Bush School Hosts 3rd Nonprofit Management Forum
The Bush School’s third annual Nonprofit Management Forum will be held on April 9, offering nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and students the opportunity for a day of learning and networking. The Forum will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center and conclude at 4:00 p.m. that evening.
Entitled “Strengthening the Capacity of Nonprofit Organizations,” the day-long event brings together academic researchers, consultants, industry professionals and aspiring leaders in a program geared toward improving the effectiveness of nonprofits.
“Last year, we were at capacity for attendance,” said Dr. Will Brown, director of the Nonprofit Management Certificate Program at the Bush School. “The response from local nonprofits has been remarkable, and demonstrates that we are hitting the mark in terms of what volunteers, staff and boards need to strengthen their organizations. We’re pleased to once again bring outstanding speakers and learning opportunities to our local nonprofit community,” he added.
This year’s forum begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and an opening session at 9 a.m., followed by a presentation from Elizabeth M. Darling, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation. There will be three concurrent workshops in the morning and three in the afternoon, each addressing a specific issue relevant to nonprofit organizations. The luncheon speaker will be Lester M. Salamon, Ph.D. , founding director and principal research scientist at the Institute for Policy Studies at Johns Hopkins University. The day will conclude with a reception.
Community Partners sponsoring the Forum include Citibank, Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, Project Unity, Texas Association for Nonprofit Organizations, and United Way of the Brazos Valley.
Register online at http://bush.tamu.edu/nonprofitforum10/
For more information contact:
Office of Extended Education
Telephone: 1-866-988-BUSH (2874) or 979-862-7810
E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dean Crocker Interviewed on C-SPAN
On January 27, Bush School Dean Ryan Crocker was interviewed on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal program about the future of U.S and its allies’ role in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Crocker has extensive expertise on this topic, having served as ambassador to Iraq and in the Middle East. Crocker discussed the current situation in Yemen as well as the opportunities for new strategies in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The full 60-minute interview can be viewed on the C-SPAN website at:
More NewsBush School Terrorism Experts Highlighted
Recent events in the United States and other countries have put terrorism back in the news. Four Bush School faculty are included on Texas A&M’s ‘experts’ web page for their experience and expertise in homeland security, terrorism and related topics.
Among the Bush School faculty listed as experts in international terrorism are Assistant Professor Jasen Castillo; Sharon Caudle, visiting lecturer and Younger-Carter Distinguished Policymaker in Residence; Sharon Daly, a lecturer and adjunct international policy analyst at RAND Corporation in Arlington, Va.; and James Olson, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Certificate in Advanced International Affairs Program. Charles Hermann, Director of the Master’s Program in International Affairs, is listed as an expert in ideology of terrorism.
The complete A&M terrorism experts list can be found at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/2010/01/25/terrorism-experts-from-texas-am-3/
More NewsScholars Explore President George H.W. Bush’s Foreign Policy
Led by Texas A&M researchers, the journal Diplomatic History has published an extensive forum exploring the foreign policy of President George Bush, 41st President of the United States. The topic is the primary focus of the January issue of what is considered the premier academic journal in the field, and features articles by Jeffrey A. Engel of the Bush School and Randy Kluver, director of the Institute for Pacific Asia at Texas A&M University.
“It is rare for such a prestigious journal to devote an issue to a single topic,” said Jeffrey Engel, associate professor and Verlin and Howard Kruse ‘52 Founders Professor, who organized and edited the journal issue through the Bush School’s Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. Articles include Kluver’s exploration of the national and diplomatic rhetoric of the 1989 Tiananmen crisis, a study of early Russian-American negotiations over NATO expansion, examinations of religion’s role in Bush’s foreign policy, a study of National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft, and a study of public diplomacy during the Bush years.
“This forum has been in the works at the journal for the last several years, and the time seemed right—more than 20 years after his inauguration—to produce this comprehensive look at Bush’s policies and their impact, aided by newly available documents and records from the period,” Engel added.
“With some 18 percent of the more than eight million pages of documents from the Bush presidency now declassified, and more coming online, there is clearly much more every day for scholars to review and analyze,” said Engel, “so more remains to be done. This assessment is an important first step.”
The full forum is available online at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118503844/home.
More NewsBush School Grad Named Border Trade Alliance President
The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) recently hired Nelson Balido as the organization’s new president. Located in Phoenix, AZ, the Border Trade Alliance is a grassroots, non-profit organization that serves as a forum for participants to address issues relevant to trade and economic development in North America.
The BTA represents a network of 1.8 million public and private sector entities with a wide range of border interests. These entities include business leaders, academic institutions, manufacturers, chambers of commerce and customs brokers, as well as federal, state, and local government officials and agencies.
A graduate of Texas Tech University, Balido earned a graduate certificate in advanced international affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service in 2007. Balido, a San Antonio native, has extensive experience in the public and private sectors.
His career includes time at SBC Communications (now known as AT&T) , where he served as the director of multicultural marketing. Most recently Balido worked at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he directed the agency’s private sector division and earned the Department of Homeland Security Award of Excellence.
Balido has extensive experience in the area of border security, having served on the Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council for two years and earned the DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal for his tenure.
More NewsEngel Named to Kruse Professorship
The Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey A. Engel to the Verlin and Howard Kruse ’52 Founders Professorship. The action was taken at the Board’s January 21-22 meeting. Engel previously held the Evelyn and Ed F. Kruse ’49 Faculty Fellowship.
Engel is a noted scholar and has written or edited four books and numerous journal articles since receiving his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work includes The China Diary of George H.W. Bush: the Making of a Global President. Published in 2008 by Princeton University Press, the book is an edited version of the private diary kept by future President George H. W. Bush while serving as de facto U.S. ambassador to China in the 1970s. Engel’s primary research interests include diplomacy’s domestic and localized effects, the evolution of military strategy, language and foreign policy, and economic warfare. His first book, Cold War at 30,000 Feet: The Anglo-American Fight for Aviation Supremacy, published by Harvard University Press in 2007, was awarded the 2008 biannual Paul Birdsall Award from the American Historical Association for the most important work published on European military or strategic history since 1870. In 2008, Stanford University Press published Local Impact of the Global Cold War, a collection of essays demonstrating the conflict’s effect on communities throughout the developed and developing world. In 2009, Oxford University Press published another collection Engel edited, The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Revolutionary Legacy of 1989.
Engel currently serves as director of programming for the Bush School’s Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, having earlier served as the Institute’s interim director. He additionally serves on the editorial board of the top journal in his field, Diplomatic History; on the Executive Council of the Society of Historians of American Foreign Policy; and on the Executive Committee of the Transatlantic Studies Association. He is also recipient of several teaching awards, including the Bush School’s Silver Star, awarded by graduating students to the professor who most positively influenced their time in Aggieland.
In making the announcement, Dr. Samuel Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean, noted that Engel is not only recognized internationally for his scholarship, but he is also counted among the most promising of the younger generation of historians.
More NewsGeneral Walter Natynczyk to Speak at Scowcroft Institute
General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defence Staff, Canadian Forces, will speak on the U.S. Canada alliance and Canadian military affairs on Friday, February 5 at 4:30 PM at the George Bush Library Orientation Theater. This program is presented by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs’ International Affairs Seminar speaker series, which brings international affairs scholars and practitioners from across the country and around the world to the Bush School, Texas A&M, and the Brazos Valley.
General Walter Natynczyk is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Canadian Forces. He is the highest ranking military officer in Canada and Canada’s only four-star general. Natynczyk has had a distinguished career in the Canadian Forces, including assignments in Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, the former Yugoslavia, East Timor, and Eritrea, and the United States. From 2002-2004 he served as the Deputy Commanding General of III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas while on exchange with the US Army. He was appointed to his current position as CDS in 2008.
The International Affairs Seminar series is a signature speakers series of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. Previous speakers have included General David Petraeus, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Washington Post Military correspondent Tom Ricks, Brigadier General H.R. McMaster, and Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez.
Seating at the seminar will be limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Please RSVP to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by Wednesday, February 3.
More NewsBush School Students Participate in Leadership Forum
By Andrea Roberts, MPIA 2010
Four Bush School students participated in the 25th Texas Leadership Forum held in mid-January in Austin, Texas.
Professionals with authoritative leadership experience, including CNN commentator Paul Begala and Ambassador Karen Hughes, offered lectures and insight on their individual leadership experiences.
“Ambassador Hughes encouraged us to pursue leadership with a focus on clarity of position and stressed the importance of effectively communicating those goals and ideas to the people we lead,” said Michael Walter, a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) student from San Diego, Calif.
The group participated in a series of individualized leadership training sessions and put leadership skills into action during a group breakout session. Those attending were able to relate the material taught at the conference back to the Bush School classroom.
“The conference offered an extension of subjects covered at the Bush School. For instance, the sessions on state and local government and leadership in multiple sectors served as a complement to topics discussed in class,” said Sarah Jackson, MPSA ’11.
The forum also provided significant opportunities to interact with experienced professionals in a variety of leadership positions.
“The Texas Leadership Forum allowed us to network with professionals in local, state, and national government. The sessions allowed us to gain insight from authorities in the public sector and private sector,” said Paul Fagin, MPSA ’11.
George Bush, 41st president of the United States, emphasizes the importance of public service and leadership as key components of a Bush School education. Therefore, leadership activities are strongly encouraged to augment the Bush School curriculum. Bush School students have the option to pursue the Dean’s Leadership Certificate in conjunction with their Bush School degree.
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Bush School Welcomes New Dean
The Bush School’s new dean, Ambassador Ryan Crocker, hit the ground running during his first week at the School. Crocker was appointed by the Board of Regents in December 2009, and arrived on campus Monday, January 25. During his first week, Crocker met with the School’s faculty and staff, as well as with President Bowen Loftin and Interim Provost Karan Watson, several deans, and members of the University administration.
Crocker said he is eager to get to know the Bush School students and had his first meeting with student leaders. Last March, some 70 students got to meet and hear from Dean Crocker during a student-led question and answer session at an informal luncheon. Following the question and answer session, Crocker delivered the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International lecture. Students also had the opportunity to engage with Crocker during the Dean selection process in fall 2009 in another student-led question and answer panel.
“When I was here last March, I had no idea I’d be returning as Dean,” said Crocker, “but I’m delighted to be here. It’s evident that the Bush School students and faculty are among the best in the nation, and it is a real honor to be a part of this outstanding academic enterprise,” he added.
Dean Crocker is already very impressed by what he’s seen and learned at the Bush School. “I’m really looking forward to learning more about the Bush School and its impressive range of academic programs and research institutes. It’s clear that the School has a very bright future, and that both students and faculty have a solid commitment to the principle of public service exemplified by George Bush, 41st President of the United States. I also look forward to our combined effort to take ths great School to the next level.”
More NewsMosbacher Institute Namesake Dies in Houston
Robert A. Mosbacher, namesake of the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, has died in Houston after a protracted bout with pancreatic cancer.
A longtime friend and colleague of President George H. W. Bush, Mosbacher served as Secretary of Commerce from 1989 to 1992, and had a long and distinguished career in public service. During his time as secretary, Mr. Mosbacher was a key architect of the North American Free Trade Association and a strong advocate for free and fair trade.
The Board of Regents created the Mosbacher Institute in September 2009 to enhance the Bush School’s ability to focus on those crucial issues and to enable faculty, students, and visiting fellows to explore contemporary issues in trade and economic policy.
Dr. James Griffin, head of the Mosbacher Institute noted that the Institute’s programs help students to better understand how trade and economics fit into the larger public policy arena.
“This institute is a living tribute to the values Robert Mosbacher believed in so passionately,” Griffin said.
A celebration of Bob Mosbacher’s life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 27th of January, at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Mosbacher Institute. Information regarding donations can be found on the Bush School website at http://bush.tamu.edu/mosbacher/memorial.
For additional information, contact:
Susan Robertson
Director of Communications and External Relations, Bush School
979.862.8845
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bush School Students Help with Obama Visit
Several Bush School students played an active role in helping to organize the historic and highly successful visit of President Barack Obama to the Texas A&M University campus on October 16. The president was invited by President George H. W. Bush to take part in a forum on public service celebrating the 20th anniversary of President Bush’s Points of Light Foundation.
Five students—David Ward, Gregory Stevenson, Kristin Childress, Louellen Lowe, and Magdalena Manzano—served as staff to the White House representative in charge of the president’s visit. Ms. Manzano, a second year MPSA student, was designated as the second-in-command to the White House representative, and coordinated the activities of the Bush School volunteers.
Bush School students had a range of responsibilities: some were responsible for crowd control, while others assisted with the check-in of more than 2,500 guests invited by the Points of Light Foundation and the White House. Still others oversaw other student volunteers at the event and made sure seating arrangements were followed.
“Getting the opportunity to work for the White House advance team for President Obama’s visit to the campus was an honor,” Mazano said, “especially since the forum was focused on public service and its importance to our society. We were all honored to serve as staff members during this historic visit and to represent the Bush School,” she added.
The excitement continued once the public service forum was over, as some thirty Bush School students—including Sue McElheny, Haileigh Meyers, Megan Kenney, Dante Miller, Joshua Murray, Aimee Anderson, Kathleen Nowell, and David Sutton—were invited to an informal meeting with President Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Duncan Dining Hall. Duncan was filled with members of the Corps of Cadets, and when the motorcade pulled up to the main door, the cadets and Bush School students were surprised and excited to see President Obama with President Bush and Secretary Gates. Mr. Obama spoke briefly, noting his appreciation for A&M students’ dedication to service and recognizing the Corps’ contributions to the nation’s military through the years. The president and Secretary Gates then circled the huge dining hall, shaking as many hands as possible.
“It was a tremendous honor to shake hands with the president of the United States, and an experience I won’t soon forget,” said Sue McElheny, MPSA student, class of 2010. “I am grateful to the Bush School for giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with such accomplished leaders as Barack Obama, George Bush, and Robert Gates,” McElheny said.
