The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) named Associate Professor and Political Management Program Director Lara Brown as the school's interim director Monday.
Dr. Brown begins the new position July 1. She is replacing Mark Kennedy, who is leaving GW to become president of the University of North Dakota.
“Professor Brown’s vitality and charisma has been an instrumental part of GSPM’s growing success, and we are certain she will thrive in this new role,” said Ali Eskandarian, dean of the College of Professional Studies, which houses GSPM.
GW’s Graduate School of Political Management is the leading school of applied politics, communications and advocacy. It teaches students the strategies and tactics needed to advance causes, candidates and commerce.
Dr. Brown, who is currently a GSPM program director, said she is “honored to be entrusted with this interim appointment.”
“I look forward to continuing the mission of making this institution the premier professional school for politics, communications and advocacy and ensuring that GSPM remains at the forefront of scholarly research on applied politics," Dr. Brown said.
There will be a search to find a permanent successor to Mr. Kennedy.
A distinguished writer and researcher, Dr. Brown’s most recent book “Jockeying for the American Presidency: The Political Opportunism of Aspirants” is the first systematic study of presidential aspirants from the 1790s to the present. She is a media fixture, quoted regularly in leading media outlets nationwide.
Dr. Brown previously served as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Villanova University. Dr. Brown also served in President Bill Clinton’s administration at the Education Department.
Dr. Brown earned her Ph. D. in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2001.
