George Washington University Provost Forrest Maltzman announced Monday that Paul Wahlbeck, vice dean for programs and research and professor of political science at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, will be interim dean of the school.
“Paul is a leader in his field and has been a dedicated member of the GW faculty for 25 years. President Thomas LeBlanc and I are grateful to him for accepting the role of interim dean and confident that he, along with the strong CCAS leadership team, will provide excellent leadership for the students, faculty and staff at Columbian College,” Dr. Maltzman said.
Dr. Wahlbeck has served as a CCAS vice dean since Jan. 1, 2016. As part of the CCAS leadership team, he helps to oversee graduate enrollment, research growth and academic and student services. In that role, he has worked closely with CCAS Dean Ben Vinson III, who recently accepted a position as provost for Case Western Reserve University.
"It will be an honor to lead Columbian College as its interim dean, and I look forward to serving our vibrant community of scholars and students,” Dr. Wahlbeck said. “In my current role as vice dean, I've had the opportunity to work with faculty, staff and students from across our departments and programs, and I applaud their accomplishments and commitment to GW. Indeed, my transition to this interim position will be aided by a great team, including vice and associate deans, department chairs and staff."
Dr. Wahlbeck joined the university faculty in 1993 after receiving his Ph.D. from Washington University. He served as director of the Law and Social Science Program at the National Science Foundation from 2001 to 2003 and, in 2006, served as director of NSF’s Political Science Program. In 2011, he became chair of the Political Science Department. He also holds a courtesy appointment in the GW School of Law.
"I’m thrilled by Paul’s selection and look forward to working with him to ensure a seamless leadership transition," Dr. Vinson said.
