN THE NEWS

Comments from Dr. Scott White:

CBN News spoke to Dr. Scott White, Associate Professor and Program Director of Cybersecurity, about the recent power outages in North Carolina and potential terror threats to power grids.

Hearst TV spoke to Scott White, associate professor of cybersecurity, about the importance of protecting critical infrastructure.

Comment from Roberto Izurieta:


CNN en Espanol spoke to Roberto Izurieta, director of Latin American Projects in the Graduate School of Political Management, about his departure to become Ecuador’s ambassador in Chile.

Comments from Dr. Todd Belt:

USA Today in the article, A shot across the Democratic leadership bow': Kyrsten Sinema shakes up Senate, switches to independent, by Candy Woodall, David Jackson, Ken Tran, Rachel Looker and Ella Lee.


Nexstar Media Group


Sinclair Broadcast Group in the article “Twitter's handling of Hunter Biden story spurs questions of transparency, influence," by Cory Smith.


The Hill in the article The Memo: Trump suffers double blow with Walker defeat, courtroom loss,’’ by Niall Stanage.


Hearst TV about the Georgia Senate runoff.


Sinclair Broadcast Group l Management in the article “French may leverage competition concessions after Inflation Reduction Act gripes,’’ by Cory Smith.


Foreign Policy in the article “How a Republican Victory Could Help, Not Hurt, Biden," by Michael Hirsh.


Nexstar Media Group


Nexstar Media Group

DC News Now in the article Analysts say Republicans are poised to take control of Congress," by Daniel Hamburg.


Newsweek in the article “Trump's Second Term as President Would Plunge EPA into 'Alternate Universe,'" by Robyn White.


Nexstar Media Group

 

Sinclair Broadcast Group in the article “Can a staunch Trump critic rise to the top of the GOP in wake of mixed midterms?’’ by Cory Smith.


The Associated Press in the article “Cortez Masto wins in Nevada, giving Democrats Senate control,’’ by Will Weissert, Jill Colvin and Sara Burnett.


CBS Newspath


Newsy in the article Republicans Separating Themselves from Trump Following Midterms.’’


Sinclair Broadcast Group in the article "More Republican power players cut support for Trump,’’ by Ahtra Elnashar.

Comments from Dr. Matt Dallek:

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer, Susan Glasser, and Evan Osnos talked about Dr. Dallek’s forthcoming book on the New Yorker's Politics podcast at the 18-minute mark. The Historical Echoes of Trump’s Dinner with a White Supremacist | The New Yorker

 

The Guardian quoted Dr. Dallek in the article “DeSantis and Pence lead Republican wave – of presidential campaign books,’’ by Martin Pengelly.


For The Washington Post, Dr. Dallek authored the book review “What environmental progress looked like in America, not so long ago.’’


Nexstar Media Group quoted Dr. Dallek in the article “What will Republicans do if they win control of Congress” by Hannah Brandt.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in the article “In historic midterm election, Pennsylvania has the political attention of the world.’


KCBS-AM, San Francisco, spoke to Matthew Dallek, Professor of Political Management, about political violence and extremism.

 

KCBS-AM, San Francisco, spoke to Matthew Dallek, Professor of Political Management.

 

USA Today in the article “Do Republicans have to nominate Trump in 2024? Does Biden have to be picked? What to know,’’ by Marina Pitofsky.

 

WUSA-CBS9

Comments from Casey Burgat:

Gray TV in the article “Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema leaves the Democratic Party,’’ by David Ade.

 

Spectrum News

 

NPR quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “The first Gen Z member of Congress was denied a D.C. apartment due to bad credit,’’ by Jaclyn Diaz. 

 

WUSA-CBS9 quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “Why the Democrat’s 51st Senate seat matters,’’ by Evan Koslof.

 

The Denver Post quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “After narrowly winning reelection, will Lauren Boebert tone down her rhetoric?’’ by Conrad Swanson.


Spectrum News spoke to Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, about the retirement of a Kentucky lawmaker.


Nexstar Media Group quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “Election officials say results may be delayed amid race for party control,’’ by Alexandra Limon.

WUSA-CBS9 about what a party can do with control of just one chamber of Congress.


The Denver Post in the article “Lauren Boebert holding lead over Adam Frisch, ballots still remain in Pueblo County,’’ by Conrad Swanson.

 

Roll Call in the article “Senate Democrats plan spree of judicial confirmations in lame duck,’’ by Michael Macagnone.

 

Spectrum News in the article “McConnell faces Senate GOP leadership challenge from Scott after midterms,’’ by Corina Cappabianca and Eden Harris.

 

Spectrum News quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “Schumer, poised for two more years as majority leader, faces GOP roadblock,’’ by Kevin Frey.


Spectrum News quoted Casey Burgat, Program Director of the Legislative Affairs program in the Graduate School of Political Management, in the article “McCarthy prepares to take battle for House Speaker position ‘to the floor,’’’ by Cassie Semyon.


Comments from Michael Cornfield:

Newsy spoke with GSPM professor Michael Cornfield for the segment "4 States Vote To Protect Abortion Rights."


Deseret News in the article “Why are politicians dancing on TikTok?’’ by Hanna Seariac and Gitanjali Poonia.

PolitiFact quoted Michael Cornfield, Associate Professor of Political Management, in the article “Potential 2024 contenders, including Trump, keep the focus on 'freedom,'’’ by Tom Kertscher.

Comments from Marersa Strano:


For Time, Marersa Strano. Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Political Management, authored the article “Plenty of Voters Care About Democracy. It’s Still Probably Not Enough.’’

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