The Dean's Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS Community,

I hope this email finds you well. As we delve into the second month of the year, it's my pleasure to highlight the myriad of engaging activities and development opportunities that have taken place within our college throughout February. Our Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Paul O’Dwyer Endowed Forum for Political Ethics event will stand as a beacon of invaluable insights and networking prospects, providing our students and the wider CPS community with enriching experiences and connections.


The college is immensely proud to announce the culmination of the 2023 inaugural GW Government and Public Affairs (GPA) Study, a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and private sector communicators, marking the second year of a transformative research partnership aimed at understanding and enhancing government communications' trust and effectiveness in the eyes of the public. Thank you to GSPM Board of Advisors Co-Chair Carly Cooperman and Larry Parnell, Program Director of the Strategic Public Relations program for your leadership on this important research.


Participating in the annual Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference was yet another engaging partnership for us. It provided a platform for our students to showcase their research prowess, engage with potential future scholars and glean knowledge from seasoned industry experts. 


Our highly successful in-person Professional Access Roundtable event was an unparalleled opportunity for networking, learning and fostering meaningful connections among industry leaders and experts.


In addition to these remarkable events, I am thrilled to announce a unique opportunity with our Global Perspective Residency program in Brussels. This initiative allows our students to apply their education on a global scale, broadening their horizons and enriching their academic journey.


Looking ahead to March, we anticipate a flurry of activities and events. As we prepare for the exciting month ahead, our Women in Homeland Security event serves to empower and inspire. The event features an exciting panel of five professional women working in the field, including Chief of Police Pamela Smith, Metropolitan Police Department, as well as faculty and alumni members at different stages of their careers.


I encourage you to take a moment to relax and stay informed by tuning into the latest episodes of Mastering the Room and The Professionals podcast.


I am eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with each of you at one of our signature events or on campus. Let's embrace the upcoming month with a spirit of growth, learning and meaningful connections.

Warm regards,

Liesl A. Riddle signature in cursive

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies

The George Washington University

Maximizing Professional Growth: Insights from CPS's Professional Access Roundtable Series

Students talking at a roundtable

Networking is key to career advancement, and the Professional Access Roundtable series acknowledges its importance by offering a supportive environment for attendees to navigate networking with confidence. These multifaceted events act as a springboard for forging connections, gaining insights across industries and refining networking skills to enhance career trajectories. 


The College’s most recent Professional Access Roundtable event, held February 23 in Arlington, provided a dynamic environment for current and prospective students, alumni, faculty and employers to connect and network while discussing hot topics within their professions and disciplines. 


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2024 Pi Sigma Alpha Student Conference Held at GW

faculty and students at the event

CPS/GSPM proudly sponsored and participated in the 2024 Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference, held February 16-18 at George Washington University. The event reinforced our enduring partnership with Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society. The Conference lineup included participation by two GSPM faculty members and several alumni.


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Global Perspective Residency Program: Next Stop Brussels

Glass office building with reflections in Brussels

Every year, GSPM faculty lead short-term study abroad courses that explore the political and socio-economic environments of countries outside the United States. The Residencies involve four compressed weeks of online three-credit coursework, followed by a one-week onsite program in a world capital. Students recently traveled to Spain, Brazil and The Republic of Georgia. Upcoming programs include the United Kingdom and EU-Brussels.


Apply by April 30 for the EU-Brussels course, offering unparalleled insights into the workings of the European Union, coupled with engaging sessions, site visits and networking opportunities that promise to enrich your academic journey.


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Alumna Loretta Tillery Receives Prestigious Kenneth K. Henning Award for Excellence in Public Service

Loretta Tillery, CPM has been named the 2023 recipient of the Kenneth K. Henning Award by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®, their highest award recognizing professional excellence in public service.


Tillery is an alumna of the Regional Executive Development Program (REDP), a year-long program run in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and GW's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL).


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2024 Election Hub Coming Soon

elephant donkey plush toys in red and blue with GSPM logo

The Graduate School of Political Management's (GSPM) 2024 Election Hub will be a one-stop clearinghouse to find out about everything election-related going on at GSPM. The new website resource has been created to provide insights from our expert faculty, including news clips, podcast episodes, polling data, political events, scholarly research and more. Be on the lookout for the website’s launch and check back frequently for updates during the election season.

Scott White Featured Speaker at Cyber Professionals Event

Scott White speaks at Cyber event

Featured speaker, Dr. Scott J. White, a Clinical Criminologist and Director of the Cybersecurity BPS Program at GW’s College of Professional Studies, provided an insightful, thought provoking and entertaining presentation about “Cyber Criminals: A Forensic Profile of Insider Threats.”


White spoke to a crowd of 70+ attendees at the event hosted by the Loudoun County Cyber Professionals and Loudoun County Economic Development groups. 


