The Dean's Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS community and friends, 


As we stand on the threshold of a new academic year, I hope this message finds you energized and ready to embrace the myriad opportunities ahead. It is with immense excitement and optimism that I extend a heartfelt welcome to both our new and returning students as we embark on the Fall semester.


This year marks a pivotal moment for the College of Professional Studies as we continue with our groundbreaking and award winning 'Catalyst 2.0' campaign. This initiative is not just a campaign—it’s a movement that underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, growth, and transformative change. You’ll soon see this campaign come to life across multiple platforms, and I encourage you to engage with it as we chart new paths in education and professional development.


Our commitment to excellence is further exemplified by a dynamic Fall event calendar filled with enriching experiences designed to broaden your horizons and connect you with thought leaders in your field. I strongly encourage you to explore these opportunities and participate in the diverse array of events we have lined up—there’s truly something for everyone!

Dean Liesl Riddle welcome to Fall 2024 message.

I am also thrilled to announce our continued partnership with the Washington Business Journal for a three-part series of events over the coming months. These events will spotlight our newly revamped Public Relations and Communications program, a testament to our dedication to staying at the forefront of industry innovation and addressing real-world challenges with cutting-edge solutions.


In the world of podcasts, we continue our influence with two exceptional series that have quickly become must-listen content. Season 2 of 'The Professionals Podcast' is underway, delivering insights from industry leaders and experts who are shaping the future of their fields. Additionally, I am delighted to announce the return of the 'Mastering the Room' podcast for its second season, hosted by our esteemed program director, Casey Burgat. Both podcasts are available wherever you download your Podcasts, and I encourage you to tune in for thought-provoking discussions that will inspire and inform.


Let’s make this Fall semester a catalyst for excellence, inspiration, and meaningful progress. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and achieve new heights. With that in mind, please make sure to familiarize yourself with President Granberg’s Fall 2024 letter to the community on the President’s website.


Here’s to a productive, inspiring, and successful semester! 

Warm regards,

Liesl A. Riddle signature in cursive

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies

The George Washington University

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Bob Carr

Bob Carr and Professor Todd Belt

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of former Congressman, Bob Carr, a beloved faculty member of the Graduate School of Political Management on August 27, 2024. Congressman Carr served 18 years in the U.S. House and was a dedicated advocate for GSPM and our students.


Read full message from Dean Riddle to the CPS/GSPM community

College of Professional Studies Enhances PR Program with the Strategic Appointment of Lesley Lopez

Lesley Lopez

The College of Professional Studies is excited to welcome Lesley Lopez as the new Director of the Public Relations and Communications master’s program. Her leadership arrives at a pivotal time as the program undergoes key enhancements to better serve our students and the broader College community.


Learn more about Lesley

2024 Election Season Updates

Whether you're a seasoned political enthusiast or simply curious about the current political climate, the 2024 election promises to be a pivotal event in shaping our nation's future—and with our upcoming events and content, there's something for everyone to engage with and explore.


Mark your calendar and save your seat for our upcoming events, including The Mark Penn Presidential Pollsters Event and Say It Well: In Conversation with Obama Speechwriter Terry Szuplat. And be sure to frequently check our 2024 Election Hub for expert analysis, events, and more.


Read more

Sustainable Urban Planning Students Present Individual Capstone Projects

6 SUP students with faculty member Sandra Whitehead

Six summer 2024 graduates presented their Capstone Projects August 9th to an enthusiastic audience of students, alumni and faculty, as well as family and friends.


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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GW-RRI Partnership Celebrates Graduation of First Academy for Civic Education & Democracy Cohort

Group of ACED student graduates

As we celebrated the graduation of our inaugural Academy for Civic Education and Democracy (ACED) cohort this summer, we recognized the dedication and hard work of the students throughout the program. The partnership between The George Washington University College of Professional Studies and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is driving innovation in civic engagement and leadership while honoring the legacies of two influential American Presidents: Ronald Reagan and George Washington.


Learn more

Celebrating Bipartisanship: Congressional Baseball Game

Student group at Congressional Baseball Game

The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) was thrilled to cosponsor and be part of this year’s Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park on June 12, 2024.