See more Fall 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
Condoleezza Rice Meets With Bush School Students
Dr. Condoleezza Rice, 66th Secretary of State, met with Bush School students during her November 9 visit to Texas A&M. Rice was on campus as part of the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program, sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute. Her presentation coincided with the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. She is currently a professor of political science at Stanford University.
Prior to her public lecture at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, Rice and President George H. W. Bush met with about 90 Bush School students in an informal class setting which allowed students to ask Dr. Rice and President Bush questions on a range of topics. Mrs. Barbara Bush was in the audience, but did not participate in the Q&A.
“The Q&A session with Dr. Rice was an unbelievable, rare opportunity for Bush School students,” 1st year MPIA student Amanda Edgell stated. “Not only did I learn about Dr. Rice and her own experiences as a career public servant, but also saw a model example of public speaking at its best.”
After being introduced by Dr. Chuck Hermann, Dr. Rice told the students that she was grateful for her time in public service, and voiced special appreciation for President Bush’s leadership and his diplomatic skills.
“You have chosen a wonderful path in coming to the Bush School,” said Rice. “There is no greater honor than to serve your country,” she added. Public service isn’t easy, “but it is immensely rewarding,” Rice said, and commended the students on their decision to opt for a public service career.
The questions posed by Bush School students ranged from the momentous events of 1989, to 9/11, Communism, public diplomacy, lessons in crisis management, staff relationships and the nation’s relationship with China.
“Having the chance to interact with Dr. Rice was a unique opportunity, and I am very grateful,” said 2nd year MPSA student Alec Weissgerber. “Dr. Rice provided amazing insight into the foreign policy issues that our nation is facing today, and further inspired me to serve my country in the realm of national security,” he added.
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Bush School Honors Faculty and Staff
Four faculty and staff members were recognized for their achievements at the annual Bush School Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. The awards were presented by Dr. Benton Cocanougher interim dean of the School.
Dr. Christopher Layne received the College teaching award given by the Association of Former Students. Nominations for this $2,500 award came from Bush School faculty and students, and were evaluated by a committee at the Association. Professor Layne holds the Robert M. Gates Chair in Intelligence and National Security at the Bush School. His fields of interest are international relations theory, great power politics, U.S. foreign policy, transatlantic security relations, and grand strategy.
The Bush School Faculty Award for Excellence was presented to Dr. James M. Griffin in recognition of his work in teaching, research and public service that is particularly relevant to the School’s mission. Griffin holds the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance and is Director of the Bush School’s Program in the Economics of Public Policy. The $2,500 cash award was established by the Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Griffin’s research interests span a variety of public policy areas ranging from energy policy to the effects of technological change on various industries.
Outstanding Staff Awards of $500 each were presented to Kathryn Meyer, director of recruitment, and Beth Roberts, program coordinator.
“Thanks to the Association of Former Students and the Bush Foundation, we are able each year to recognize several of the many faculty and staff who have done outstanding work,” said Cocanougher. “The individuals honored this year have shown special dedication to the mission of the Bush School. These awards recognize their dedication, enthusiasm and an ongoing commitment to excellence,” he concluded.
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Bush School Students Engage in Interdisciplinary Research
The Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Bush School has partnered with over 200 researchers from the Texas A&M University System and other U.S. universities on research proposals and funded projects since its inception in 2000. These research partnerships provide strategic opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to augment their training as future decision makers and policymakers.
“More than 50 Bush School students have worked on these projects and had a chance to experience these real-world applications,” said Dr. Arnold Vedlitz, Director for the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy.
Students researchers at the Institute are offered opportunities to meet decision-makers, travel to conferences, participate in internships and land jobs as a result of their research initiatives.
Megan Kenney, a second year MPSA student from Austin, Texas, spent the fall 2009 semester working on a grant project for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) alongside Dr. Eric Lindquist, the Institute’s associate director.
“We are conducting research to explain how scientific information on climate variability and climate change is received, processed, and utilized by the major participants in the public policy process,” said Kenney.
Kenney is responsible for maintaining contact with participants from various federal agencies and interest groups engaged in the climate change policy debate and gathering their responses to a broad scope of research questions.
“The research will provide NOAA and other policy participants with information on best practices for climate change policy and insight not the barriers for the consideration of climate science information in decision and policy making,” Kenny said. “In today’s political climate agencies are interested in understanding how scientific information and research are utilized and perceived, so that they can ensure the information provided is objective, reliable and relevant.”
While NOAA gains a strategic benefit from the research that Kenney and the Institute provide for them, students like Kenney gain personal development benefits.
“My participation in this project and research with the Institute has reaffirmed my continued interest in energy and environmental policy, and it will make a valuable contribution to my job search efforts in these policy areas,” Kenney said.
Vedlitz maintains that the Institute is home to myriad opportunities for Bush School students. “We know a lot of people. We can help students find data, employment, internships and solve complex problems.”
Presently the Institute is preparing three major research proposals for submission at the beginning of 2010. The projects include two Engineering Research Center initiatives and one Environmental Protection Agency initiative.
“If funded there would be lots of work for Bush School students,” Vedlitz said. “The kinds of projects we work on are of interest to both MPSA and MPIA students. It has to do with local government, products and economic development, all in an international context.”
The pending research proposals include topics such as transportation and related infrastructure, robotics and information management, and the impact of air quality on health.
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Bush School, United Way-Houston Host Mini-Course in Nonprofit Management
On Thursday, October 1, the Bush School and the United Way of Houston introduced the Bush School’s Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management program (NPM) which will be offered in Houston starting in the spring of 2010. Several speakers provided an overview of the NPM program, outlined specific courses in the curriculum, and highlighted the learning opportunities available through the program.
“The demands of the ever-changing environment in the nonprofit world require a continuing increase in our knowledge base,” said Dr. Will Brown, associate professor and director of the Nonprofit Program at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University. “The NPM certificate program gives nonprofit professionals a way to increase their knowledge of the field, as well as the skills needed to stay current in a dynamic profession. This meeting offered a unique opportunity to preview the program that we’ll be offering here in Houston in the spring,” he added.
Brown opened the session with an overview of the certificate program. Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, CFRE, executive director of the Houston Community College Foundation discussed the ‘new world of philanthropy’ course which is part of the curriculum, and Dr. Charles Little discussed marketing “non-profit style.” After the presentations, participants were able to ask specific questions about the program and the application process.
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Incentives Help Retain Teachers, Study Says
Two teacher incentive programs – the Governor’s Educator Excellence Grants Program (GEEG) and the Texas Educator Excellence Grant Program (TEEG) – hold promise for reducing teacher turnover, but their effect on student performance is unclear, concludes a study commissioned by the Texas Education Agency. Both three-year programs were designed by teachers. The GEEG distributed $10 million per year in non-competitive federal grants to 99 high-performing campuses serving low-income students, while the TEEG distributed almost $100 million annually to approximately 1,000 schools serving low-income students.
“The absence of impacts on student performance doesn’t necessarily indicate that incentives don’t work, but it does suggest that these programs did not achieve one of their major objectives,” says Lori Taylor, a professor in Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service who co-authored the studies, which the TEA published recently.
Fellow Texas A&M professors Dennis Jansen and Timothy Gronberg, who are both in the Economics Department, are co-authors of the TEEG program study. Matthew Springer, director of the National Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, was lead author.
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Vedlitz Participates in National Energy and Climate Policy Conversation
Dr. Arnold Vedlitz, director of the Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy, was invited by the Howard Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars to help organize and participate in the “Conference on Formulation of Energy and Climate Policy: Toward an Open and Transparent Process” on June 18-19, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Vedlitz chaired a discussion panel entitled “Energy and Climate Policy and Stakeholder Domains: Goals, Perspectives and Interconnections.” This two day conference was the second event in the “Joint Program on Presidential Policy-Making: Formulating a Bipartisan Energy and Climate Policy for America.” A final report including findings from this conference will be sent to President Obama, Congressional leaders and others. Video of the conference can be found on the Wilson Center’s website. Dr. Vedlitz’s session can be found in Part IV of the video.
Dr. Vedlitz’s participation in this conference was partially supported by the University Transportation Center for Mobility (UTCM) project “Transportation Planning, Policy and Climate Change: Making the Long Term Connection.” He is featured on the UTCM website and in the Center’s annual report.
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Lahey at RAND on NIA Fellowship
Dr. Joanna Lahey is spending the 2009 – 2010 academic year as a visiting scholar at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, supported by a fellowship from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Lahey holds a Ph.D. in economics from MIT, and is widely known for her research on age discrimination and how age relates to labor market outcomes. She is an assistant professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
NIA, one of the 27 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, has led the federal research program on all aspects of aging since 1974. Originally focused on research relating to national security, the RAND Corporation has expanded its research agenda to a broad range of national policy issues in business, education, health, law, and science.
This year, Lahey’s work has appeared in several national publications, including the New York Times and U.S. News and World Report, as well as other media outlets. She has also been asked to provide information to U.S. Senator Tom Harkin for his work on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
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Scowcroft Speaker Series
The Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs hosted a variety of speakers and lectures throughout the fall 2009 semester.
• Ray Takeyh
Author of Hidden Iran: Paradox and Power in the Islamic Republic
• Robert Goldstein, University of Michigan
“The Post World War II Red Scare”
• Jim Griffin, Bush School
A Smart Energy Policy: An Economist’s Prescription for Balancing Cheap, Clean, and Secure Energy
• Sarah Snyder, Yale University
“Principles Overwhelming Tanks: Human Rights Activism and the End of the Cold War.”
• Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the United States
• Tim Spicer, CEO of AEGIS
• Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation
The Leadership of George Bush
• Thomas Reed, Secretary of the Air Force, 1976-1977
“The Political History of Nuclear Weapons”
• Stephen Henry, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters
• Ambassador Eric Edelman
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, 2005-2009
United States Ambassador to Turkey, 2003-2005
“Leadership Styles of Four Secretaries of Defense (Cheney, Aspin,Rumsfeld, and Gates)”
• Melvyn Leffler, Chen Jian, Jeffrey Engel
“The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Revolutionary Legacy of 1989”
• Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State, 2005-2009
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, 2001-2005
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Bush School Hosts Leadership and Government Reform Conference
The Bush School of Government and Public Service, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, and the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute co-hosted a one-day conference on leadership and government reform at the University of California’s Washington D.C. Center. Speakers included noted scholars from universities around the country and abroad, as well as representatives of such organizations as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Interim Bush School Dean Benton Cocanougher opened the conference and hosted an evening reception.
Conference topics included leader development in schools of public affairs and the relationship between leadership, national security, and “whole of government” reforms. Dr. Joseph Cerami and Dr. Jeffery A. Engel of the Bush School were among the conference discussion leaders.
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More NewsCaudle Named Director of the Certificate in Homeland Security Program
In September Dr. Sharon Caudle, Younger-Carter Distinguished Policy Maker in Residence, was named director of the Certificate in Homeland Security program at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Caudle replaces Dr. David McIntyre, who resigned to run for political office.
“Dr. Caudle has been involved with Bush School and TAMU homeland security instruction and related activities for several years. In addition to her faculty appointments and service at all levels of government, she had major homeland security responsibilities at GAO before joining the Bush School,” said Dr. Sam Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean of the Bush school.
Caudle will be conducting the ongoing SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) assessment activities and a comprehensive review of the Certificate in Homeland Security program, Kirkpatrick added. With her appointment, the program will now be administered through the Master of Public Service and Administration area, with continuing support from Extended Education.
In addition to her Ph.D. in public administration from The George Washington University, Dr. Caudle also holds a master’s degree in homeland security and homeland defense from the School of International Studies, Naval Postgraduate School. She currently serves on the American National Standards Institute’s Homeland Security Standards Panel steering committee and the technical committee. She is a Senior Fellow with The George Washington University’s Homeland Security Policy Institute and a Fellow with Texas A&M University’s Integrative Center for Homeland Security.
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Mosbacher Institute
A new research component – the Robert A. Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics and Public Policy – has been created within the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University to boost the university’s role in domestic economic policy and international trade issues.
Establishment of the institute was approved Friday, October 1, 2009 by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents upon the recommendation of Texas A&M Interim President R. Bowen Loftin and the leadership of the Bush School.
The institute is named in honor of Robert A. Mosbacher of Houston, a successful businessman who was U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 1989 to 1992 under then-President George H.W. Bush. In that position, Mosbacher was the principal Cabinet official responsible for initiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which created the largest unified market in the world.
Former President Bush has enthusiastically endorsed the creation of such an institution named for Mosbacher “to honor his long years of public service in the fields of business and government affairs,” officials said.
“The institute will enhance the ability of the Bush School to collaborate on domestic economic policy and international trade issues with nationally recognized scholars and experts,” Loftin stated.
“Further, the Institute will enable faculty, students and visiting fellows to contribute significantly to the exploration of crucial contemporary issues in trade and economic policy,” Loftin added.
The nationally recognized reputation of the Bush School for launching successful careers in public management, public policy analysis and international trade will be enhanced by a speaker series, student internships and conferences sponsored by the Mosbacher Institute.
James M. Griffin, who holds the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance at the Bush School, was named as the first director of the Institute. His book, “A Smart Energy Policy: An Economist’s Rx for Balancing Cheap, Clean, and Secure Energy,” was recently published by Yale University Press.
“The activities of the Mosbacher Institute will be phased in over time,” noted Jeryl L. Mumpower, director of the Master’s in Public Service and Administration Program and the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair at the Bush School. The Bush Foundation and the Bush School will initially support a Mosbacher Speaker Series, which will bring individuals from business, government and academia to campus to speak on issues involving trade, economics and public policy.
“We hope to expand that speaker series, to establish the Mosbacher International Summer Internships on trade policy for Bush School graduate students, to launch an annual Mosbacher Annual Economics Conference Series and to create a Mosbacher White Paper series,” Mumpower stated.
The institute will consolidate and expand existing programs and enhance the status of both the Master’s of Public Service and Administration Program and the Master’s Program in International Affairs in the Bush School.
“It will create unprecedented opportunities for faculty, students and visitors to engage in crucial contemporary issues in trade and economic policy,” Mumpower added.
