The George Washington University announced Wednesday that Liesl Riddle, who currently serves as vice dean for strategy in GW’s School of Business, has been named dean of the College of Professional Studies, effective Aug. 1.
New CPS Dean Liesl Riddle.
As dean of CPS, Riddle will oversee more than 20 graduate and bachelor’s completion programs, as well as several innovative schools and centers, including the Graduate School of Political Management, the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership and the Cyber Academy.
"Dr. Riddle has many years of experience and a proven track record of leadership at GW,” said Provost Christopher Alan Bracey. “In her 20 years with the School of Business, she has been a visionary leader who has worked to design and implement a strategic plan, established and expanded D.C. partnerships, increased graduate rankings, boosted enrollment and maintained retention and diversity within the student body. Dr. Riddle will be a tremendous asset to the students, faculty and staff in the College of Professional Studies and lead it into an exciting future.”
Riddle joined GW as an assistant professor of international business and international affairs in 2001 and was named an associate professor in 2008. She has held progressively responsible administrative roles in the School of Business, becoming associate dean of MBA and other graduate programs in 2011 and associate dean of graduate programs in 2018.
As vice dean for strategy, a role she has held since 2021, Riddle serves as a member of the School of Business leadership team and reports directly to the dean. She works closely with the school’s stakeholders to lead initiatives, establish metrics, drive strategic decision-making and ensure implementation results. Riddle is also head of the school’s 14 research centers and the instructional design team.
“The opportunity to lead our GW school that is at the forefront of interdisciplinary innovation is an honor that I am thrilled to accept,” said Riddle. “The portfolio of applied programs across our College of Professional Studies benefits lifelong learners in ways that advance business, government and society. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues within the school to build additional bridges across the university and with external partners to develop programs that enhance students’ professional careers.”
Riddle is an expert on diasporas and development, international entrepreneurship and trade and investment promotion. She has consulted on diaspora engagement issues for international organizations and government agencies, including the United Nations and the World Bank. Prior to joining GW, Riddle worked as the director of research for an international market research firm.
Riddle earned a B.A. and M.A. in Middle Eastern studies, an M.B.A. in marketing/international business and a Ph.D. in sociology, all from the University of Texas at Austin.
A search committee comprising faculty from six schools, members of the Board of Trustees, staff, students and alumni led the search for the permanent CPS dean.
“Liesl Riddle is a strategic thinker, an experienced collaborator across schools and has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the student body and faculty,” said Hugh Agnew, professor of history and international affairs and chair of the search committee. “We are excited to see where she will take CPS in the coming years.”
Melissa Feuer, associate dean for student and academic affairs, has led CPS over the last two years. She was named acting dean in September 2020 and interim dean in May 2021.
“I am extremely grateful for Melissa Feuer’s steady leadership of the College of Professional Studies,” said Bracey. “She has positioned the college for continued success in educating working professionals to be leaders in their fields.”