WASHINGTON - The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at the George Washington University announced the hiring of Dr. Casey Burgat as director of the school’s Legislative Affairs master’s program. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Burgat will also serve as an assistant professor.
“I am really excited to return to the GSPM, this time not as a student, but as an assistant professor and director of the Legislative Affairs master's program,” said Dr. Burgat. “We live in a very interesting political time, and perhaps more than ever, we are in dire need of congressional operatives who are well versed in the ways of the Hill and how to shape policy outcomes. GSPM's Legislative Affairs program trains such legislative leaders, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the effort.”
Dr. Burgat joins GSPM after two years at R Street Institute, where he was a Senior Governance Fellow. His research there centered on congressional capacity and reform. Prior to that position, Dr. Burgat spent two years at the Congressional Research Service, where he addressed a number of issues relating to congressional operations, federal rulemaking and advisory committees, and the relationship between the three branches of government.
"We are delighted that Dr. Burgat is joining GSPM as a faculty member and director of the Legislative Affairs program,” said GSPM director Dr. Lara Brown. “His knowledge of contemporary legislative procedure and his keen interest in how legislative staff can help forge policy successes in Congress will be a tremendous asset to our students working on Capitol Hill. As an alumnus of our school, his perspective will also be invaluable as we develop new courses and consider our current program offerings."
Before earning a master’s degree in political management from GSPM in 2012, Dr. Burgat earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arizona State University. He went on to obtain a doctorate in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Burgat takes over leadership of the GSPM Legislative Affairs master’s program from longtime program director, Dr. Steven Billet. Dr. Billet joined GSPM in 2002 and became the director of the Legislative Affairs master’s program in 2008. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Billet has been a tireless advocate for GSPM and leveraged his experience and relationships on Capitol Hill in service to the school. He is especially proud of helming the Army Congressional Fellows program, which provides practical experience on Capitol Hill to commissioned and non-commissioned Army officers and Department of the Army civilians in pursuit of a GSPM master’s degree. Dr. Billet is respected and beloved by his students and colleagues and will remain an associate professor at GSPM.
"We are grateful for the countless ways Dr. Billet has served GSPM and GW,” said Dr. Brown. From building a partnership with the U.S. Army to recruiting high-level policymakers and former Capitol Hill staffers to teach in our school, his commitment to the Legislative Affairs Program has been unparalleled. We are fortunate that he will continue as a faculty member at GSPM, teaching our students the ins and outs of Capitol Hill."
The Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University is the first and foremost school of applied politics, advocacy, and communications. For more information, visit gspm.gwu.edu. Connect with GSPM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @GSPMgwu.
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