See more Fall 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
President George H.W. Bush Hosts Condoleezza Rice at Texas A&M
George Bush, 41st President of the United States, hosted Condoleezza Rice, 66th Secretary of State, November 9th for the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program at Texas A&M University. The program coincided with a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The speakers program was held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center and was sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs.
Rice is the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution and professor of political science at Stanford University. From January 2005 to 2009, she served as Secretary of State during the administration of 43rd President George W. Bush.
Before serving as America’s chief diplomat, she served as assistant to the president for national security affairs (national security adviser) from January 2001 to 2005. Rice joined the Stanford University faculty as a professor of political science in 1981 and served as Stanford University’s provost from 1993 to 1999. She was a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution from 1991 to 1993 and returned to the Hoover Institution after serving as provost until 2001. As a professor, Rice won two of the highest teaching honors: the 1984 Walter J. Gores Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 1993 School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
She has authored and coauthored several books, including “Germany Unified and Europe Transformed: A Study in Statecraft” (1995), with Philip Zelikow; “The Gorbachev Era” (1986), with Alexander Dallin; and “Uncertain Allegiance: The Soviet Union and the Czechoslovak Army” (1984).
The lecture by Rice was the featured event of a day-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Following her lecture, there was a community celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall on the Peggy and Lowry Mays Presidential Library Plaza.
Other events at the George Bush Presidential Library Center included a panel discussion and book release for “The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Revolutionary Legacy of 1989,” edited by Jeffrey Engel, associate professor at the Bush School; a panel discussion with U.S. and European media titled “Perceptions of Transatlantic Relations since the Fall of the Berlin Wall: A View from American and European Media”; and the release of declassified White House archival material relating to the Berlin Wall, titled “The Fall of the Wall: A Secret View from The Oval Office.”
See more Fall 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
Obama, Bush Celebrate Volunteerism at Texas A&M
At the invitation of President George H. W. Bush, President Barack Obama gave the keynote address at the Points of Light Foundation’s Presidential Forum on Service on October 16, 2009. The historic event was held on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, home of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Since the School’s inception in 1997, the former president has actively encouraged the School to emphasize the importance of public service in government and nonprofit organizations as well as citizen volunteerism. 
Although the Forum was not sponsored by the Bush School, a number of students assisted with the planning and helped at the event, and had the opportunity to meet both presidents.
The Presidential Forum celebrated the Points of Light Foundation’s 20th anniversary by honoring individual volunteers’ service and celebrating the tremendous increase in volunteerism during the past two decades under the Foundation’s leadership. This unique bipartisan gathering offered both presidents the opportunity to celebrate volunteer service and inspire others—especially young people—to continue that tradition. Individuals and organizations from all parts of the country that have been designated as Points of Light were special guests and were honored for their service and contributions. Many of these individuals were introduced to the audience and asked to tell their unique stories, a fitting prelude to the formal program.
Both President Bush and President Obama emphasized the importance of public service and volunteer engagement at all levels—local, state, and national. “In the end, service binds us to each other and to our community and to our country in a way that nothing else can,” Obama said. In introducing President Obama, President Bush said he “is absolutely right. There isn’t a more important time than now for us all to get involved.”
President Obama congratulated Texas A&M for its students’ focus on community service and said he could understand why Mr. Bush chose to locate his presidential library and school at this university. “What you all are doing here is precisely what he was talking about when he called for those thousand points of light, and became the first president to create a White House office devoted solely to promoting volunteerism,” said Mr. Obama. “It’s a vision that’s changed lives across the country,” he added. In addition to the Points of Light honorees, the audience of 2,300 included faculty and students from the Bush School and the University, and nonprofit leaders from the local community. They enthusiastically cheered the call for more volunteerism, and were moved by the obvious affection and respect demonstrated by the two leaders as they embraced on the stage.
President Bush’s firm belief in the value of public service is reflected in the school that bears his name, and is evidenced by the School’s development of a nonprofit management/leadership program. The Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM) develops leaders for the nonprofit sector, contributes to a broader understanding of nonprofits and their key role in society, and supports effective management of these important organizations. Students in the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program can choose a concentration in nonprofit management and earn the certificate, while others—including professionals working in nonprofit agencies—can earn the certificate via part-time or online programs offered by the Bush School.
A partnership with the United Way of Houston enables working professionals to take advantage of the certificate program, enhancing their leadership and management skills while helping them stay current in a dynamic and rapidly changing nonprofit environment. A grant from Texas’s OneStar Foundation has supported another Bush School program, this one for emerging young leaders, which also helps meet the urgent and well-documented need for well-educated and experienced professionals in the nonprofit field.
President Obama made clear his admiration for President Bush and Barbara Bush and their unswerving commitment to public service. “George Bush isn’t just a president who promoted the ethic of public service long before it was fashionable—he’s a citizen whose life has embodied that ethic,” he said.
See more Fall 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
Ryan Crocker Named Dean of the Bush School
Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a diplomat with more than four decades of experience in the Middle East, has been named dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Crocker’s appointment was officially approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at its meeting on Friday, December 4.
“I am excited that Ambassador Ryan Crocker has accepted the opportunity to play an important leadership role in the continuing progress of this unique academic college. Ambassador Crocker has a remarkable record of public service, and I am confident that the Bush School has selected an excellent leader,” said A. Benton Cocanougher, interim dean of the Bush School.
A graduate of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Crocker did graduate work in public policy and Near Eastern affairs at Princeton University, and studied Arabic at the Foreign Service Institute. During his distinguished career, Crocker held a number of diplomatic posts in Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt, as well in Washington D.C. His ambassadorial appointments include Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, and most recently, Iraq, where he served from 2007-2009. Other diplomatic assignments include chargé d’affaires in Kabul, Afghanistan (2002) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2001-2003). In 2003-2004, Crocker was International Affairs Advisor and Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College. He has also lectured on Middle Eastern affairs at colleges and universities around the country.
Crocker is fluent in Arabic, and is known for his wide-ranging expertise in the difficult foreign policy challenges of the Middle East, as well as for his ability to manage complex organizations. He also has a strong interest in advanced/graduate education in public policy.
“We are delighted to have such an eminent diplomat and public servant joining the Bush School as the 3rd dean,” said Sam Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean for academic affairs and management. “Ambassador Crocker’s wealth of international experience gained over more than 30 years of public service will further expand our students’ horizons with his unique insights into the world of diplomacy and the importance of public service at all levels,” he added.
Crocker will assume his new position on January 25, 2010.
See more Fall 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
Ambassador Crocker Named Dean of TAMU’s Bush School
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Ryan C. Crocker as dean of Texas A&M University’s George Bush School of Government and Public Service, effective January 25, 2010. Most recently, Ambassador Crocker served as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq from 2007 to 2009.
Upon learning of Crocker’s selection President George H. W. Bush said, “I am thrilled that Ambassador Ryan Crocker has agreed to take the helm of the Bush School and continue building on the record of academic excellence his predecessors have established.
“It is the mission of our school to help inculcate into each of our students a commitment to public service with integrity, and I can think of few American diplomats who have so embodied this concept as has Ambassador Crocker. His becoming Dean of the Bush School is a great addition to the Aggie family.”
Crocker was selected for the post following an extensive national search. In his new role, he will build on the Bush School’s strong programs in public service and international affairs that developed under the leadership of Richard A. Chilcoat, who served as the Bush School’s first permanent dean from July 2001 through December 2008.
“It is a tremendous honor to have Ambassador Crocker, a distinguished international statesman and scholar, join the Bush School as its dean,” said Interim President R. Bowen Loftin ‘71. “Ambassador Crocker’s appointment speaks directly to the Bush School’s mission of educating principled leaders in public and international affairs, conducting research and performing service. We look forward to his work in enriching the education and experiences of our graduate students as the Bush School continues its trajectory of national prominence.”
Crocker retired from the U.S Foreign Service on April 30, 2009, after a career of more than 37 years. In addition to his post in Iraq, he led diplomatic missions in Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon. In addition, he has served as Professor of National Security Strategy and later International Affairs Advisor at the National War College. He also held posts in Iran, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, and Washington, D.C.
Crocker grew up in an Air Force family, attending schools in Morocco, Canada, and Turkey, as well as the U.S. He received a B.A. in English and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Whitman College (Washington). He also pursued graduate studies in public policy as a Mid-Career Fellow at Princeton University.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award. He also holds the State Department Distinguished Honor Award, Award for Valor, three Superior Honor Awards, the American Foreign Service Association Rivkin Award, and the Robert C. Frasure Memorial Award for “exceptional courage and leadership” in Afghanistan. In 2004, President George W. Bush conferred on him the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the Foreign Service.
In January 2009, Crocker received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award. In May 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the establishment of the Ryan C. Crocker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Expeditionary Diplomacy.”
Interim Provost Karan L. Watson cited Crocker’s executive experience and almost four decades of service to the nation as key reasons for his selection.
“Ambassador Crocker’s distinguished career as a foreign service officer and his strong managerial and communication skills will serve him well as he leads the Bush School in its next stage of development,” said Watson.
Watson also commended A. Benton Cocanougher, professor emeritus of marketing and dean emeritus of the Mays Business School, for his service as interim dean of the Bush School for the past year.
More NewsObama, Bush Celebrate Volunteerism at Texas A&M
At the invitation of President George H. W. Bush, President Barack Obama gave the keynote address at the Points of Light Foundation’s Presidential Forum on Service on October 16, 2009. The historic event was held on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, home of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Since the School’s inception in 1997, the former president has actively encouraged the School to emphasize the importance of public service in government and nonprofit organizations as well as citizen volunteerism. Although the Forum was not sponsored by the Bush School, a number of students assisted with the planning and helped at the event, and had the opportunity to meet both presidents.
The Presidential Forum celebrated the Points of Light Foundation’s 20th anniversary by honoring individual volunteers’ service and celebrating the tremendous increase in volunteerism during the past two decades under the Foundation’s leadership. This unique bipartisan gathering offered both presidents the opportunity to celebrate volunteer service and inspire others—especially young people—to continue that tradition. Individuals and organizations from all parts of the country that have been designated as Points of Light were special guests and were honored for their service and contributions. Many of these individuals were introduced to the audience and asked to tell their unique stories, a fitting prelude to the formal program
Both President Bush and President Obama emphasized the importance of public service and volunteer engagement at all levels—local, state, and national. “In the end, service binds us to each other and to our community and to our country in a way that nothing else can,” Obama said. In introducing President Obama, President Bush said he “is absolutely right. There isn’t a more important time than now for us all to get involved.”
President Obama congratulated Texas A&M for its students’ focus on community service and said he could understand why Mr. Bush chose to locate his presidential library and school at this university. “What you all are doing here is precisely what he was talking about when he called for those thousand points of light, and became the first president to create a White House office devoted solely to promoting volunteerism,” said Mr. Obama. “It’s a vision that’s changed lives across the country,” he added.
In addition to the Points of Light honorees, the audience of 2,300 included faculty and students from the Bush School and the University, and nonprofit leaders from the local community. They enthusiastically cheered the call for more volunteerism, and were moved by the obvious affection and respect demonstrated by the two leaders as they embraced on the stage.
President Bush’s firm belief in the value of public service is reflected in the school that bears his name, as evidenced by the School’s development of a nonprofit management/leadership program. The Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM) develops leaders for the nonprofit sector, contributes to a broader understanding of nonprofits and their key role in society, and supports effective management of these important organizations. Students in the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program can choose a concentration in nonprofit management and earn the certificate, while others—including professionals working in nonprofit agencies—can earn the certificate via part-time or online programs offered by the Bush School.
A partnership with the United Way of Houston and course offerings in both Houston and the Woodlands—a community midway between Houston and College Station—enables working professionals to take advantage of the certificate program, enhancing their leadership and management skills while helping them stay current in a dynamic and rapidly changing nonprofit environment. A grant from Texas’s OneStar Foundation has supported another Bush School program, this one for emerging young leaders, which also helps meet the urgent and well-documented need for well-educated and experienced professionals in the nonprofit field.
President Obama made clear his admiration for President Bush and Barbara Bush and their unswerving commitment to public service. “George Bush isn’t just a president who promoted the ethic of public service long before it was fashionable—he’s a citizen whose life has embodied that ethic,” he said.
A transcript of President Obama’s remarks to the public service forum and photos of the event are posted at http://www.pointsoflight.org/PresidentialForum.
A video of the event can be viewed at our iTunesU site.
More News
Vedlitz Participates in National Energy and Climate Policy Conversation
Dr. Arnold Vedlitz, director of the Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy, was invited by the Howard Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars to help organize and participate in the “Conference on Formulation of Energy and Climate Policy: Toward an Open and Transparent Process” on June 18-19, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Vedlitz chaired a discussion panel entitled “Energy and Climate Policy and Stakeholder Domains: Goals, Perspectives and Interconnections.” This two day conference was the second event in the “Joint Program on Presidential Policy-Making: Formulating a Bipartisan Energy and Climate Policy for America.” A final report including findings from this conference will be sent to President Obama, Congressional leaders and others. Video of the conference can be found on the Wilson Center’s website. Dr. Vedlitz’s session can be found in Part IV of the video.
Dr. Vedlitz’s participation in this conference was partially supported by the University Transportation Center for Mobility (UTCM) project “Transportation Planning, Policy and Climate Change: Making the Long Term Connection.” He is featured on the UTCM website and in the Center’s annual report.
Click here to read the UTCM report.
More NewsLahey at RAND on NIA Fellowship
Assistant Professor Joanna Lahey is spending the academic year as a visiting scholar at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, supported by a fellowship from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Lahey holds a Ph.D. in economics from MIT, and is widely known for her research on age discrimination and how age relates to labor market outcomes. She is an assistant professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
NIA, one of the 27 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, has led the federal research program on all aspects of aging since 1974. Originally focused on research relating to national security, the RAND Corporation has expanded its research agenda to a broad range of national policy issues in business, education, health, law, and science.