We had an incredible time cheering on our representatives and celebrating bipartisanship. Connecting with our students, alumni, faculty, partners, and GW leadership in such a spirited setting was a pleasure.


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Media Seeks Cybersecurity Program Director’s Expertise on CrowdStrike Outage

Scott White

This summer the world experienced a widespread technical outage linked to a company called CrowdStrike. As the massive disruptions were being felt in many industries, media outlets turned to our Cybersecurity BPS Program Director, Dr. Scott J. White, for his expert analysis and insights during the outage.


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Celebrating Two Decades of Partnership: GSPM and the University of Navarra

University of Navarra graduation group of students in regalia

This summer, we’re excited to celebrate 20 years of collaboration between George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) and the University of Navarra located in Pamplona, Spain.


The partnership centers around the GSPM Four-Week Program, also known as the Navarra program, a unique residency held in Washington, D.C, for students from the University of Navarra's Master's Degree in Political and Corporate Communication (MCPC) program. It offers theoretical and practical insights into U.S. political communication and lobbying, which continues to be a cornerstone of our international educational outreach.


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UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Chief Influencer LIVE with Virginia Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 |4pm to 6pm

1957 E Street NW, City View Room

Book Signing with Author Todd L. Belt, The Presidency and Domestic Policy

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11am to 12pm

2125 I Street Northwest Washington, DC 20052

Do Americans Still Have Confidence in Their Government?

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 5:30pm to 8:30pm

The Mark Penn Presidential Pollsters Event

444 North Capitol Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001

Terry Szuplat

Say It Well: In Conversation with Obama Speechwriter Terry Szuplat

Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 12pm to 1:30pm

Gelman Library, 2130 H Street NW, Washington DC 20052


Terry Szuplat

A Life of Public Service, Secretary Del Toro Event

Monday, September 23, 2024 5pm to 7:30pm

Media and Public Affairs Building, Jack Morton Auditorium

supreme court

Tenth Annual Supreme Court Review & Preview

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 | 6pm to 7:30pm 

1957 E St NW, Washington DC 20052

14th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference 2024

October 10-11, 2024

1957 E St NW, Washington DC 20052

More Upcoming Events

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mexico City

Apply Today! Global Residency Program in Mexico


Join us for GSPM's upcoming Global Perspective Residency Program in Mexico City, a vibrant and dynamic metropolis and a crucial hub of political, economic, and cultural influence in Latin America.


This unique short-term study abroad program starts with a flexible, month-long, 3-credit online course that provides a comprehensive understanding of Mexico as a close neighbor of the U.S. This is followed by a week in beautiful Mexico City, the center of the country's political and economic activity.


Find out more information at the online information session:

September 4th, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. | Register


More Information

Writing Tutor for CPS/GSPM Students


The College of Professional Studies is pleased to announce a new dedicated writing support resource available to CPS/GSPM students enrolled in degree programs for the fall 2024 semester. Tutoring services will be offered by a CPS alumna and tailored to the specific needs of professional students. Sessions are designed to support students at all stages of the writing process.


To schedule a free, one-on-one appointment, please use this sign up link. Note that each student is limited to two one-hour sessions per semester. Questions? Contact cps_student@gwu.edu.

KUDOS

Paralegal MPS Alumna Publishes Two Books Based on Theses

We’re thrilled to announce that Linda Lemos, MPS '21, has had two books published based on her Master of Professional Studies theses. The books, titled Can the Law Regulate Social Media and Should It? and Would Kentucky Voters Approve a Ban on Assault Weapons?, stem from topics she explored during her Paralegal Thesis and Political Data classes.


Read more

Linda Lemos
PRNews People of the Year 2024 Honoree

Larry Parnell to Be Honored by PRNews

Larry Parnell, CEPL Senior Fellow and former Director of the MPS in Strategic Public Relations program, was recently named one of PRNews' People of the Year in the educators category.


Read more

SUP Faculty Recognized at White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Workshop


SUP Program Director Dr. Sandra Whitehead and professor Dr. Michelle Hawkins were recognized at a recent White House Environmental Justice and Science event for their contributions to a newly released Environmental Justice Science, Data and Research Plan.


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Hawkins (left), Whitehead (right)

CPS IN THE NEWS

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 and Dr. Matt Dallek.

GSPM IN THE MEDIA
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