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Semester in Washington - Be in the Center of the Action

Semester in Washington Program banner with blue and red angled shapes

In an exciting development, The George Washington University's College of Professional Studies is gearing up to relaunch its highly anticipated Semester in Washington (SIW) program this summer. Focused on applied politics, this year-round transformative and immersive educational experience offers undergraduate students from around the world a unique opportunity to delve into the inner workings of American government while gaining practical skills and insights into political management.


Now accepting applications for Summer 2024.


Priority Application Deadline for Summer 2024: March 31st

More Info

CPS PODCASTS

The Professionals Podcast

In the most recent episode of The Professionals Podcast, alumnus Kristian Maldonado (MPS '23, Sustainable Urban Planning) shares his amazing journey into the world of urban planning in "Navigating A Career in Urban Planning: From Capstone Projects to Loudoun County." Find it on your preferred podcast platform, where you listen to all your podcasts.

Listen & Subscribe to The Professionals Podcast
Mastering the Room logo, photo of Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg

Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg on Trump Trials This conversation discusses the legal liabilities of former President Donald J. Trump, focusing on the charges brought against him in different jurisdictions. The conversation covers the Manhattan charges regarding falsifying business records, the Georgia charges related to election fraud, the case involving national security documents, and the case of the 2020 election subversion. The conversation also explores the importance of state-level charges, the defense of billionaire accounting practices, and the role of Chief Prosecutor Jack Smith. The likelihood of conviction and potential prison time is assessed for each case.

Mackay Coppins Mastering the Room

Mitt Romney Biographer McKay Coppins Episode three of Mastering the Room welcomes New York Times bestselling author, McKay Coppins who gives Casey and podcast guests a behind-the-scenes look into Mitt Romney’s political tenure from the beginning to where he is now. You don’t want to miss this! Listen, subscribe and share.

Listen & Subscribe to Mastering the Room

UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS

2024 Paul O'Dwyer Endowed Forum |The Normalization of Impeachments: History, Ethics, and Implications

February 29, 2024: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | In-person, Jack Morton Auditorium, GW's Media & Public Affairs Building, 805 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC.


The Graduate School of Political Management is pleased to present the 2024 Paul O'Dwyer Endowed Forum for Political Ethics. This year's featured speakers are U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD's 8th District) and Former U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Illinois's 13th District from 2013 to 2023). The conversation will give a behind-the-scenes look at how the impeachment process has played out in recent years.


The Paul O'Dwyer Forum is an annual endowed event made possible by the generosity of GW alumnus and donor, Brian O'Dwyer, CCAS BA '66 and LAW '76, in honor of his father, Paul O'Dwyer. This endowed event series is focused on ensuring students and the GW community continue to emphasize the role of ethics in politics.

2nd Annual National Survey of Government Communications & Public Affairs (GPA) Rollout

February 29, 2024: 8:30 AM - 10 AM | In-person, GW's Gelman Library, The National Churchill Leadership Center (NCLC), 2130 H Street NW, Washington DC 20052

The 2023 inaugural GW Government and Public Affairs (GPA) Study gathered input from federal, state and private sector communicators, as well as communications professionals who engage with the government on behalf of corporations and nonprofit associations.


This event presents the second year of the multi-year research partnership. It will examine the trust and effectiveness of government communications from the perception of the general public. This study was completed in partnership with The National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC), Schoen Cooperman Research (SCR), Ragan and Axios.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Ethical Communication

March 5, 2024 6:30 PM to 8 PM | In-person, GW Arlington Education Center, Room 102, Ground Floor, 950 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203


Come join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of AI and ethical communications. This in-person event will delve into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in communication practices. Learn from experts in the field and engage in lively debates on the impact of AI on our communication landscape. Limited seating is available for GSPM and SMPA students and alumni. Register today!

Women Leaders in Homeland Security

March 21, 2024, 4 PM to 5:30 PM | In-person 1957 E Street, NW, City View Room (7th Floor), Washington, DC 20052


Please join us for an event celebrating women in homeland security sponsored by The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies Homeland Security and Cybersecurity programs. Our distinguished panelists will provide unique insights into the roles women play in this field and the diverse opportunities available to women to contribute to the homeland security mission.

GW Business and Policy Forum - Save the Date

April 2, 2024, 8 AM to 6:30 PM | In-person Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052


Save the date for April 2nd when The George Washington University will be hosting its second annual GW Business & Policy Forum! Join national and global leaders in business, research, and government at this Only at GW event. Stay tuned for the list of speakers, schedule and link to register!

Save the Date for GW Giving Day

Change a Student’s Life! On Giving Day 2024, April 3-4, join the George Washington University community – on Foggy Bottom’s campus and around the globe – to make a difference. From financial aid and #OnlyAtGW moments to leading-edge research and groundbreaking discoveries, your generous support of GW on Giving Day will provide the foundation to educate the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders.


For 24 hours, you can make a difference in the lives of our students and everyone who their work will touch. Join us on April 3-4, 2024.

