Schar School of Policy and Government

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Global affairs grad encourages others to give back to their communities

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:17:17 +0000

Global affairs grad encourages others to give back to their communities Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:17

Tereana Battle can look back on many accomplishments during her time at ��, but one of the memories that gives her the most satisfaction is her capstone project, creating an anti-bullying workshop for middle school students.

With her workshop, she helped equip students in Loudoun County with cultural competency skills so they can treat one another with kindness and respect.

A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, Battle is graduating this month with a bachelor’s degree in global affairs.

Battle said giving back to the community is important to her because as a young person she sought out mentorship and guidance and wanted to provide that for other students. During her time at George Mason, she served as a Patriot Leader, helping new students and their families make the transition to college through Orientation and other programs.

Battle also participated in the Bonner Leadership Program, which combines exploration of citizenship and democracy studies with civic engagement through work at community agencies. “Not only did it help me with my vocational experiences, but also allowed me to continue to study full time as an undergraduate student,” she said.

At an internship with Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington provided Battle with another opportunity for service. There, she learned about immigration policy while assisting families.

Battle also took advantage of many of the student services the university offers, including the Writing Center, career readiness and success coaching.

“With the Writing Center, I was able to create my goal statement, and with my goal statement, I was able to get into the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program within the Schar School, which is highly competitive,” Battle said. She plans to pursue a master of public administration.

She served in Student Government and worked as an access services student assistant for the University Libraries. She also studied in Spain through the Global Gateway scholarship program, living with a host family and improving her Spanish language skills.

She was also a member of Every Nation on ��, or ENC, a faith-based group.

She encourages current and future Patriots to find clubs that align with their passion and values.

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Graduation

University Life

Julie Hudson is December Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:32:54 +0000

Julie Hudson is December Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Sun, 11/23/2025 - 08:32

Julie Hudson, executive assistant to Dean Mark J. Rozell at the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��, played an integral role in maintaining the school’s operations during the pandemic and has demonstrated exceptional flexibility as her position evolved over the years. For her leadership and outstanding work ethic, Hudson is being recognized as the December Employee of the Month.

President Gregory Washington with Julie Hudson. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Schar School faculty and staff have expressed their appreciation of Hudson. Colleagues spoke of her bringing fresh ideas to the table, contributing to process improvements, and guiding the team through the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

“I have been impressed by Julie's commitment, professionalism, integrity, enthusiasm, and engagement in the job,” said Tojo Thatchenkery, professor and director of the Organization Development and Knowledge Management Program. “Supporting the dean of a large school requires attention to detail and highly developed interpersonal skills. On behalf of the dean, she works closely with staff and faculty who have been most appreciative of her friendly outreach and timely handling of various requests that come to her.”

Jack A. Goldstone, the Virginia E. and John T. Hazel, Jr. Chair Professor of Public Policy, also commends Hudson for her exceptional knowledge of the university and ability to get things done. “Julie has become my go-to person any time I need help with events, visitors, administrative issues, budget concerns, and overseas travel. She is always able to find the right person, connection, or way to get things done, and I’m always impressed with how quickly she does it,” he said.

“She is a fair and effective manager of staff, an impeccably organized executive assistant to the dean's suite, and she fills every possible void in the coverage of the Schar School's administrative needs,” said Professor Justin Gest, director of the school’s Public Policy Program. “She has a practical, no-nonsense approach to her management of affairs. There is no panic, no excuses, and usually a creative Plan B. When someone says, ‘Julie does that,’ you know it's going to get done. And that deserves great praise and recognition.”

How did you come to George Mason:

I came to George Mason after building a diverse background in higher education and organizational management. Before joining the university, I served as operations manager for the policy school at Virginia Tech, where I oversaw day-to-day processes and supported academic programs. Prior to that, I was the director of payroll and employee benefits for the Community College of Vermont. I also worked as an account manager for a direct mail company and as a conference and communication coordinator for a nonprofit organization. These experiences have provided a strong foundation which I bring to my work at George Mason.

Best day on the job:

The day I learned I would be receiving this award was unforgettable. It is not just an honor—it feels like a genuine acknowledgment of the effort and dedication I bring to my work.

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

The people—my colleagues are the best.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

Spending time with my husband, Mark, and our Jack Russell terrier, Flynn. I enjoy reading, traveling, movies, music, and cooking.