This year, Lahey’s work has appeared in several national publications, including the New York Times and U.S. News and World Report, as well as other media outlets. She has also been asked to provide information to U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin for his work on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
More NewsIncentives Help Retain Teachers, Study Says
Two teacher incentive programs – the Governor’s Educator Excellence Grants Program (GEEG) and the Texas Educator Excellence Grant Program (TEEG) – hold promise for reducing teacher turnover, but their effect on student performance is unclear, concludes a study commissioned by the Texas Education Agency. Both three-year programs were designed by teachers. The GEEG distributed $10 million per year in non-competitive federal grants to 99 high-performing campuses serving low-income students, while the TEEG distributed almost $100 million annually to approximately 1,000 schools serving low-income students.
“The absence of impacts on student performance doesn’t necessarily indicate that incentives don’t work, but it does suggest that these programs did not achieve one of their major objectives,” says Lori Taylor, a professor in Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service who co-authored the studies, which the TEA published recently.
Fellow Texas A&M professors Dennis Jansen and Timothy Gronberg, who are both in the Economics Department, are co-authors of the TEEG program study. Matthew Springer, director of the National Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, was lead author.
Full copies of both reports are also posted at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/opge/progeval/TeacherIncentive/index.html.
To discuss the study further, contact Lori Taylor at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (979) 458-3015 or Kelli Levey at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (979) 845-4645.
More NewsBush School Students Help with Obama Visit
Several Bush School students played an active role in helping to organize the historic and highly successful visit of President Barack Obama to the Texas A&M University campus on October 16. The president was invited by President George H. W. Bush to take part in a forum on public service celebrating the 20th anniversary of President Bush’s Points of Light Foundation.
Five students—David Ward, Gregory Stevenson, Kristin Childress, Louellen Lowe, and Magdalena Manzano—served as staff to the White House representative in charge of the president’s visit. Ms. Manzano, a second year MPSA student, was designated as the second-in-command to the White House representative, and coordinated the activities of the Bush School volunteers.
Bush School students had a range of responsibilities: some were responsible for crowd control, while others assisted with the check-in of more than 2,500 guests invited by the Points of Light Foundation and the White House. Still others oversaw other student volunteers at the event and made sure seating arrangements were followed.
“Getting the opportunity to work for the White House advance team for President Obama’s visit to the campus was an honor,” Mazano said, “especially since the forum was focused on public service and its importance to our society. We were all honored to serve as staff members during this historic visit and to represent the Bush School,” she added.
The excitement continued once the public service forum was over, as some thirty Bush School students—including Sue McElheny, Haileigh Meyers, Megan Kenney, Dante Miller, Joshua Murray, Aimee Anderson, Kathleen Nowell, and David Sutton—were invited to an informal meeting with President Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Duncan Dining Hall. Duncan was filled with members of the Corps of Cadets, and when the motorcade pulled up to the main door, the cadets and Bush School students were surprised and excited to see President Obama with President Bush and Secretary Gates. Mr. Obama spoke briefly, noting his appreciation for A&M students’ dedication to service and recognizing the Corps’ contributions to the nation’s military through the years. The president and Secretary Gates then circled the huge dining hall, shaking as many hands as possible.
“It was a tremendous honor to shake hands with the president of the United States, and an experience I won’t soon forget,” said Sue McElheny, MPSA student, class of 2010. “I am grateful to the Bush School for giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with such accomplished leaders as Barack Obama, George Bush, and Robert Gates,” McElheny said.
A transcript of President Obama’s remarks to the public service forum and photos of the event are posted at http://www.pointsoflight.org/PresidentialForum.
A video of the Duncan Dining Hall event is at: http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/64649147.html
More NewsPresident George H.W. Bush Hosts Condoleezza Rice At Texas A&M
George Bush, 41st President of the United States, will host Condoleezza Rice, 66th Secretary of State, Nov. 9 for the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program at Texas A&M University. The program is scheduled to coincide with a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The speakers program is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library Center. It is sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs.
Rice is the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution and professor of political science at Stanford University. From January 2005 to 2009, she served as Secretary of State during the administration of 43rd President George W. Bush.
Before serving as America’s chief diplomat, she served as assistant to the president for national security affairs (national security adviser) from January 2001 to 2005. Rice joined the Stanford University faculty as a professor of political science in 1981 and served as Stanford University’s provost from 1993 to 1999. She was a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution from 1991 to 1993 and returned to the Hoover Institution after serving as provost until 2001. As a professor, Rice won two of the highest teaching honors: the 1984 Walter J. Gores Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 1993 School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
She has authored or coauthored several books, including “Germany Unified and Europe Transformed: A Study in Statecraft” (1995), with Philip Zelikow; “The Gorbachev Era” (1986), with Alexander Dallin; and “Uncertain Allegiance: The Soviet Union and the Czechoslovak Army” (1984).
The lecture by Rice is the featured event of a daylong celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Following her lecture, there will be a celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall on the Peggy and Lowry Mays Presidential Library Plaza.
Other events at the George Bush Presidential Library Center include a panel discussion and book release for “The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Revolutionary Legacy of 1989;” a panel discussion with U.S. and European media titled “Perceptions of Transatlantic Relations since the Fall of the Berlin Wall: A View from American and European Media;” and the release of declassified White House archival material relating to the Berlin Wall, titled “The Fall of the Wall: A Secret View from The Oval Office.”
Free tickets to the Humphrys Lecture are available at the Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau, KBTX-TV, WTAW, The Bryan/College Station Eagle and the Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library. Attendees are asked to refrain from bringing backpacks, bags, cameras or other personal belongings.
For a full agenda of the day’s events, visit the event website at http://eucenter.tamu.edu/Events/Content/FBW/FBW_site.html.
The Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program brings to the George Bush Presidential Library Center and the campus of Texas A&M University world leaders, current and past practitioners, and renowned international affairs scholars. The purpose of the program is to bring to public attention relevant international issues that face the United States and to provide a dialogue in search of solutions for the promotion of world peace and stability. The program is especially geared towards students who will have the opportunity to augment their academic experience by exposing them to important international issues. In addition, it presents students the opportunity to build on their classroom experience through interaction with world leaders and others who shape international events. The program features two lectures per year—one in the spring and one in the fall. It is sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs.
More NewsAbsher Offers New Look at the Cuban Missile Crisis
October 28, 2009
Kenneth Michael Absher, a Fellow at the Bush School’s Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, has written a detailed analysis of the intelligence failures and successes in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. In Missiles and Mind-Sets: A First Hand Look at the Cuban Missile Crisis, Absher uses recollections, declassified documents, and memoirs written by senior CIA officers and other participants to present unique insights into the crisis, as well as offer suggestions for current and future intelligence operations. During his 31 years with the agency, Absher was involved in many major foreign intelligence operations in addition to the Cuban crisis, including the Vietnam War, the military and rescue operation in Grenada, and the breakup of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact.
Missiles and Mind-Sets was published by the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College as part of the Letort Papers. A free hard copy can be ordered by calling (717) 245-4133. The monograph can also be read and downloaded in the Featured Papers section of the Institute’s website: http://www.StrategicStudiesInstitute.army.mil.
For additional information contact:
Susan L. Robertson, Director, Communications and External Relations, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone: 979.862.8845
Bush School Honors Faculty and Staff
September 29, 2009
Four faculty and staff members were recognized for their achievements at the annual Bush School Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony held Friday, September 25, 2009. The awards were presented by Dr. Benton Cocanougher interim dean of the School.
Dr. Christopher Layne received the College teaching award given by the Association of Former Students. Nominations for this $2,500 award came from Bush School faculty and students, and were evaluated by a committee at the Association. Professor Layne holds the Robert M. Gates Chair in Intelligence and National Security at the Bush School. His fields of interest are international relations theory, great power politics, U.S. foreign policy, transatlantic security relations, and grand strategy.
The Bush School Faculty Award for Excellence was presented to Dr. James M. Griffin in recognition of his work in teaching, research and public service that is particularly relevant to the School’s mission. Griffin holds the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance and is Director of the Bush School’s Program in the Economics of Public Policy. The $2,500 cash award was established by the Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Griffin’s research interests span a variety of public policy areas ranging from energy policy to the effects of technological change on various industries.
Outstanding Staff Awards of $500 each were presented to Kathryn Meyer, director of recruitment, and Beth Roberts, program coordinator.
“Thanks to the Association of Former Students and the Bush Foundation, we are able each year to recognize several of the many faculty and staff who have done outstanding work,” said Cocanougher. “The individuals honored this year have shown special dedication to the mission of the Bush School. These awards recognize their dedication, enthusiasm and an ongoing commitment to excellence,” he concluded.
For additional information contact: Susan L. Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations, Bush School, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 979.862.8845
More NewsBush School Holds Open Houses for Prospective Students
The Bush School of Government and Public Service will hold a series of open houses this fall to introduce prospective students to the school. Attendees will experience the Bush School first-hand, interacting directly with faculty, staff and current students. Topics include degree and graduate certificate programs, co-curricular offerings, the admissions process, tuition and fees, scholarships, internship and career prospects, and public service opportunities.
Open houses will be held on Fridays (Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Nov. 20, Dec. 4) from 11:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 1107 of the Allen Building at the Bush School. The open house format allows prospects to come and go as their schedules demand. Lunch is available for those who RSVP. For more information visit: http://bush.tamu.edu/admissions/degree/recruitment/. Parking is available in Lot 43 near the Annenberg Conference Center for those with a valid TAMU permit; other visitors can park in Lot 111 and request a hang-tag at registration.
Please make reservations to attend one week prior to the open house date. Drop-ins are welcome. If you have further questions, contact Kathryn Meyer at 979-862-3476 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
More NewsCaudle Named Director of the Certificate in Homeland Security Program
Dr. Sharon Caudle, Younger-Carter Distinguished Policy Maker in Residence, has been named director of the Certificate in Homeland Security program at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. The appointment is effective immediately, said Dr. Sam Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean of the Bush School. Caudle replaces Dr. David McIntyre, who resigned to run for political office.
“Dr. Caudle has been involved with Bush School and TAMU homeland security instruction and related activities for several years. In addition to her faculty appointments and service at all levels of government, she had major homeland security responsibilities at GAO before joining the Bush School,” Kirkpatrick said.
Caudle will be conducting the ongoing SACS Southern Association of Colleges and Schools assessment activities and a comprehensive review of the Certificate in Homeland Security program, Kirkpatrick added. With her appointment, the program will now be administered through the Master of Public Service and Administration area, with continuing support from Extended Education.
In addition to her Ph.D. in public administration from The George Washington University, Dr. Caudle also holds a master’s in homeland security and homeland defense from the School of International Studies, Naval Postgraduate School. She currently serves on the American National Standards Institute’s Homeland Security Standards Panel steering committee and the technical committee. She is a Senior Fellow with The George Washington University’s Homeland Security Policy Institute and a Fellow with Texas A&M University’s Integrative Center for Homeland Security.
For additional information, contact:
Susan L. Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 979.862.8845.
Layne Commissioned to do Study for NIC
Professor Christopher Layne, who holds the Robert M. Gates Chair in National Security at the George H. W. Bush School of Government and Public Service, has been commissioned by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) to write a paper on the “Unipolar Exit,” an examination of whether U.S. primacy is waning, and if so, what this means for both American grand strategy, and for international politics, during the 21st century’s early decades.
Widely recognized for his research and writing on American foreign policy, Layne is an Intelligence Community (IC) Associate, and one of a select group of scholars who consult with the National Intelligence Council on a range of policy matters. He is also a member of the NIC’s study group on Strategic Relations to American Preeminence. He recently published a review essay on “The Waning of U.S. Hegemony—Myth or Reality,” in the International Security, the leading journal in the field. The essay reviews five publications which address the question of whether the international system will remain unipolar or is being transformed into a multipolar system.
For more information contact:
Susan Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 979.862.8845
More NewsFormer Ambassador Named Interim Director Of Scowcroft Institute
Ambassador (retired) Larry Napper has been named interim director of the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Napper’s appointment was announced by Dr. Sam Kirkpatrick, executive associate dean of the Bush School.
Ambassador Napper is a senior lecturer at the Bush School who served 31 years in the U.S. Foreign Service before retiring in 2005. Among his many diplomatic assignments were U.S. ambassador to Latvia (1995-1998) and U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan (2001-2004). His service was recognized with the Secretary of State Career Achievement Award and two Presidential Meritorious Service Awards, among others. In 2008, Ambassador Napper served as co-leader of the Iraq Governance Assessment Team working with Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus on measures to improve governance.
“I am pleased that Ambassador Napper has agreed to take on this interim assignment,” said Kirkpatrick. “He will be ably assisted by Dr. Jeff Engel, Dr. Jasen Castillo and former Bush School dean Dick Chilcoat as we keep the institute’s educational and research programs on track.”
Details of the search for a permanent director will be forthcoming, Kirkpatrick added.
For additional information, contact Susan L. Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 979.862.8845.
More NewsDropouts Cost Texas $9.6 Billion, Finds Texas A&M Study
COLLEGE STATION, Aug. 25, 2009 - Students who drop out of high school will cost Texas up to $9.6 billion in lost revenue and outright expenses over their lifetimes, and that figure escalates as each new crop of dropouts is created, concludes a study commissioned by the United Ways of Texas and written by The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
A team of 10 graduate students used lost wages, diminished sales tax revenue and welfare payments to calculate the costs in their report, “The ABCD’s of Texas Education: Assessing the Benefits and Costs of Reducing the Dropout Rate.” The effects of dropouts on crime and the associated costs were also considered.
The calculations were based on the projected dropout rate for the class of 2012 - 12.2 percent to 22.2 percent, or 40,519 to 73,692 students.
The United Ways of Texas commissioned the project, with instructions to determine methods for measuring and quantifying the state’s dropout rates, estimate the dropout rate’s economic impact on the state and review dropout prevention programs, identifying best practices.
The report further notes that a reduction in high school students could save the state up to $1.1 billion in education-related costs each year, but investing in keeping these students in school produces a substantial long-term monetary gain.
