About
An Elite Global Network
Since our inception, we have been the leader in defining and shaping the political and communications professionals who, in turn, shape society.
Our students regularly connect with leaders in advocacy, communications, and politics inside and outside of the classroom. The GSPM alumni network permeates the upper echelons of elected politics, public affairs, NGOs, issue advocates, and trade associations around the world.
Studying at the Graduate School of Political Management will broaden your mind and enhance your vision to help you successfully confront society’s most pressing challenges.
A Message from the Dean
Celebrating our 35th anniversary as the first school of applied politics founded in 1987, the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) has been the leader in shaping the political and communications professionals who, in turn, shape society. With an unmatched location in the heart of Washington, D.C., our students regularly connect with experts in advocacy, communications and politics, inside and outside of the classroom. GSPM broadens our students’ minds and provides the practical skills and ethical grounding to forge them into the leaders we need to successfully confront society’s most pressing challenges.
As Dean of the College of Professional Studies, my focus is to grow, innovate and invest in the Graduate School of Political Management to make a political impact by continuing to expand our diverse network of national and international partnerships and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations with other schools throughout the GW community. We continue to offer highly applicable and transformational learning experiences for our diverse student body and, most importantly, keep our offerings relevant to today’s market needs.
GSPM delivers hands-on education establishing superior standards of real-world strategies and resources. The school offers three graduate degree programs in English: Legislative Affairs, Political Management, and Public Relations and Communications, along with eight stackable certificates. In addition, the school delivers a Master's in Political Communication and Strategic Governance, as well as many executive education workshops and seminars in Spanish.
The opportunity to lead CPS to be the world's most preeminent, agile and market-responsive learning innovation hub is an honor. As we expand our array of distinctive educational offerings, including degree-based, continuing and executive education programs, we will continue to empower the professional progression of our students, foster lifelong learning and make a social, economic and political impact domestically and internationally.
Warm Regards,
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
George Washington University
Meet Angela McMillen Ayres
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at the George Washington University is delighted to announce the appointment of Angela McMillen Ayres as Interim Executive Director. A respected nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, sponsorships, and development consulting, Angela brings an exceptional track record of leadership and expertise to this role. As the CEO of Tusk Fundraising in Washington, D.C., she has been a pivotal force in advancing the fundraising and strategic goals of numerous nonprofit organizations and Republican political campaigns.
Ms. Ayres previously served as Executive Director of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), where she successfully expanded membership and developed substantial non-dues revenue streams through targeted sponsorships, providing AAPC with a solid foundation for future growth. Angela’s extensive experience will be invaluable to GSPM as the school continues to grow its impact in applied politics and strategic communications.
“GSPM is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the political landscape, and I am honored to contribute my experience and vision to help us grow and thrive,” said Ayres.
Read more about her in the Press Release
Meet Our Team
Give to GSPM
GSPM exists to train the next generation of leaders how to use politics and advocacy to improve society. With your support, we can help more students attend our school as well as fund groundbreaking research in the field of applied politics.
"I support GSPM because it teaches the skills needed to successfully engage in the practice of democracy. It is an honor to be able to contribute to help future leaders of tomorrow gain the education necessary to stimulate ethical decision-making and promote public involvement in governance."
Larry Lane
Donor: The Lawrence F. Lane Scholarship in Political Management