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Policy and Governance Perspectives

Faculty and Staff News

Schar School’s David Ramadan Tapped for Virginia Governor-Elect and Lt. Governor-Elect Transition Teams

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:05:13 +0000

Schar School’s David Ramadan Tapped for Virginia Governor-Elect and Lt. Governor-Elect Transition Teams Andrew J Schappert Thu, 11/20/2025 - 12:05

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Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) and Lt. Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi (D) have named key members of their transition leadership teams, among them David Ramadan, a two-time Republican representative to the House of Delegates and now a professor of practice at the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��.

Schar School’s David Ramadan has been named to two Virginia statewide transition teams. Photo provided

Ramadan is also host of the Schar School’s flagship podcast, Policy and Governance Perspectives.

Ramadan will contribute to Governor-elect Spanberger’s “United for Virginia’s Future” initiative while serving as chair for Lt. Governor-elect Hashmi’s Housing Committee. He will work to assure that both offices are ready to immediately govern effectively upon taking office on Inauguration Day, January 17, 2026.

A two-time George Mason graduate, Ramadan earned his BA in government and politics in 1993 and his Master of International Transactions in 1995. He later served on the George Mason Board of Visitors from 2010 to 2012, appointed by the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, now a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at the Schar School.

From 2012 to 2016, Ramadan represented Loudoun and Prince William counties as a delegate, during which he built a strong record in bipartisan lawmaking, education reform, and civic leadership. Today, he brings that same commitment to the classroom, mentoring students at the Schar School and elevating public dialogue through the policy podcast.

The Schar School is a nationally recognized center for public policy and government studies, preparing leaders who shape policy at the local, state, and national levels. Ramadan’s appointment underscores that legacy of service, expertise, and real-world impact.

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GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Alumni

George Mason's Virginia Climate Center releases first-ever statewide climate assessment

Colleen Rich — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:33:34 +0000

George Mason's Virginia Climate Center releases first-ever statewide climate assessment Colleen Rich Wed, 11/19/2025 - 15:33

��’s Virginia Climate Center (VCC) has unveiled the commonwealth’s first comprehensive, peer-reviewed climate assessment—a landmark report that provides science-based insights into Virginia’s changing climate and its impacts on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

The First Virginia State Climate Assessment (VCA) synthesizes decades of research into a single, accessible resource for policymakers, businesses, educators, and the public. Developed by a multidisciplinary team across the commonwealth and the region, this report establishes a critical baseline for understanding how past, present, and future climate conditions will shape life in Virginia.

“This groundbreaking statewide assessment gives us what we've never had before: comprehensive, science-based evidence of the risks we face and the information we need to protect our communities, economy, and natural heritage for generations to come,” said Jim Kinter, VCC director and coordinating author of the assessment.

“The Virginia Climate Center brought together the commonwealth's leading scientists and experts to tackle one of the defining challenges of our time. This assessment represents unprecedented collaboration across disciplines and institutions—because a problem this complex demands our best minds working together to deliver rigorous, actionable science that serves all Virginians.”

Why Virginia Needs a State-Level Climate Assessment

While national and global climate reports provide broad trends, they cannot capture Virginia’s unique vulnerabilities. The commonwealth’s geographic diversity—from coastal plains to mountainous terrain—combined with rapid population growth and economic expansion creates region-specific risks that require localized solutions.

The VCA addresses these needs by organizing findings across six climate divisions: Tidewater, Eastern Piedmont, Western Piedmont, Southwestern Mountain, Central Mountain, and Northern Virginia. Each VCA chapter includes key messages and traceable accounts, offering clear, actionable insights backed by scientific evidence and confidence assessments.

“Global reports are essential for understanding broad climate trends, but they do not capture how those trends manifest at regional—or local—scales,” said Viviana Maggioni, chapter lead author and professor in George Mason’s Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering. “Virginia’s wide variation in topography, precipitation regimes, and land-use creates highly localized climate risks. A state climate assessment accounts for such variability and provides insights needed for effective decision-making.”

