A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS Community and friends,

What an extraordinary year of milestones and celebrations for the George Washington University College of Professional Studies! As we embrace the fall semester, I am filled with pride and gratitude as I reflect on the remarkable achievements, lasting impact and vibrant community that make our college so special.

This year, we have much to celebrate! Our Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) marks its 40th anniversary, commemorating four decades of preparing leaders to make a meaningful impact in politics, public affairs, and communications. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Executive Director the Honorable Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for her leadership, as well as our exceptional faculty and staff whose dedication continues to advance GSPM's important mission.


We are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of our Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL)! For three decades, CEPL has been developing public leaders who make a positive difference in their organizations, communities and the lives of the people they serve. My sincere appreciation goes to Executive Director Dr. Natalie Houghtby-Haddon and her outstanding leadership team for their tireless dedication to empowering and inspiring the next generation of public leaders.


And, of course, I am especially proud to add the College of Professional Studies' 25th anniversary to this incredible lineup of celebrations! Our Sustainable Urban Planning program is marking 15 years, while our Paralegal Studies program celebrates its 20th anniversary. Each of these milestones represents years of innovation, academic excellence, and a commitment to preparing professionals to lead and succeed in an ever-changing world.

None of these achievements would be possible without our extraordinary practitioner faculty, talented staff, dedicated students and alumni. You are the heart of CPS, and it is your passion, expertise and commitment that continue to move our college forward. Thank you for all that you do!


I also want to extend a warm thank you to everyone who joined us for Friends and Family Alumni Weekend! It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces back to campus, reconnect with our alumni and celebrate the relationships that make the CPS community so special. We loved having you with us!

As we look ahead, there are many exciting opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with our community. I encourage you to explore the upcoming events featured in this newsletter and mark your calendars for our 3rd Annual Stronger Together Cybersecurity Conference on April 21, 2027! 

This year, we're especially excited to expand the experience with a career fair, providing an additional opportunity for students, alumni, and professionals to build meaningful connections, grow their networks, and explore new career possibilities. Please be on the look out for more information on this important conversation with career professionals and industry leaders.


As we continue this milestone-filled year, I wish each of you a successful and rewarding semester and a wonderful fall season. Thank you for being part of the CPS community and for helping us build an even brighter future together!

Warm regards,

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies | The George Washington University

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