Giving Day April 3-4, 2024
More Upcoming Events

CPS IN THE NEWS

Comments from Dr. Scott Sklar

Marketplace quoted Scott Sklar in the article “Why lithium prices have been on a roller coaster ride." 

Comments from Dr. Scott White

Scripps News quoted Scott White in the article “US infrastructure is vulnerable to Chinese cyberattack, officials warn."

Comments from Dr. Todd Belt

Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Todd Belt in the article “New poll shows Trump with a 5-point lead over Biden.’’ 


Washington Examiner quoted Todd Belt in the article “Nikki Haley reminds voters of gubernatorial record in DeSantis-esque strategy shift.’’

 

Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Todd Belt in the article “Politics of the Super Bowl: While game played, some talk Swift, Biden, anthems.’’ 


Lilly Broadcasting quoted Todd Belt in the article “What a Democratic Victory in NY Special Election Means for a Narrowly Divided U.S. House.’’ 


Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Todd Belt in the article “Biden's job performance: Immigration top issue for detractors."


Spectrum News quoted Todd Belt in the article “Biden wins New Hampshire primary, AP projects, after write-in campaign.’’  


Scripps News spoke with Todd Belt.

Lilly Broadcasting quoted Todd Belt in the article “Trump, Haley Go Head-to-Head in New Hampshire Primary.’’


Lilly Broadcasting quoted Todd Belt in the article “GOP Field Shrinks to Two Ahead of NH Primary.’’ 


Spectrum News quoted Todd Belt in the article “Why Biden won't be on the New Hampshire primary ballot Tuesday.’’ 

WSB-AM, Atlanta spoke with Todd Belt.


France 24 quoted Todd Belt in the segment “As criminal trials loom, GOP voters 'don't necessarily love Trump, but they really want Biden gone."

Lilly Broadcasting quoted Todd Belt in the article “After Multiple U.S. Attacks on Houthi Targets, Some Senators Are Questioning Legality of Strikes Without Congressional Approval."


Gray TV spoke with Todd Belt in the segment “GWU Professor on Trump Winning NH Primary.’’


Gray TV spoke with Todd Belt in the segment “GWU Professor Reacts to Haley Speech Following NH Primary.’’


Gray TV spoke with Todd Belt in the segment “GWU Professor on Road Ahead for Trump After NH.’’


Gray TV spoke with Todd Belt in the segment “GWU Professor NH Primary Wrap Reaction.’’


France24 quoted Todd Belt in the segment “Nikki Haley's 'uphill battle' to win GOP nomination: 'She's really laid the groundwork for 2028.'’’


USA Today quoted Todd Belt in the article “Can Super Tuesday save Nikki Haley's bid to compete with Donald Trump?’’ 


Spectrum News quoted Todd Belt in the article “How New York Rep. Elise Stefanik became a loyal Trump ally and possible VP pick.’’ 


Canada’s CBC News Network spoke with Todd Belt.

Spectrum News quoted Todd Belt in the article “President Joe Biden heads to Florida on Tuesday.’’ 


BBC quoted Todd Belt in the article “Joe Biden v Donald Trump - where contest will be won and lost.’’

 

Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Todd Belt in the article “Biden's approval ratings remain low even as Americans grow more positive about economy.’’

Comments from Dr. Casey Burgat

Scripps News spoke to Casey Burgat about prospects for congressional passage of a foreign aid package and former President Trump’s comments about NATO.


Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Casey Burgat in the article “Trump, not Border Patrol union likely to hold sway over GOP lawmakers with border deal.’’ 


The Washington Post quoted Casey Burgat in the article “The House impeached the DHS secretary. What’s next for Alejandro Mayorkas? ’’


Forbes quoted Casey Burgat in the article “Here’s Why Mayorkas Won’t Lose His Job Despite Being Impeached.’’ 

Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Casey Burgat in the article “Facing major budget shortfall, ICE considers freeing thousands of migrants: Report.’’ 


ABC7 quoted Casey Burgat in the article, "Not yet official GOP nominee, Trump toys with VP pick."


Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Casey Burgat in the article “Not yet official GOP nominee, Trump toys with VP pick.’’ 


France TV spoke with Casey Burgat 


WUSA-CBS9 spoke to Casey Burgat in the article “VERIFY: Executive action at the southern border.’’

Comments from Dr. Matt Dallek

Cape (Cod) News quoted Matt Dallek in the article “Falmouth Jewish Congregation Will Present Virtual Talk By Historian Matthew Dallek.’’


Canada’s Globe and Mail quoted Matthew Dallek in the article “When Donald Trump abandons NATO, it calls all American defence responsibilities into question.’’


CBS News quoted Matthew Dallek in the article “Trump wins U.S. Virgin Islands GOP caucuses.’’

The Wall Street Journal quoted Matthew Dallek in the article “Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Father, Showing His Decapitated Head in YouTube Video.’’ 


Scripps News spoke with Matt Dallek about the Democratic presidential calendar.

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