Three Critical Climate Hazards for Virginia

The report identifies three primary hazards of particular concern for Virginia in the 21st century:

Extreme Heat and Rising Temperatures
Increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose significant health risks, disrupt labor productivity, and stress agricultural systems.
Extreme Precipitation and Shifting Seasons
Wetter falls and springs increase flood risks, while drier summers and winters heighten drought and wildfire danger. These changes threaten infrastructure and can lead to power grid disruptions and economic losses.
Accelerated Sea Level Rise
Virginia is experiencing faster-than-average sea level rise, compounded by land subsidence and erosion. Coastal flooding and infrastructure damage are growing concerns for Tidewater and other low-lying regions.

“Climate change is already affecting Virginia—from our coastlines to our mountains,” said Kinter. “This assessment empowers every Virginian, from local planners to business leaders to families, with the knowledge to make informed decisions. And as we continue to update and expand this work, we're building a lasting framework for protecting Virginia's future.”

Implications for Virginia’s Economy and Communities

The report underscores the urgent need for integrating climate projections into infrastructure design, land-use planning, and policy development. From transportation networks to energy systems, Virginia’s critical infrastructure must be resilient to evolving climate conditions.

“Weather patterns impact key sectors of the Virginia economy,” said Terry Clower, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government. “Having data that shows changing patterns of rainfall and temperature is essential for industry leaders—from small-hold farmers to those managing billions in international commerce. This landmark achievement will hopefully spark awareness that consistent, dependable, and localized weather data will give Virginia farmers, businesses, and government entities the ability to better compete and succeed.”

The assessment is dedicated to the late Representative Gerry Connolly, whose visionary leadership made it possible. “He understood that investing in climate science isn't partisan—it's pragmatic,” Kinter said. “His commitment to evidence-based solutions and his unwavering support for the Virginia Climate Center helped make this critical work a reality, and his legacy will benefit Virginians for years to come.”

According to Michael Allen, associate professor of climatology at Towson University and contributing author, “The climate challenges outlined in this report transcend geopolitical borders and disciplinary silos. From the hollers of western Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore, the assessment meets the needs of the commonwealth—but it also fills a void for the nation, drawing attention to the science of climate change and the vast impacts it has on communities, our economy, and our well-being.”

Looking Ahead: Future Assessments and the Grand Challenge Initiative

This inaugural report is the first in a planned series of VCC-led assessments that will incorporate finer-scale geographic detail, expand coverage of climate impacts across sectors, and evaluate adaptation effectiveness over time. Future editions will integrate stakeholder input to ensure relevance and applicability.

The VCA also highlights the urgent need for a Virginia State Climate Office, a centralized resource for climate services, data collection, and expert assessment. “This role is typically filled by a state climate office that provides accessible, no-cost climate information essential to a state’s most vital sectors,” Kinter explained. “However, Virginia is one of only two states in the U.S. currently without a functioning state climate office.”

Marking an important new chapter in the history of research and scholarship at George Mason, this effort is part of the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative, which aims to address the greatest threats to humanity’s ability to live a peaceful, healthy, prosperous, and just existence. Through multidisciplinary research strengths in education, public health, space exploration, climate resilience, cybersecurity and digital innovation, and peace and democracy, the initiative aligns talent, infrastructure, resources, and partnerships with new ideas to deliver real-world solutions and prepare the next generation of changemakers.

For more information or to request interviews with experts, contact VAclim@gmu.edu or tmason11@gmu.edu.

Grand Challenge Initiative

Explore George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative addressing the greatest threats to humanity’s ability to live a peaceful, healthy, prosperous, and just existence.

Read the Virginia Climate Assessment

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National ‘15 Minutes with POTUS’ Contest Crowns Rice Junior as 2025 Policy Briefing Champion

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:06:04 +0000

National ‘15 Minutes with POTUS’ Contest Crowns Rice Junior as 2025 Policy Briefing Champion Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/18/2025 - 15:06

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Jeremy Mayer

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Rice University junior Shreeya Madhavanur, winner of the 2025 “15 Minutes with POTUS” Policy Briefing Competition, receives the $1,500 first-place prize. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government.

Imagine you have just 15 minutes to brief the President of the United States on a complex global security issue. That is the test at the heart of the “15 Minutes with POTUS” competition, an annual policy challenge hosted by the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��. This year’s event drew 50 of the nation’s top undergraduates from 22 universities, each tasked with presenting a multilateral strategic solution to a modern national security threat.

Shreeya Madhavanur is debriefed by “POTUS."