Similar research projects, called Capstone Projects, are required of all second-year students enrolled in the Bush School at Texas A&M. The faculty advisor for the project was Lori Taylor, who teaches in the Bush School and in Texas A&M’s Department of Economics and is also a program area leader for school finance, facilities and organizations in the State of Texas Education Research Center at Texas A&M.
The project was intended as an informative tool for policy makers, legislators and other key stakeholders to use in their deliberation of education policy, specific to dropout prevention, within Texas, the summary states.
“Through the extensive research and analysis devoted to this project, we believe the findings are vast and troublesome, and in need of immediate attention for the wellbeing of the Texas education system and economy,” the researchers note.
For more information, or to view the final report, please visit: http://bush.tamu.edu/research/capstones/mpsa/.
More NewsLeading the Way: OneStar Foundation and Texas A&M Partner for Nonprofit Leadership Training Program
—Originally Published On OneStar Foundation Website: http://www.onestarfoundation.org/news/leading-the-way —
July 7, 2009
By Sarah Pratt, OneStar Foundation
This spring, 28 Texas nonprofit employees ages 20 through 30 became the inaugural class of the Emerging Leaders program, an innovative venture to find and develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders in Texas.
A collaborative program between OneStar Foundation: Texas Center for Social Impact and the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, the Emerging Leaders program involves a week-in-residence featuring highly interactive seminars led by Bush School professors, followed by online coaching, instruction and mentoring. The program allows participants from all over Texas to develop and understand their management, leadership and mentoring styles together, ultimately preparing them to assume leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. The Bush School has committed to continuing this program beyond OneStar’s inaugural investment.
“The Emerging Leaders program is an excellent example of how great things can be accomplished through effective collaboration,” said Elizabeth Seale, president and chief executive officer of OneStar Foundation. “The Bush School’s incredibly knowledgeable faculty members have been an essential part of this program, as has the university’s generous donation of space and housing. In addition, OneStar’s scholarships covered most expenses of the participants, allowing them to engage in this unique learning opportunity. We thank the Bush School for being such an innovative and supportive partner in this endeavor, and we encourage all nonprofits to explore how collaboration can benefit their own programs and, ultimately, their clients.”
Emerging Leaders utilized a combination of group and individual training, which gave participants the opportunity to both professionally connect with their peers and receive personalized instruction. While participants spent May 18-22, 2009, at the week-in-residence training at the Bush School, the online individual coaching will continue for another six months.
Participants gave overwhelmingly positive feedback about the program’s training sessions, its facilitators and the professional direction that the program has given them. “I have been changed as a leader this week,” said Jeremy Tatum from Connecting Caring Communities. “My confidence level has risen dramatically simply by engaging in the interactive learning opportunities. This was one of the best professional development seminars I have ever experienced. I cannot wait to see how this program grows in the future.”
Added Charlene Woodard from the Lena Mae Farris Foundation, “I thought this week would involve someone telling me what I need to do to become a leader. The program has taught me to figure out for myself what a leader is, and what I have to do and learn to achieve that-not having someone else telling me, but finding it out for myself.”
Overall, said Erica Solis of El Buen Samaritano, “This week was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Before I came, I had goals; but this week helped me realize that not all the goals I had were my own. It was also very important that I was coached to take control of my career. My biggest asset is myself, and this week was all about how to grow and become my biggest champion.”
One of famed coach Vince Lombardi’s most popular quotes was, “Leaders aren’t born; they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” Thanks to programs such as Emerging Leaders, the next generation of Texas nonprofit leaders have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with one another, giving the entire nonprofit sector a brighter, stronger future.
To learn about upcoming training sessions like the Emerging Leaders program, create an account on OneStar’s Web site at http://www.onestarfoundation.org/page/registration.
More NewsBush School Hosts Leadership and Government Reform Conference
On June 24, the Bush School of Government and Public Service, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, and the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute are co-hosting a one-day conference on leadership and government reform at the University of California’s Washington D.C. Center. Speakers include noted scholars from universities around the country and abroad, as well as representatives of such organizations as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Interim Bush School Dean Benton Cocanougher will open the conference and host a reception that evening.
Conference topics include leader development in schools of public affairs and the relationship between leadership, national security and “whole of government” reforms. Leading the discussions will be Dr. Joseph Cerami and Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Bush School. The conference schedule and information on speakers may be found at http://bush.tamu.edu/dc2009/.
Those interested in attending the conference may request an invitation by contacting Dr. Matthew Upton at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For additional information contact:
For additional information contact Dr. Joe Cerami, 979.862.8836,
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bush School Aids Emerging Nonprofit Leaders
Texas’s OneStar Foundation and the Bush School have collaborated to create a new leadership development program that will help meet the urgent need for well-educated and experienced professionals in the nonprofit field.
The OneStar Foundation is a Texas nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to further volunteerism and community service in the state. A Foundation grant of $80,000 supported this initial program for emerging young leaders.
Twenty-eight young people currently working in nonprofit organizations were competitively chosen by the Foundation to spend the week of May 18-22 at the Bush School learning from faculty and staff experts in nonprofit management as well as from their peers in the program. Their on-campus experience will be enhanced by a range of online activities over the next six months, including workshops and one-on-one coaching by Bush School faculty and staff. Nearly all their expenses, except travel to and from College Station, were covered by the OneStar grant.
Dr. Will Brown, who directs the School’s nonprofit management certificate program, noted that this program is one way the Bush School is addressing the significant need for effective leadership in the nonprofit sector.
“In the next decade, leadership in nonprofit organizations will become an even more pressing problem. As the sector continues to expand and the baby boom generation seeks retirement, the need for talented leaders in the field outstrips the current workforce,” Brown said.
Participants were selected because they had programmatic experience, a strong interest and commitment to improving social conditions, but limited expertise in running a nonprofit organization and little advanced management training.
“These individuals are poised to contribute substantively to the nonprofit field and assume increasing levels of strategic management responsibilities ,” said Brown. “Without the proper training, they may become frustrated at the interpersonal and inter-organizational strife which will prevent them from being as effective as they might be,” he added.
During their week at the Bush School, the students participated in leadership self assessment, one-on-one coaching sessions, and a series of workshops. The goal is to help them gain a better understanding of their leadership skills and the challenges faced by nonprofit managers, and to improve their leadership capabilities. A unique aspect of the program is that participants must identify a mentor or coach from within their own organization or professional network who will then participate in a two week online workshop to help them become more effective mentors.
Evolving from the state government’s more than 30 years of support of volunteerism and community service, the OneStar Foundation’s mission has expanded to include strengthening the social sector by identifying, connecting and equipping people, organizations and government with resources to more effectively respond in times of emergencies and disasters.
For additional information contact: Susan L. Robertson, Director, Communications & External Relations, the Bush School of Government and Public Service, 979.862.8845, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More NewsBush School Celebrates Largest Graduating Class
On May 15, Interim Dean Benton Cocanougher and other Bush School faculty celebrated the graduation of 91 Bush School students—the School’s largest graduating class to date. Forty-three MPSA students and 48 students from the MPIA program were recognized in a ceremony held in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. The Bush School event preceded the University’s graduation ceremony in Reed Arena later that day at which the students formally received their degrees.
In the celebration program, Interim Dean Cocanougher congratulated the students on their successes and noted that the students had fulfilled rigorous educational requirements that had prepared them for principled leadership. He also expressed the confidence of the entire Bush School faculty and staff in their ability to make a positive and meaningful difference throughout their careers.
Daniel Nickeson was selected by his classmates to speak on their behalf at the ceremony, while C. Grady Griffin III was chosen by his colleagues to carry the gonfalon—the flag that bears the School’s insignia—in the class procession. Dr. Joann Wheeler, director of Extended Education, presented Certificates in Advanced International Affairs, Homeland Security, and Nonprofit Management, while Dr. Charles Hermann, program director of the Master’s Program in International Affairs, and Dr. Jeryl Mumpower, director of the Master of Public Service and Administration recognized students that were receiving a master’s degree.
Three awards were also presented at the ceremony. The graduating class recognized two faculty members with Silver Star Awards for outstanding teaching and student relations and selected one of their peers for the Public Service Award, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated principled public service throughout his or her time at the Bush School. The MPSA Silver Star Award was presented to Dr. Deborah Kerr by Kathleen Sanderson, while Ambassador Larry Napper received the MPIA Silver Star Award from Lindsay Malecha. Danté Miller, first year international affairs student, presented the Public Service Award to David Nyquist, an MPSA graduate.
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More NewsXinsheng Liu, Ren Mu Lead Bush School Trip to China
Dr. Xinsheng Liu, ISTPP Associate Research Scientist, and Dr. Ren Mu, assistant professor in the Bush School, will be co-directing an international field seminar entitled “China’s Economic Development and Foreign Policy,” and leading a group of Bush School students to visit the China Foreign Affairs University and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies at the end of May 2009. The seminar will introduce students to the social, economic, political, security and cultural aspects of a country that is in the process of rapidly transforming itself in all these dimensions.
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More NewsEric Lindquist Receives Scowcroft Grant Award
Dr. Eric Lindquist, Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy’s (ISTPP) Associate Director, is one of this year’s recipients of a Scowcroft Faculty Research Grant. Dr. Lindquist will be using the grant for travel support to Germany and England for cross national and collaborative research on the subject of urban flooding and policy change.
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More NewsPresident Bush Meets Livermore Fellows
On Tuesday, May 5, former President G.H.W. Bush met in his Houston office with six of the first eight graduates of the Bush School’s new graduate National Security Affairs Program. This certificate program is the result of a collaboration between the Bush School and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. All eight of the initial graduates are Livermore scientists and engineers. The certificate program is designed for individuals in careers involving interface with the U.S. national security processes and policies. From the left in the photo above are:
Top row l-r: Tom Anklam, Kimberly Budil, Steven Bradley, Brian Cracchiola, President Bush,
Bottom row, l-r: John Knezovich, Janeen Wood.
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More NewsBush School Communication Program Receives Awards
Again this year, the Bush School’s communications program has won several prestigious awards for publications and other communications efforts. Their work was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) at the District IV conference and the Brazos Valley International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) annual awards banquet. CASE is the national association of university communication, fundraising, alumni, advancement, and external affairs professionals. CASE District IV includes colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Founded in 1970, IABC provides a professional network of over 15,500 business communication professionals in over 80 countries.
CASE achievement awards were presented on April 6 to Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick for the Bush School’s YouTube channel in the World Wide Web category, the School’s print newsletter in the newsletter/tabloid category, and the merchandise marketing program in the specialty advertising category.
Director of Communications Susan Robertson, graphic designer Stanton Ware, and writer Penny Beaumont were recognized for their work on the newsletter, while Ware and Robertson received awards for the merchandise marketing program. Robertson, website administrator Matthew Henderson, and graduate students Mariam Chaudhry and Benjamin Sky Brown took the honors for the School’s YouTube channel.
A poster designed by Ware for the School’s recent Cold War Symposium received a special CASE award for graphic design.
“These awards from peers in the academic community are particularly meaningful,” said Kirkpatrick. “The Bush School communications professionals compete with outstanding peers from across the region, and we’re delighted that their exceptional work was recognized by CASE.”
The outstanding work of the communications program was also recognized at the 2009 Brazos Bravo Awards held on April 23. Two projects received Brazos Bravos, the highest award. The Bush School YouTube channel was honored in the SocialMedia/Technology category, student division, as well as in the Communications Management Category. An Award of Excellence went to the School’s E-Chronicle newsletter and to the Cold War Symposium Program. The Symposium’s poster, designed by Stanton Ware, received an Award of Merit for creative communication.
Three students, Mariam Chaudhry, Sky Brown, and Katie Sanderson, who had spent a great deal of volunteer time developing the YouTube project and creating and posting videos, attended the event and accepted the award for their division.
“These awards reflect the consistently high quality of the Bush School’s communications efforts,” said Kirkpatrick. “The entries were judged by experienced professionals from IABC chapters all across the nation. Their enthusiastic comments about the creativity and professionalism of our communications vehicles reinforces our belief that we are doing a good job of telling the Bush School story,” he added.
Bush School communicators have received some 12 awards in the past two years, a remarkable achievement for a relatively young communications program.
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More NewsPSO Sponsors Clothing Drive for Soldiers
The Bush School’s Public Service Organization (PSO) sponsored a clothing drive for troops on temporary leave at Camp As Sayliyah, the U.S. military Central Command in Doha, Qatar. The drive was run by Kristin Childress (MPIA 2010) and Irene Miramontes (MPSA 2010).
Childress and Miramontes started the project when they learned that U.S. troops—both male and female—on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan have free time but are not allowed to leave the base without civilian clothing. Most of those on leave do not have civilian clothing with them while serving overseas, and the base donation closet in Doha is frequently empty. When Bush students visiting Qatar learned this, they were determined to help. Thanks to donations received in March from Bush School students, faculty, and staff, troops will now be able to leave the military base and enjoy tourist attractions in Doha while on leave. Donations were accepted in March, sorted, and sent to Cam As Sayliyah before the semester ended.
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More NewsConference Commemorates the Fall of the Berlin Wall
On January 26th, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs commemorated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with the 2009 Ansary Foreign Policy Conference, a retrospective symposium entitled “The Cold War Is History: Twenty Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall.”
The conference was held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and featured talks by renowned diplomatic historians. They discussed the fall of the Berlin Wall and what the subsequent changes in the international landscape have meant for the regions and nations most deeply involved in the Cold War—the United States, Western Europe, Russia, the former Soviet Republics and Eastern Bloc states, and China.
Among the noted panelists attending the conference were Chen Jian, an Emmy-award winner for his documentary on China; Melvyn Leffler, winner of the Bancroft Prize in diplomatic history; James Sheehan of Stanford University, formerly president of the American Historical Association; and William Taubman, a Pulitzer prize-winning historian of Amherst College.
The end result of the conference will be a book on the fall of the Berlin Wall, edited by the Scowcroft Institute’s Jeffrey A. Engel, which will be published by Oxford University Press.
The 2009 Ansary Foreign Policy Conference was supported by the University’s Melbern G. Glasscock Center and the European Union Center of Excellence, the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, and Oxford University Press.
