Director, Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM)
George Washington Univeristy (2012-2016)
During my tenure as Director of the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), I led a strategic transformation that expanded global reach, increased diversity, modernized learning, and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to civic purpose. As the nation’s first and leading school of applied politics, GSPM prepares students for real-world leadership at the intersection of strategy, governance, and communication. We advanced that mission by launching new programs, raising the school’s visibility, and deepening its global relevance.
🌍 Expanding Global Reach, Inclusion, and Empathy
- We launched two new master’s programs with a strong international focus. One fully online program—taught in Spanish and paired with in-person Washington, D.C. residencies—attracted wide participation from across Latin America, adding both linguistic and cultural diversity to our student body.
- We also developed and led global residency courses in cities central to international policy and commerce: Beijing, Brussels, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Istanbul/Ankara, London, São Paulo/Brasília, Seoul, and Tokyo. These immersive experiences gave students firsthand insight into how political strategy and public affairs operate on the world stage. Few experiences teach empathy like standing in a foreign country, feeling the weight of difference, and being called upon to explain your country’s decisions. Our students returned with sharper global awareness and deeper understanding of the power of perspective.
While in Istanbul teaching for Koç University, I headlined a reception for GWU alums.
🎯 Sharpening Strategy & Professional Relevance
We modernized our curriculum to match the pace and complexity of today’s public affairs environment. We introduced coursework in digital strategy, data-driven campaigning, and strategic communication. I launched a Digital Boot Camp to ensure students had real-time exposure to emerging technologies. These updates prepared graduates to lead in an era of information saturation, polarized publics, and global interdependence.
🏛️ Elevating Civic Understanding & Public Purpose
As part of our public mission, we strengthened the school’s voice on issues related to free expression, constitutional values, and civic responsibility. We hosted bipartisan panels and invited leaders across the political spectrum to engage students in dialogue about the democratic process. We expanded our outreach to underrepresented communities and equipped students to become principled navigators of public life.
It was an honor to welcome the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny to GW while leading GSPM.
📈 Strengthening the School’s Standing
We exceeded our fundraising targets and secured a multimillion-dollar investment from the university to advance the school’s strategic plan. Our Strategic Public Relations program was named the best in the country by PRWeek in 2015. We expanded our faculty with merit-based, mission-aligned hires that strengthened both diversity and excellence. By the end of my tenure, GSPM was not only growing in enrollment, reach, and reputation—but redefining what it means to train ethical, effective leaders for a rapidly changing world.
📊 GWU-GSPM by the Numbers
- 450 graduate students
- 3,000+ alumni
- 10 full-time and 80+ adjunct faculty
- 20+ staff across operations, student support, and global programs
- 2 new international master’s degrees launched
- 11 cities hosted global residencies
- $ multi-million university investment secured
- 2x increase in annual fundraising
🌍 Global Classrooms, Global Impact
“I designed and led immersive global residencies in cities shaping public affairs: Ankara, Beijing, Brasilia, Brussels, Cape Town (designed only), Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, São Paulo, Seoul, and Tokyo—bringing theory to life through international engagement.”
🏅 Recognized Innovation
🏆 PRWeek named GSPM’s Strategic Public Relations program the best in the nation (2015), highlighting our forward-leaning curriculum, digital innovation, and practical orientation.