Rising above the intense competition was Rice University junior Shreeya Madhavanur, who claimed the title of 2025 Policy Briefing Champion for her compelling proposal to establish a Biosecurity Civil Communications Initiative within NATO. Judges commended her precision and poise under questioning, qualities that earned her the top prize and highlighted the competition’s growing reputation as a training ground for the nation’s future policy leaders.

This year’s competition ended Friday, November 7, with the finalists’ presentations in front of a panel of distinguished judges. Finalists were chosen after first-round written brief submissions, judged by Schar School PhD students.

Madhavanur, a business management major with minors in politics, law and social thought, and medical humanities, took home the $1,500 first-place prize. University of Richmond’s Nicholas Ramon Javier, a junior studying history with a Chinese minor, placed second, winning $750, and William and Mary senior Kara (last name withheld by request), a public policy and global studies double major, came in third, winning $500.

The three-member judging panel included Ambassador Rich Verma, former U.S. ambassador to India andformer deputy secretary of state for management and resources, who currently serves as chief administrative officer at Mastercard; Schar School Adjunct James P. Danoy, former national security briefer to President Obama; and Schar School Associate Professor Jeremy Mayer, director of the Master of Political Science program and a noted scholar of American politics who has trained rising diplomats at the State Department. Verma served as “President,” with Danoy and Mayer serving as “Cabinet members” giving contestants a realistic high-pressure briefing environment.

A panel of distinguished judges listens intently as finalists deliver their high-pressure briefings during the concluding round of the competition.

“The briefers gave us excellent insight into the most pressing issues of the day that we need to act on, and act on decisively,” said Verma following the briefings. “I’m so inspired and impressed by how well they did, not only with the subject matter, but on how well they presented.”

The presentations, despite the 15-minute time limit, were dense with data and delivered with passion.

Madhavanur said the idea for her briefing, which called for POTUS to champion a multinational effort to combat misinformation in the world’s health infrastructure, rose from classroom discussions in a course on responsible AI and public health.

“It had so many policy ramifications; it got me thinking about this,” she said.

Javier said his brief, which asked for support in the Philippines and addressed Chinese “below warfare” efforts to disrupt the island nation, said, “as a Filipino American, I’ve spent time thinking about this part of the world on a personal level. I have friends who are interested in cybersecurity, so I began to explore how those two worlds connect.”

And as for Kara, her brief on strengthening alliances to safeguard the development and distribution of the world’s precious minerals, which saw a national security issue, stemmed from a recent paper she wrote about microchips.

“I feel like there’s a secret story going on in U.S. policy,” she said after her brief. “The [actual president] has expressed a lot of interest in rare earth minerals; it’s a critical part of our military and our economy.”

The judges brought their real-world experience into the judging room at George Mason’s Van Metre Hall at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia—just across the Potomac River from the White House—underscoring the contest’s commitment to realism and proximity to the nation’s policymaking centers.

The momentum was high, but so was the pressure. “POTUS” and the two cabinet members frequently cut in with sharp, unexpected questions that pushed contestants to adjust their arguments in real time. They met the challenge head-on, staying composed and focused as they navigated each curveball with confidence.

Finalists gather and celebrate following their presentations.

“Does that answer your question, Mr. President?” Madhavanur asked POTUS after a reply. “It does? Perfect.”

The students making their debut briefings had already accomplished one of the main skills of briefing, Danoy said.

“It's all about preparation, preparation, preparation, and knowing your subject matter extremely well,” he said, recalling his own briefing sessions with Obama. “You have to know your subject so well that you’re prepared to answer any of the tough questions that might come up during the presentation.”

To that end, Mayer said he was “impressed with the presentation, but I was more impressed with their ability to think on their feet and answer questions that they couldn't have prepared for.They were sharp and bode well for the future of the country.”

Beyond the formal competition, students also benefited from extensive professional development opportunities woven throughout the event. Finalists received one-on-one time with the judging panel and received constructive feedback on both their policy proposals and presentation styles. Participants also had the chance to meet individually with Schar School Career Services for tailored résumé reviews and career guidance. These individualized sessions ensured that every student left the competition not only with a deeper understanding of national security policymaking, but with strengthened professional skills they can carry into internships, graduate programs, and future public service careers.