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More NewsBush School Alumni Network
by Leslie Gurrola (MPSA 2007)
All former students, current students, staff, and faculty are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of a unique opportunity to support the Bush School by participating in the development of the Bush School Former Students Network.
Chartered in July 2008, the network is the first college-affiliated network of the Association of Former Students. It will provide current and former students the opportunity to directly influence the success and growth of the Bush School through expansion of the Aggie Network, enhancement of education opportunities for current students, and continued professional development for former and current students.
“The network was born out of a need identified by former students to have a formal connection to the Bush School,” said Liz Mallas, Class of ’07 and founding president of the network. “It will provide an organized system for former students to give back to the School in a variety of ways, be it through networking, mentoring to current students, or financial support.”
The network recently launched its official website, http://www.gbsformerstudents.com, which contains important information on how to get involved in the development of this exciting initiative. For those interested in key leadership positions, the network is currently seeking applicants to chair its six committees: strategic planning and steering, recruitment and membership, career development, student relations, communications, and finance.
Each committee will have a College Station-based contact and will be led by a former student. Leadership of the committees will rotate on a yearly basis, so if you have an interest in leading a committee or would like additional information on how to get involved, please send an e-mail to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Current officers are (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), president, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), vice president, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), treasurer and (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), secretary.
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More NewsScowcroft Institute Hosts U.S. Army Strategic Vision Seminar
On February 24, Bush School students heard about the latest trends and thinking inside the U.S. Army on strategic issues from Major General Robert Williams of the U.S. Army War College and other military experts. General Williams was on campus to conduct a workshop for the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) entitled “Land Power and Grand Strategy in the 21st Century,” which was designed specifically for Texas A&M faculty. Bush School students were invited to the “open door” briefing and discussion session part of the seminar.
General Williams began by stating that the nation’s current grand strategy was concentrated on Iraq and Afghanistan and that there was a need to look beyond that and develop a broader diplomatic, informational, and military strategy. The greatest threat right now to the U.S. is the global economic crisis/recession, he said. He pointed out ways the U.S. could become a global “facilitator” of good governance, lead the global order, and serve as a “balancer” by selective engagement with other nations. Williams also noted the need to gradually change the character of the current conflict, moving away from the “bumper sticker” mentality to a broader view of the conflict and enemies. He added that another key element in a new military strategy would be a realization of how different the strategic environment has become, and the different skill sets required of military personnel.
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More NewsStudents Receive Writing and Leadership Certificates
On April 14, Bush School students who had met the criteria were presented with Dean’s Certificates for Writing and for Leadership. Interim Dean Benton Cocanougher presented the certificates during a reception held at the home of Sally Dee Wade, writing consultant for the Bush School. The class of 2009 was the largest group of students to receive these certificates in the School’s history. This is the third class of students to participate in the Writing and Leadership Certificate Programs.
To earn the writing portfolio certificate, students compile at least two, but often more, papers that they believe reflect their best writing abilities as well as their career aspirations. Starting with a paper that has been submitted and graded for a course, Wade and the student then collaborate to design a high quality document that can be used as a writing sample when applying for jobs or further education.
This year, some 35 second year students worked with Wade to improve their writing and critical evaluation skills. “The students experienced the collaborative writing and revision process as they worked through numerous drafts to achieve a document that reflected audience awareness, clear purpose and organization, and accepted English usage,” Wade said. “The end results were writing samples that will be useful in their careers.”
Students earn the Certificate in Leadership by completing a core academic course and by participating in leadership development workshops that include personality tests and a self-assessment. They also develop a personal leadership plan and take part in leadership coaching sessions. Some 55 second year students received the certificate, 34 from the MPIA program and 21 from the MPSA program.
Dr. Joe Cerami, director of the Public Service Leadership Program, noted that since the Bush School is relatively new, there is not yet a track record of successful senior leaders.
“We do know, however, that Bush School graduates have been making their mark as principled and effective public servants during the past 10 years,” Cerami said. “We also know that our Dean’s Leadership and Writing Certificates provide a solid foundation for our graduates to build on. I believe that our mix of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and developmental certificates gives our graduates a valuable mix of knowledge, skills, and experience. I am confident that we will be reading about Bush graduates in prominent leadership positions over the next 10 years,” he concluded.
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More NewsBush School Students Continue Aggie Tradition of Ring Day
Camping out overnight in front of the Williams Alumni Center showed just how eager Bush School graduates were to get their coveted Aggie rings. Several of the 18 Bush School students who opted to get their rings spent the night of April 16 outside with tents, sleeping bags, and folding camp chairs so they could be among the first to get “tickets” to enter the Alumni Center and pick up their rings on Friday morning.
Tickets were handed out starting at 7:15 that morning, but the Bush School students were in place by 7 p.m. the evening before.
The drizzly weather didn’t deter the students; and their vigil was made easier by food, drink, and moral support from their fellow Bush School students.
In the end, it paid off: Bush School students all received tickets in the first group to enter the alumni center, which means they were among the first 250 students out of 3,000 to get their Aggie rings. These early birds had another reason for being first in line. In addition to their desire to show that they were now part of the newest class of A&M graduates, they also wanted more time to prepare for the Bush Ball being held that evening.
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More NewsKatherine Rich Receives ASPA Award
Katherine Rich, a 2006 MPSA graduate, has been selected as the Emerging Public Administration Professional of the Year by the Central Texas Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). She is currently advisor to Kenneth W. Anderson, Jr., a member of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas. Rich was honored at a banquet held on May 8 as part of Public Service Recognition Week.
Dustin McLemore, vice president of the Centex ASPA, noted that Rich was being honored for her work with the Commission and as “a prime example of what a public servant should be.”
The ASPA was established in 1939 and is the largest and most prominent professional association in the field of public administration.
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More NewsChristopher Layne, Jeryl Mumpower Appointed to Endowed Chairs
Dr. Benton Cocanougher, interim dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service, has announced the appointment of two faculty members to endowed chairs.
Dr. Chris Layne will now hold the Robert M. Gates Chair in Intelligence and National Security. Layne is widely known for his expertise in international relations theory, U.S. foreign policy, and transatlantic security relations. Professor Layne has written two books: The Peace of Illusions: American Grand Strategy from 1940 to the Present (Cornell University Press, 2006), and (with Bradley A. Thayer) American Empire: A Debate (Routledge, 2006). Additionally, he has contributed extensively to the debates about international relations theory and American foreign policy in a number of scholarly and policy journals.
Dr. Jeryl Mumpower, director of the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program at the Bush School, has been named to the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Business and Government. The author or editor of nine books and numerous other publications, Mumpower’s research focuses on several areas of public policy including negotiation and bargaining, environmental policy, individual and group decision making processes, the use of scientific expertise in public policy making, and risk analysis and management.
In making the announcement, Dr. Cocanougher noted that these appointments recognize significant accomplishments and contributions to the holder’s academic discipline.
“Being named to an endowed chair is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a faculty member at Texas A&M University,” said Cocanougher. “All of us at the Bush School congratulate Dr. Layne and Dr. Mumpower on these prestigious appointments.”
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More NewsChristopher Layne Appointed Associate of National Intelligence Council
Dr. Christopher Layne, the Mary Julia and George R. Jordan Professor at the Bush School, has been appointed an Associate of the National Intelligence Council (NIC). Associates are a select group of scholars and experts who consult with the NIC on a range of policy matters. Layne has also been appointed to the NIC’s study group on Strategic Reactions to American Preeminence. This group of twenty leading scholars in international relations includes members from the nation’s premier institutions, including Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, MIT, and the University of Virginia, among others.
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More NewsBush School Advisor on Obama’s National Security Team
Two members of President Barack Obama’s national security team have close associations with the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
In addition to the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert Gates, who was interim dean of the Bush School prior to becoming president of the University, Obama’s new National Security Advisor, General James Logan Jones, Jr., is a member of the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs’ Advisory Board.
Currently president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Energy, General Jones completed 40 years of active duty service in the Marine Corps in 2007. His final assignments were as 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps and supreme allied commander, Europe, and commander, U.S. European Command. After his retirement, he served as chairman of the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq and as a special envoy for Middle East Security. He is a decorated combat veteran who has worked closely with government, business, and civic leaders in an effort to protect and advance U.S. and allied interests around the world.
Other distinguished members of the SIIA Advisory Board include former Senator Howard Baker, Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Professor John Deutch, Hon. Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Admiral Bobby Inman, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Hon. Virginia A. Mulberger, Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, Lt. Gen. Bernard L. Trainor, and Dr. Cindy Williams.
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More NewsProspective Students Visit Bush School
More than 137 prospective students from 21 states as well as Korea, Canada, and Mexico attended interview conferences at the Bush School of Government and Public Service on February 27 and 28. Sixty-two students were being considered for the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA), while 75 students interviewed for the Master’s Program in International Affairs (MPIA).
The interview conferences enable the School’s Admissions Committee to learn more about the prospective students, while at the same time, the students gain a better understanding of the Bush School experience. During their weekend visit, prospective students were given an overview of the School; took part in academic program interviews and assessments; toured the campus and community; and had opportunities to interact informally with current students, faculty, and staff.
Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick noted that attending the conference did not guarantee admission to the Bush School. “We believe the interview process to be an important step for students considering our graduate programs, but all applications are considered equally,” Kirkpatrick said. “Some students are unable to come to the campus, but those who do gain a better understanding of the School’s academic offerings and life on campus and in the community,” he added.
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More NewsGraduate Certificate in China Studies to be Launched in Fall
Beginning in the fall of 2009, the Bush School will offer a new Certificate Program in China Studies. A collaborative effort of the Bush School, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Institute for Pacific Asia, this innovative program will enable graduate students enrolled in any University department—not just the Bush School—to prepare for a global future in which the economic, political, and social issues in the People’s Republic of China will have significant impact. The program of study will offer master’s or doctoral students an in-depth understanding of contemporary Chinese society and its increasing involvement in world affairs, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the philosophical, cultural, and linguistic roots of that society.
Dr. Andrew Scobell, associate professor at the Bush School, who directs the new certificate program noted that although the University and the Bush School have established research collaborations and institutional partnerships with China in recent years—including the U.S. – China Relations Conferences hosted by the Bush School—there has not been a set of graduate courses that can give students a broader exposure to China. “This certificate program has been designed to fill that gap,” said Scobell.
The China certificate program is open to students enrolled in any graduate degree program at Texas A&M University. The plan of study includes 12 credit hours of coursework, with no more than two courses from any one department. Completion of the certificate, which will be noted on the student’s transcript, does not require the study of the Mandarin Chinese language, but those who demonstrate a proficiency in Mandarin also will have that fact noted on their transcript.
Dr. Scobell is joined by Assistant Professor Ren Mu of the Bush School in offering courses for the China certificate program, along with Dr. Di Wang of the Department of History and Dr. Dudley L. Poston, Jr. of the Department of Sociology. “We hope that other academic departments will join this collaborative effort when their faculty can offer relevant courses on a regular basis,” Scobell said.
Fall 2009 course offerings include Chinese Strategic Thought, taught by Dr. Scobell, and several courses in the history and culture of China, offered by Dr. Wang. Spring semester courses to be offered include Chinese Foreign Policy (Dr. Scobell), Chinese Popular Culture (Dr. Wang), Economic Development in China (Dr. Mu), and Population and Society of Modern China (Dr. Poston).
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More NewsEtiquette Dinner Educates Students Beyond Classroom
“If you have the manners of a pig, you will never occupy a corner office with a window.” With that pointed introduction, Sally Dee Wade, a Bush School writing consultant, introduced Bush School students to a five-course dinner and etiquette lesson on March 5.
Starting with non-alcoholic cocktails, 120 Bush School students gathered at the Pebble Creek Country Club in College Station for an introduction on how to behave at a formal reception and the correct table manners for any occasion.
“Young men and women entering the work place need to know more than the technical skills associated with their profession,” Wade said. “They need to know how to interact with colleagues and clients and how to conduct themselves in a social environment.”
All Bush School students were invited; and each attendee received a packet of basic information, such as which silverware to use for which course, how a table should be set, and how to properly eat food that can be difficult to eat politely—like soup or pasta. The dinner was hosted by the Bush School and arranged by the Career Services Department. Ms. Wade lightened the atmosphere with amusing stories about times when meals with potential employers or peers had gone badly—or well—because of table manners.
“Young people, even those as well-educated as Bush School graduates, need other skills to help them succeed,” Wade said. “Today’s business environment includes working lunches and dinners as well as more formal events. Knowing the guidelines of etiquette gives young professionals the confidence to succeed in any social or business situation,” she added.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsFormer White House Officials Host Workshops for Students
In February, Bush School students had a chance to learn the importance of good communication skills from two experts in the field of strategic and political communications. The Public Service Leadership Program hosted Mary Kate Cary, a former White House speechwriter, and David Demarest, formerly President George H. W. Bush’s strategic communications director. Both are Advisory Board Members at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Demarest, now vice president for public affairs at Stanford University, focused on the changes in information dissemination in the past 25 years: new and rapidly evolving technology, globalization, and the importance of involving stakeholders in major decisions. He views communications professionals as being like CEOs in that they have to look at issues from all aspects and have to be sensitive to stakeholders’ feeling that they have a “right” to participate more fully in government or business.
“People do things for their reasons, not your reasons,” Demarest said, “so it’s vital that communicators understand how stakeholders view an issue or problem.” He added that whether it’s a political campaign or a company, it’s important to know your adversary/competition when crafting your message.” Because most successful messages have to do with change, he suggests focusing on providing information, arguing your point and/or persuasion, and, importantly, ending with a call to action.
Demarest gave the Bush School second year students some important advice, including that they should be careful with whom they align themselves. Staying true to your ethical principles is a key, he said, as is working with people you respect.
After her White House experience, Mary Kate Cary has continued to write speeches for leaders of Fortune 500 companies and has taught speechwriting at Georgetown University. Cary
focused on the “language of leadership” in her presentation to Bush first year students. Relating her experience as a White House speechwriter, she noted that “I was one among many, and sort of ‘fell into it’ after working on the presidential campaign. At the time, I felt I was way too young to have all that responsibility.”