“Fifteen Minutes with POTUS” offers students a rare, hands-on introduction to the realities of policymaking under pressure. The competition sharpens analytical and communication skills while building the confidence needed for future roles in diplomacy, intelligence, and national security. As the event continues to grow in prominence, it is fast becoming a benchmark experience for students aspiring to careers in public service and global leadership. Stay tuned for the launch of next year’s contest.

Additional reporting by Jessica Bates.

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Government and International Politics

Reimagining Democracy: Schar School Students Help Write a ‘New Declaration’ at UVA Summit

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:35:41 +0000

Reimagining Democracy: Schar School Students Help Write a ‘New Declaration’ at UVA Summit Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/18/2025 - 11:35

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From left, Neelam Gurung, Nia Christy, and Jayden Banks helped write a Constitution for a younger generation at Declaration Next. Photos by University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy.

What would happen if 40 students from a dozen colleges across the commonwealth were brought together for a two-day summit to draft a new declaration for the future of American democracy?

It happened. Three government and international politics (GVIP) students in the Schar School of Policy and Government at �� attended Declaration Next, a multifaceted program presented in October by the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy as part of its signature Democracy360 initiative.

Nia Christy focuses on the conversation at Declaration Next.

The students—Neelam Gurung, Nia Christy, and Jayden Banks—joined students from colleges and universities around Virginia on UVA’s grounds to engage with scholars and to practice core democratic skills—with the intention of shaping the future of civic engagement.

The program immersed students in the history of the country’s founding of the country followed by guided debates until reaching a “declaration for the modern generation.” Fittingly, the event commemorated next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

It was not a passive experience, the Schar School students said. For a day-and-a-half, after enjoying a traditional communal meal know as a Jeffersonian “Feast of Reason,” the participants engaged in working sessions with scholars and practitioners with the intention of creating a unanimous document.

The event, said Gurung, “was an enriching experience. We had many good discussions and debates, which provided a great way to connect and exchange ideas.”

The junior GVIP major said a highlight was being selected for the seven-member committee tasked with synthesizing the resolutions drafted by various subcommittees in the creation of the new declaration.

“Each subcommittee had students from different schools, so it was interesting to see all the different perspectives and ideas,” she said. “Being part of this process helped me learn how to collaborate and bring everyone’s ideas together.”

Banks, a senior in the GVIP program from Alexandria, Virginia, said Declaration Next was his first visit to the historic campus known as “Grounds,” which served as the backdrop of another first for Banks: an organized protest.

During the lunchbreak he and others stepped outside the campus Rotunda to witness an organized community and student protest against the Trump administration’s controversial “compact” with the university to call off federal investigations.

Observing the protest made an impact: “It was certainly timely as our discussions on democracy were being played out right outside the Rotunda” where they were meeting, he said.

Throughout the day, students discussed “how our democracy was in danger and established priorities to inform the next 250 years of our country’s governance,” Banks said. “One of the greatest takeaways I got from this event is the statement: ‘The highest office in the land isn’t the president of the United States, it’s the citizen of the United States.’”

The concept resonated with him.

“I really love this statement because it emphasizes the value of the people as the core of our democracy,” he said. “As a future leader, I hope to live by this statement—serving the people first and ensuring their voices are heard.

“I already knew our democracy was in jeopardy. But participating in this event opened my eyes to the serious challenges our country faces, including the lack of transparency and self-interest in politics. I hope to make a change and protect our democracy.”

Gurung, originally from Pocatello, Idaho, encouraged students to participate in off-campus events such as Declaration Next “because they provide a platform to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills while also fostering meaningful connections with both faculty and fellow students.

“Programs like the ones from the Karsh Institute of Democracy are a great way to get involved and understand more about democracy and civic engagement,” she said.

Students at Declaration Next created a list of priorities for a new Constitution in the University of Virginia’s Rotunda.

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Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence Policy and International Security

Michael V. Hayden Inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:39:55 +0000

Michael V. Hayden Inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration Andrew J Schappert Mon, 11/17/2025 - 12:39

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��’s Schar School of Policy and Government proudly congratulates General (Ret.) Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of public service, and Hayden’s selection underscores his lifelong commitment to leadership, integrity, and national security.

Michael V. Hayden: ‘I’m grateful for the privilege of being named a Fellow. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s important work.‘ Photo Creative Services/��

A Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School, Hayden is the founder and namesake of the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security where he continues to shape the next generation of public servants through his teaching, mentorship, and informative live events.

Hayden joins other Schar School faculty members as NAPA Academy Fellows, including University Professors Emeritus Kingsley Haynes, Timothy J. Conlan, and James Pfiffner; Professor Alan Abramson and Associate Professor Alan R. Shark; and Visiting Professor of Public Policy David Brunori.

“I’ve spent my professional life in organizations where mission, service, and integrity matter deeply—the U.S. Intelligence Community and the United States Air Force,” Hayden said. “The National Academy of Public Administration embodies those same values, and I’m grateful for the privilege of being named a Fellow. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s important work.”

Hayden brings to George Mason an extraordinary record of leadership and public service spanning more than four decades at the highest levels of government. A retired four-star Air Force general, he is the only person ever to have led both the CIA and the National Security Agency, overseeing some of the most complex intelligence and national security operations in U.S. history.

His career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to protecting the nation while advancing transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the intelligence community. At the Schar School, he continues to share that experience and perspective with students, faculty, and policymakers, enriching the university’s role as a leader in public policy and national security education.

“Congratulations to our founder General Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a NAPA fellow,” said Hayden Center Executive Director Larry Pfeiffer. “NAPA has recognized something we here have known for years—that General Hayden is one of our nation’s most respected leaders and insightful minds, and a voice for pragmatic, practical solutions to our most vexing challenges. Our country will benefit from his participation in this program.”

Election to NAPA is one of the highest professional honors in the field of public administration, recognizing leaders who have made significant and sustained contributions to the effectiveness of government. Hayden joins a distinguished class of new Fellows whose expertise and service exemplify the academy’s mission to build a more effective, accountable, and transparent government.

Founded in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of government. NAPA brings together top public administration professionals—scholars, practitioners, and leaders—to tackle the nation’s most pressing management and policy challenges and to strengthen the institutions of American governance.

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Faculty and Staff News

Fairfax County Officials Inspire Schar School MPA Students to Pursue Local Government Careers

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:08:52 +0000

Fairfax County Officials Inspire Schar School MPA Students to Pursue Local Government Careers Andrew J Schappert Wed, 11/05/2025 - 14:08

MPA students listen to Fairfax County leaders discuss careers in local government. Photo provided

Nearly 60 current master of public administration (MPA) students and several faculty members in the Schar School of Policy and Government at �� attended the degree program’s annual Local Government Night on November 3 at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax, Virginia.

Jim Burroughs, left, and Assistant Chief of Police Eli Cory, MPA ’19. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

The event was organized by more than 10 MPA alumni employed by the Fairfax County government, including several who served as panelists. Dianne Hon, MPA ’19, a victim specialist with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, led the organizing effort.

The idea, said Associate Professor Jim Burroughs, is to bring MPA students face to face with graduates of the same program who now hold senior positions in local government. It was the 28th time the Local Government Night took place, Burroughs said. It was also his last as he is slated to retire at the end of the fall semester.

The benefits of the meeting flowed both ways as Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill, who admitted to earning his MPA from a school other than George Mason, used his time at the podium to highlight the career possibilities available in local government—particularly within Fairfax County. As he went around the room asking students about their postgraduation goals, he offered examples of how their interests and expertise could translate into careers in county offices in fields including finance, economics, law, and psychology.

Those opportunities were further illustrated by in-depth presentations from several county officials, including Deputy Director of the Department of Management and Budget Katie Horstman, who provided insight as to how she and her staff manage a $11.10 billion budget.

County Executive Bryan Hill addresses the MPA students. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Also presenting were members of the county’s first responder agencies, among them Assistant Chief of Police Eli Cory, MPA ’19; Deputy Director of Victim Services Sarai Rivera, MPA ’24; and Assistant Fire Chief John Walser, who emphasized his department’s need for graduates skilled in data collection and analysis to help firefighters and EMTs continuously refine best practices for saving lives and property.

A second panel introduced Schar School MPA graduates active in the county’s emergency preparedness and response departments. Each shared how current federal challenges—such as furloughs, shutdowns, and budget cuts—affect their ability to deliver services to residents.