She gave the students specific pointers on how to write a good speech and the background information needed to be effective: know your audience and where you’ll be speaking; use the “language of leadership”—no slang; and keep it short. “Immortal does not mean eternal—remember the Gettysburg Address,” she said.
“Great speeches inspire, ennoble, instruct, rally, or lead,” Cary said, and suggested that the students listen to or read outstanding speeches, such as Winston Churchill’s wartime radio address, John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, President G.H.W. Bush’s acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, and Barak Obama’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial the night before the inauguration.
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More NewsStudents Meet Former Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker
On March 9, Bush School students had the unique opportunity to meet and talk with Ryan Crocker, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Syria, and Lebanon. Crocker was on campus to give the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Lecture. Some 70 students and faculty took part in a wide-ranging question and answer session with Crocker during an informal brownbag luncheon held prior to his public appearance that night.
During the brownbag session, Crocker answered questions on topics ranging from Pakistan’s history and Al Qaeda’s historical influence there to the situation in Iraq. An experienced and highly respected diplomat, Crocker had returned from Iraq three weeks earlier, so the perspective he provided on the current situation was particularly relevant to the students.
The U.S. can only create a situation where stronger nationalism can grow in Iraq, Crocker said, adding that he thinks it’s important the Iraqi military become more diverse. Asked if the U.S. should talk to Iran with or without pre-conditions, Crocker said that Iran is “possibly the most complex vertical society in the region” and the one we know the least about.
“It’s not [an issue] of to talk or not to talk,” said Crocker. “First you’ve got to have an internal conversation. How would this be viewed in the region?” His view is that we need to know that before we can move forward. He reminded the students that Iran is capable of striking militarily beyond its borders, and can and will protect those borders. It’s important to remember that “terrorism is a tactic, not a strategy. It’s a way of doing things, not a strategic goal.”
Ambassador Crocker was introduced by President George H. W. Bush at the evening presentation in the Annenberg Conference Center. Mr. Bush noted Crocker’s extensive experience and many awards, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in January 2009 in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
Crocker’s wide-ranging presentation described the broader Middle East as “the most interpenetrated geopolitical region of the world,” where having “visitors” from the West is a part of their world view and experience, from Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in the 18th century and the nearly 100 years of British rule in India to the various invasions of Afghanistan in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Noting that Iraq is a “great country and a civilization with enormous history,” Crocker spoke of his time in Baghdad. The fact that he arrived in 2006 after the surge showed that it was “better to be lucky than good,” he said, adding that the surge was critical to everything that followed. Iraqis are now looking to fundamentally re-orient themselves both politically and economically Crocker said. “The stakes are high, but the opportunities are also immense,” he added, noting that what’s needed now in Iraq is “strategic patience.” Crocker also commented on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, indicating that both nations have to achieve stability for the region to become peaceful.
In closing, Ambassador Crocker said that President G. H.W. Bush “personifies and institutionalizes service” as shown by his career in both military and public service. Because of people like President Bush, “this nation will prevail as it always has and always will,” Crocker concluded.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsGraduates Successfully Complete Capstone Projects
Capstone projects at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University are integrative, team-based, applied research projects required of all students. Led by a faculty member on behalf of a client agency, these projects require students to think independently, frame and analyze issues, and apply their academic knowledge and skills.
Capstone students and their course instructors define the project with the client, allocate tasks, and establish deadlines, using effective communication, teamwork, and collaborative learning strategies. The projects fully prepare students to supervise, conduct, and evaluate large-scale public policy research and culminate in a formal, written report and oral presentation to the client.
Interim Dean Benton Cocanougher noted that capstone projects are a key component of the student experience at the Bush School. “By working on ‘real world’ projects for prestigious clients in the public and private sectors, students learn the value of objective research and also get to see their results affect policy at all levels,” he added.
To satisfy their graduation requirements, all second year students worked on projects for clients ranging from the RAND Corporation, the United Way of Texas, the Congressional Research Service, the National Counterterrorism Center, to the City of College Station. They studied such varied public policy topics as current terrorist threats and effective intelligence operations during counterinsurgency campaigns to the consequences of Texas’s high dropout rate and ways to reduce child labor in Panama.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBaetjer Bush Ball
On April 17, Bush School students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at the College Station Hilton’s Grand Ballroom for the 5th annual Baetjer Bush Ball. The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing. The ball is named for Patrick Baetjer (MPIA 2007), who originally created and organized it during his years at the Bush School.
This year’s ball drew some 124 guests, the largest attendance to date. The event was organized by two second years students—David Nyquist (MPSA) and Alejandra Ortega Sánchez (MPIA)—who served as social committee chairs for the Student Government Association.
“It’s a great evening,” said Alejandra Ortega. “Everyone gets dressed up and comes together for a wonderful evening of dinner, dancing, and laughter. It’s a time to celebrate the end of the first year or the culmination of a wonderful two-year journey.”
Students see the ball as an opportunity to come together with faculty, staff, colleagues, and friends and relax outside of the formal school atmosphere. “Events like this help foster community at the Bush School, but also show the close-knit nature of our relationships with each other and the faculty,” said Nyquist.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBies Elected to ARNOVA Committee
At the recent annual meeting of the Association of Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), Angela Bies, assistant professor in the Bush School of Government and Public Service, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Association’s Theory Section. ARNOVA is the primary research association devoted to the emerging field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies.
The Theory Section helps scholars gain insight into the day-to-day concerns of nonprofit professionals and provides them with practical research that will improve their ability to serve citizens and communities.
In addition to her scholarly work, Bies has also held executive and consulting positions for a variety of nonprofit and public sector organizations including the U.S. Peace Corps, the United Way of the Greater Minneapolis Area, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Council on Standards for International Education and Travel, and the National Charities Information Bureau/Rockefeller Brothers Fund national panel on nonprofit accountability. Bies has also held leadership positions in ARNOVA’s Teaching Section, serving on the executive committee of the Academy of Management’s Public and Nonprofit Division and currently as the Division’s executive committee liaison to the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
She joins Bush School colleague Associate Professor Will Brown, who serves on the ARNOVA board.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsAurelia Figueroa, Sloan Awarded Fellowships in Germany and Russia
Two graduating Bush School students have been awarded prestigious international fellowships. Aurelia Figueroa and Peter Sloan, both of whom received their degrees in May from the Master’s Program in International Affairs, have been selected to participate in two high-level professional development exchange programs.
Sloan was awarded an Alfa Fellowship, a program that places 10 qualified American citizens each year in work assignments at leading Russian organizations in the fields of business, economics, journalism, law, and government. The program’s goal is to expand the network of American and Russian professionals, develop greater intercultural understanding, and advance U.S. – Russian relations. The program includes language training, seminar programs, and extended professional experience. Fellows receive travel, free housing, monthly stipends, and insurance.
Figueroa’s fellowship is from the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program, which each year offers twenty accomplished young Americans the opportunity to complete a program similar to the Alfa Fellowship, but conducted in Germany. The Bosch Foundation has sent Americans to work in Germany every year since 1984. There will be 20 fellows in the 2009-2010 class from various backgrounds and disciplines. During their nine months in Germany, Bosch Fellows will work at leading German institutions and attend three seminars with key decision makers from the public and private sectors. Fellows are recruited from business administration, journalism, law, public policy, and closely related fields. As with the Alfa Fellowships, the goal is to create a new generation of American leaders who have firsthand experience in the political, economic, and cultural environment of Germany and the E.U.
Sloan said he was attracted to the Alfa program because of the opportunity to work in Moscow and to build both professional experience and connections. “I really like the idea of working internationally, and the Alfa Program offers the unique chance to work in Russia, a country I have studied at the Bush School and a region on which I’d like to focus in my career,” he added.
“From my studies of international economic development with a focus on maritime policy and energy policy, I know Germany is a country of great importance, as demonstrated by the country’s second-largest international aid budget, important maritime ports including Hamburg and Bremerhaven, and the recent gas dispute with Russia,” Figueroa said. “I was prompted to apply for this fellowship because it offered the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of Germany’s economic development, energy, and maritime policy,” she added.
See more Spring 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBies Elected to ARNOVA Committee
At the recent annual meeting of the Association of Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action, (ARNOVA) Angela Bies, assistant professor in the Bush School of Government and Public Service, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Association’s Theory Section. ARNOVA is the primary research association devoted to the emerging field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies, bringing together both theoretical and applied interests, helping scholars gain insight into the day-to-day concerns of third-sector organizations, while providing nonprofit professionals with research they can use to improve the quality of life for citizens and communities.
The Theory Section explores the broad and fundamental questions related to the nature and identity of the field of nonprofit studies. It examines, discusses, and debates the epistemological, philosophical, and political dimensions and assumptions of the field.
Bies’s research focuses on accountability, capacity, advocacy, and performance in the nonprofit sector. Her work appears in such places as Public Administration Review, Journal of Public Affairs Education, and New Directions in Philanthropy.
Prior to her scholarly work, Bies was executive director of the Charities Review Council, a statewide nonprofit accountability organization in Minnesota, director of the Minnesota Women’s Center, a regional director for the American Field Service. She is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer-Kenya.
Bies has also held leadership positions in ARNOVA’s Teaching Section, served on the executive committee of the Academy of Management’s Public and Nonprofit Division, and currently serves currently as the Division’s executive committee liaison to the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
For more information contact:
Susan Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations, The Bush School of Government and Public Service
979.862.8845
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
CASE Honors Bush School Communications
The Bush School’s Communications Program recently was honored at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV conference with four awards.
Achievement awards were presented to Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick for the Bush School’s YouTube channel in the World Wide Web category, the School’s print newsletter in the newsletter/tabloid category, and the merchandise marketing program in the specialty advertising category.
Director of Communications Susan Robertson, graphic designer Stanton Ware, and writer Penny Beaumont were recognized for their work on the newsletter while Ware and Robertson were awarded for the merchandise program. Robertson, website administrator Matthew Henderson, and graduate students Mariam Chaudhry and Benjamin Sky Brown took the honors for the School’s YouTube channel.
A poster designed by Ware for the School’s recent Cold War Symposium received a special award for graphic design.
“These awards from peers in the academic community are particularly meaningful,” said Kirkpatrick. “The Bush School communications professionals compete with outstanding peers from across the region, and we’re delighted that their exceptional work was recognized by CASE.”
CASE is the national association of university communication, fundraising, alumni, advancement and external affairs professionals. CASE District IV includes colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
For additional information contact:
Susan Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
979.862.8845
Layne, Mumpower Appointed to Endowed Chairs
Dr. Benton Cocanougher, interim dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service, has announced the appointment of two faculty members to endowed chairs in the School.
Dr. Chris Layne will now hold the Robert M. Gates Chair in Intelligence and National Security. Layne is widely known for his expertise in international relations theory, U.S. foreign policy, and transatlantic security relations. Professor Layne has written two books: The Peace of Illusions: American Grand Strategy from 1940 to the Present (Cornell University Press, 2006), and (with Bradley A. Thayer) American Empire: A Debate (Routledge, 2006). Additionally, he has contributed extensively to the debates about international relations theory and American foreign policy in a number of scholarly and policy journals.
Dr. Jeryl Mumpower, director of the Master’s in Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program at the Bush School, has been named to the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Business and Government. The author or editor of nine books and numerous other publications, Mumpower’s research focuses on several areas of public policy including negotiation and bargaining, environmental policy, individual and group decision making processes, the use of scientific expertise in public policy making, and risk analysis and management.
In making the announcement, Dr. Cocanougher noted that these appointments recognize significant accomplishments and contributions to the holder’s academic discipline.
“Being named to an endowed chair is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a faculty member at Texas A&M University.” said Cocanougher, “All of us at the Bush School congratulate Dr. Layne and Dr. Mumpower on these prestigious appointments.”
For additional information contact: Susan Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations 979.862.8845 (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More NewsProspective Students Visit Bush School
More than 137 prospective students from 27 states as well as Korea, Canada and Mexico have been invited to attend interview conferences at the Bush School of Government and Public Service on February 20 and 21 and February 27 and 28. Sixty-two students are being considered for the master’s program in public service and administration (MPSA) while 75 students will be interviewing for the master’s program in international affairs (MPIA).
The interview conferences enable the School’s Admissions Committees to learn more about the prospective students, while at the same time, the students gain a better understanding of the Bush School experience. Among the weekend’s scheduled activities are an overview of the School, academic program interviews and assessments, campus and community tours, and opportunities to interact informally with current students, faculty and staff.
Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick noted that demand for Bush School programs has grown dramatically.
“We believe the interview process to be an important step for students considering our graduate programs,” Kirkpatrick said. “Some students are unable to come to the campus, but those who do gain a better understanding of the School’s academic offerings and life on campus and in the community,” he added.
For more information contact:
Susan Robertson, Director of External Relations and Communications, Bush School of Government and Public Service
979.862.8845
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Call for Nominations—Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academics Jeffrey S. Vitter announced Friday, January 30, that the search advisory committee for the position of dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service has been named and will commence a search to fill this critical position.
Vitter says, I am looking forward to beginning the process to identify the new dean, who will build on the tremendous momentum established under the leadership of Dick Chilcoat. In its short existence, the School has moved into the top 25 public institutions in public policy and public affairs, and it is well positioned to achieve global distinction in the coming years.
Interested members of the university community may either self-nominate or nominate potential candidates by email to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Potential candidates/nominees must have a Ph.D., other terminal degree, or equivalent experience; attainment of national prominence in education, government, business, or military; and evidence of strategic planning, communication, and resource allocation skills to build a preeminent educational institution. Nominations are not required, and direct applications are welcome. Application packets should include: a letter of interest outlining qualifications for the position, a current vita/resume, and a list of three individuals (along with contact information) who could comment knowledgeably on the candidate’s qualifications. The committee will request reference letters upon completion of a preliminary screening of the applications. Nominees will be contacted to request that they submit an application.