The speakers included Assistant Director of Domestic Relations in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Marwa Hajahmed, MPA ’24; Senior Social Services Supervisor with Neighborhood and Community Services Keith Grupposo, MPA ’20; and Management Analyst IV with the Department of Family Services Maha Martin, BA Sociology ’04, MPA ’16.

The evening concluded with a session titled “Reflections: The Impact of the MPA Program on My Career” featuring Dianne Hon, and Enterprise Applications Manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority Yeoanny Venetsanos, BA Biology ’00, who is a current MPA student slated to graduate in December.

Deputy Director of the Department of Management and Budget Katie Horstman manages an $11.10 billion budget. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

“I want to be a more effective public administrator for Fairfax County,” Venetsanos said. “I want to take my management, leadership, and organizational skills and apply them where I can bring value to the organization.”

The MPA program, he added, “is a mile wide and a foot deep—you can see the forest for the trees. It helps because you’re looking at every single service that a government provides.”

For the current MPA students in the audience, the evening was both enlightening and encouraging.

“It was great hearing from so many different county leaders and understanding the various aspects of local government, from budgeting to program implementation,” said Esha Doshi, who works in the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. “And it was inspiring to have Bryan Hill connect our interests with real career possibilities.”

Dianne Hon, MPA ‘19, left, and Enterprise Applications Manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority Yeoanny Venetsanos, BA Biology ’00. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

For Jack Potter, BA Public Administration ’25, a fellow in the school’s Center for Energy Science Policy, the evening was about relationships.

“I think every single speaker talked about making connections—getting to know people and forging real relationships outside of work,” he said. “I also learned that Fairfax is a unique county, not just in Virginia but in the U.S., and there are going to be opportunities everywhere—some great opportunities.”

The speakers each reinforced the personal nature of local public administration, a point that was not missed by faculty members.

“It was truly inspiring to hear from local government leaders about what it’s like to work in a setting where your efforts directly benefit your own community and neighbors,” said Associate Professor and MPA Program Director Mirae Kim. “It’s an experience that feels much more immediate and tangible than the broader, often more distant impact of federal service.”

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Mirae Kim

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When a Military Innovates, Is It Always an Improvement? Meet the Schar School Professor Asking the Question

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:15:58 +0000

When a Military Innovates, Is It Always an Improvement? Meet the Schar School Professor Asking the Question Andrew J Schappert Wed, 10/29/2025 - 09:15

Military innovation has long been hailed as the engine of strategic advantage—but what if it also sows the seeds of defeat? Around the world, generals and defense ministers are racing to understand how drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber weapons are reshaping the battlefield—and whether the very innovations meant to make militaries stronger could, paradoxically, make them weaker.

Kendrick Kuo: ‘I value the school’s commitment to students: helping them apply what they learn to real-world challenges.’ Photo provided

That paradox is at the heart of the research of �� Professor Kendrick Kuo, who joined the school this fall. His research, which he brings to his international relations master’s degree classrooms, explores when radical change in the way armies fight can actually erode their effectiveness.

“My primary focus right now is completing my book manuscript on military innovation, which considers when and how radical changes to the way military organizations fight can actually undermine their performance,” he said. “The topic is particularly important at this moment when militaries around the world are grappling with the implications of emerging technologies and how to adapt to the changing character of war.”

These topics, he said, “are complex and fundamentally about navigating uncertainty and managing risk. Can we know if a military organization is well-prepared for conflict? How much defense spending is enough and what are the proper weapons to buy and the optimal force structure?”

There are few definitive answers, but some answers are better than others, he said.

“The intriguing challenge then is to figure out how to get to those better answers, and we cannot outsource those answers to the military—we can only arrive at them with healthy dialog between civilian and military counterparts.”

Kuo said he was attracted to George Mason and the Schar School of Policy and Government because “it’s a great place to connect strong academic research with policy impact. Being so close to Washington, D.C., means there are opportunities to engage with policymakers and bring those insights back into the classroom.

“I’m also excited about the Schar School’s growing international security program. But most of all, I value the school’s commitment to students: helping them apply what they learn to real-world challenges.”

As for those students, he has found his classrooms at the Schar School feature students “who are engaged and take their learning seriously, even while juggling jobs and other commitments. It’s great to see them show up ready to participate and tackle the material, which makes teaching rewarding.”

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