Mr. Don Powell, former chair of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and current chair of the Bush School Advisory Board, is chairing the national search for the next dean. The search committee has broad membership and impeccable credentials, including faculty, staff, former students, and leaders from government and the private sector. In addition to Mr. Powell, the committee members are
• Mr. Robert H. Allen, member of the Bush School Advisory Board, former member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, and current managing partner of Challenge Investment Partners;
• Dr. Don Aviles, president of Aviles Engineering Corporation and former vice chair of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents;
• Dr. Ann O. Bowman, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and holder of the Hazel Davis and Robert Kennedy Chair in Government and Public Service;
• Mr. George P. Bush, partner of Pennybacker Capital, LLC;
• Dr. Joseph R. Cerami, senior lecturer in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and director of the Public Service Leadership Program;
• Dr. Eddie J. Davis, president of the Texas A&M Foundation;
• Dr. James M. Griffin, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service; director of the Economics of Public Policy Program; and holder of the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance;
• Dr. Charles F. Hermann, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and of political science; director of the Master’s Program in International Affairs; and holder of the Brent Scowcroft Chair in International Policy;
• Ms. Alexis Herman, president and CEO of New Ventures and former U.S. Secretary of Labor in the administration of President Bill Clinton;
• Dr. Peter J. Hugill, professor of geography and in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service ;
• Ms. Katie Kaufman, former student in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service;
• Dr. Christopher Layne, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and holder of the Mary Julia and George R. Jordan Professorship of International Affairs;
• Mr. Frank Muller, chair of the Bush Leadership Development Council and president of Toby Enterprises;
• Dr. Jeryl Mumpower, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and director of the Master in Public Service and Administration Program;
• Mr. James M. Olson, senior lecturer in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service; CIA-Officer-in-Residence; and director of the Certificate in Advanced International Affairs Program;
• Ms. Susan L. Robertson, director of communications and external relations in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service;
• Dr. Lori Taylor, assistant professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service;
• Dr. Arnold Vedlitz, professor in the George Bush School of Government and Public Service; holder of the Bob Bullock Chair in Government and Public Policy; and director of the Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy.
Letters of nomination or applications should be submitted to:
Mr. Don Powell, Chair
Search Advisory Committee for
Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service
c/o 4251 TAMU, 253 Bizzell Hall West
College Station, TX 77843-4251
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The committee will begin reviewing applications on March 15, 2009. The position will remain open until filled.
Additional information regarding this search is available at http://bush.tamu.edu/deansearch.
41st President To Host Former Ambassador to Iraq
Thursday, February 12, 2009
George Bush, 41st President of the United States, will host Ryan Crocker, the former United States Ambassador to Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Syria and Lebanon, on March 9 for the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program.
The program is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library Center at Texas A&M University. Free tickets are available beginning Friday (Feb. 13).
The Humphrys Program, sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, brings to the George Bush Presidential Library Center and the Texas A&M campus world leaders, current and past practitioners, and renowned international affairs scholars.
The purpose of the program is to bring to public attention to relevant international issues that face the United States and to provide a dialogue in search of solutions for the promotion of world peace and stability. The program is especially geared toward students who will have the opportunity to augment their academic experience by exposing them to important international issues. In addition, it presents students the opportunity to build on their classroom experience through interaction with world leaders and others who shape international events. The program features two lectures per year, one in the spring and one in the fall.
Crocker served as the United States Ambassador to Iraq from March 2007 to February 2009. A career member of the Foreign Service, Ambassador Crocker has also served as Ambassador to Pakistan, Kuwait, Syria, and Lebanon. Other notable assignments over his 37-year career with the Department of State include Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Director of Governance for Coalition Provisional Affairs in Iraq and the International Affairs Advisor at the National War College. Ambassador Crocker was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon during the Israeli invasion in 1982 and the bombing of the Embassy and the Marine barracks in 1983. In 2002, he was sent to Kabul to reopen the United States Embassy in Afghanistan. In 2004, he was given the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the Foreign Service.
Ambassador Crocker grew up in an Air Force family and attended schools in Canada, Morocco, Turkey, and the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Whitman University. He is married to Christine Barnes, a retired Foreign Service secretary. They met in Baghdad in 1979.
Ambassador Crocker has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in the Foreign Service, including Presidential Distinguished and Meritorious Service Awards, the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service. He received the Robert C. Frasure Memorial Award for “exceptional courage and leadership” in Afghanistan. In January 2009, President Bush conferred on him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Free tickets are available at the Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau, KBTX-TV, WTAW, “The Bryan/College Station Eagle,” the Texas A&M University MSC Box Office and the Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library.
Those attending are asked not to bring backpacks, bags, cameras or other personal belongings.
For more information, call 979-845-1540 or go to http://bush.tamu.edu/scowcroft/. Contact Kelli Levey at 979-845-4645 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Griffin Rozell at 979-845-1540 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
More News
Layne Appointed to the NIC
Dr. Christopher Layne, the Mary Julia and George R. Jordan Professor at the Bush School, Texas A&M University, has been appointed an Associate of the National Intelligence Council (NIC). Associates are a select group of scholars and experts who consult with the NIC on a range of policy matters. Layne has also been appointed to the NIC’s study group on Strategic Reactions to American Preeminence. This group of twenty leading scholars in international relations includes members from the nation’s premier institutions, including Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Columbia, Cornell, MIT, and the University of Virginia.
For additional information, contact Susan Robertson, Director of Communications and External Relations, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 979.862.8845
More NewsConference Commemorates the Fall of the Berlin Wall
On January 26th, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with the 2009 Ansary Foreign Policy Conference, a retrospective symposium entitled The Cold War is History: Twenty Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
The conference will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library Center, and will feature talks by renowned diplomatic historians. They will discuss the fall of the Berlin Wall and what the subsequent changes in the international landscape have meant for the regions and nations most deeply involved in the Cold War—the United States, Western Europe, Russia, the former Soviet Republics and Eastern Bloc states, and China.
Among the noted panelists attending the conference are: Chen Jian., an Emmy-award winner for his documentary on China; Melvyn Leffler, winner of the Bancroft Prize in diplomatic history; James Sheehan of Stanford University, formerly president of the American Historical Association;, and William Taubman, a Pulitzer prize-winning historian .
The end result of the conference will be a major book on the fall of the Berlin Wall, edited by the Scowcroft Institute’s Interim Director Jeffrey A. Engel, and published by Oxford University Press.
The 2009 Ansary Foreign Policy Conference is supported by the University’s Melbern G. Glasscock Center and the European Union Center of Excellence, the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, and Oxford University Press.
Those interested in attending should contact the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information and to RSVP. Additional details may be found at http://bush.tamu.edu/afpc2009/
More NewsPresident Bush Discusses China Memories
In October, Bush School students, faculty, and staff had the unique opportunity to talk with President George H. W. Bush in an informal town hall setting. The focus of the meeting was the recent publication of The China Diary of George H.W. Bush: The Making of a Global President, edited by Bush School professor Dr. Jeffrey Engel. Dean Chilcoat opened the meeting and Dr. Engel served as moderator.
Four students from the international affairs program depicted a clear picture of life in China during the 1970s when George H.W. Bush served as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office to the People’s Republic of China, each recapping a portion of the book they found particularly interesting and asking questions related to a particular topic. They asked the president to compare China in 1975 to its current status, and what he saw as the most drastic change that has taken place since then. They also were interested in his most vivid memory of China, and his experience as a diplomat in China at that time.
Both President Bush and Mrs. Bush responded candidly to the students’ questions, recalled personal memories of the transition after the Cultural Revolution, and spoke about the insights they gained while in China. Bush said his only regret was that he never met Mao Zedong. He also explained that while he understood the limits on his diplomatic role, he nonetheless felt he had done his best to get to know the Chinese people and start building bonds between the two nations.
In response to a question about whether the president believed that China’s rising truly was “peaceful,” Barbara Bush replied that with its growth and developing economy “China’s the future,” to which Mr. Bush agreed, saying that the U.S. should be involved with China to ensure its rising is peaceful. The president made clear his admiration and respect for the Chinese people and his firm belief that the U.S. should continue strong relations with them. To that effect, he encouraged all the students to visit China if they were ever given the opportunity.
See more Winter 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBush School Students, Faculty Bike the Brazos Valley
Every fall, Bush School students and faculty strap on their helmets, hop on their bicycles, and enjoy a day of biking on what is affectionately called the “Tour de Brazos Valley.” 
Each October, students, faculty, and significant others bike to a local winery where they take a tour of the facilities and enjoy wine tasting, then to a barbeque restaurant for lunch, and finally back to their starting point. This October 4, thirty students, faculty, and staff rode the twenty mile trail, enjoying the weather, local edible delights, and the company.
An avid biker, Bush School professor Jim Olson organizes the event each year. The “Tour de Brazos Valley” began in 1999 and has been going strong since then. It originally began as a 45-mile trek to Navasota, with a briefing by the city council and a tour of historic mansions and churches in the city. After three years of that tough regime, Bush School Dean Dick Chilcoat helped transform the bike ride into its current form. He crafted the name “Tour de Brazos Valley” and participates nearly every year, along with MPIA Director Charles Hermann and his wife, Dr. Lorraine Eden.
A Bush School van, named “the Sag Wagon,” follows the bikers, carrying bicycle equipment for repairs, first aid supplies, and water. If any accidents occur or bikers are unable to continue the trail, they can hop in the van.
The Tour de Brazos is just one of many Bush School traditions that students and faculty look forward to each year, proving that even a young school can anchor itself in traditions.
See more Winter 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBush School PSO Aids Ronald McDonald House
On October 24, the Bush School’s Public Service Organization (PSO) prepared and served dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Austin. The dinner, made possible by donations from Bush School students, faculty, and staff, was attended by several families staying at the House while their children received treatment at a nearby hospital. The Ronald McDonald Houses provide housing, meals, and other services to families who live thirty or more miles away from the hospital where their children are being treated.
In addition to the dinner itself, the Bush School PSO is also taking part in a soda can tab collection drive. At the dinner in Austin, the students donated nearly 20,000 tabs, a collective effort by Bush School students, the Bryan High School Shy-Anne Dance Team, and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary Post in San Antonio. The funds received from the recycling effort are donated to the Ronald McDonald House.
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More NewsScowcroft Institute Hosts Noted Experts
Again this fall, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) brought a range of internationally known experts to the Bush School. Students, faculty, and staff of the School and the wider University community were invited to hear these outstanding speakers, several of whom addressed issues arising from the Iraq war.
Steven Pifer, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and a visiting fellow with the Brookings Institution, led off the fall International Affairs Seminar Series on September 11 with a presentation entitled “What Does Russia Want? How do we Respond?” A retired foreign service officer, Pifer has spent more than 25 years with the State Department, primarily focusing on U.S. relations with the former Soviet Union and Europe, as well as on arms control and security issues.
Colonel Herbert R. McMaster of the United States Army spoke on September 26 on the issue of counterinsurgency. McMaster was formerly special assistant to commander, Multinational Force Iraq, where he advised General David Petraeus on counterinsurgency strategy. He is currently director of concepts development and experimentation at the Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in Fort Monroe, Virginia.
On October 10, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Paul A. Brinkley offered an assessment of the current status, opportunities, and challenges facing Iraq in terms of its stability and future economic development. An industrial engineering graduate of Texas A&M, Brinkley was one of the first experts hired by DoD in a program designed to attract individuals with state-of-the-art knowledge in fields that are of increasing importance to the department.
An experienced diplomat who has served in posts around the world, Ambassador John Herbst discussed the Civilian Response Corps and its role in post-conflict situations on October 15. Herbst is currently the coordinator for the State Department’s Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS), whose mission is to enhance the nation’s institutional capacity to respond to crises involving failing, failed, and post-conflict states as well as complex emergencies.
The final speaker in the series was Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, who delivered the Lenore and Francis Humphreys Lecture on November 11. Djerejian discussed the theme of his new book, Danger and Opportunity: An American Ambassador’s Journey through the Middle East. He is a leading expert on political, security, economic, religious, and ethnic issues of the Middle East, having served in the administrations of President George H. W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, and President Reagan in a series of key diplomatic posts.
The International Affairs Seminar Series is the successor to the National Security Seminar Series. Now in its fourth year, it is administered by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. Previous speakers have included General David Petraeus, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Washington Post military correspondent, Tom Ricks.
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More NewsInternational Affairs Students Study in Doha, Qatar
This fall the Bush School’s Master’s Program in International Affairs launched its inaugural study abroad semester with Texas A&M Qatar (TAMUQ). Three students, Andrew Albers, Kimberly Craswell and Mary Formanek, traveled to Doha, Qatar, to study Arabic, conduct research, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Middle East.
All three students studied Arabic at the Georgetown University Qatar campus, interned with a British think tank—the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI)—and did research with TAMUQ professor Dr. Todd Kent on anti-Americanism in the Middle East and how it affects foreign policy decisions. Their research with RUSI will be published in one of the Institute’s journals, and the paper that emerged from their research with Dr. Kent has been accepted for a national conference at the U.S. Naval Academy this spring.
The semester in Qatar provided the students a range of experiences: attending a NATO conference on energy security, visiting the Al-Jazeera news network headquarters, and attending events held by RAND and the Brookings Institution. In addition to their academic endeavors, the students were also able to travel the Middle East and take part in extracurricular activities.
All three students plan to continue their Arabic studies and hope to return to the region after completing their degrees at the Bush School, as they all see many job opportunities offered in the Gulf region. They also plan to develop a “playbook” for future Bush School students who will study in Qatar, since they strongly recommend the immersion for students interested in the dynamics of the Gulf region and studying Arabic.
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President Bush Mentors Students
Bush School students from Dr. Charles Hermann’s class on international politics participated in a foreign affairs simulation during the fall semester which culminated in a presentation to President George H. W. Bush. Eight student teams representing the Asian Development Bank and seven U.S. executive branch agencies (National Security Council, the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, the CIA, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative) made their recommendations on U.S. policy toward Pakistan.
At the beginning of the exercise, faculty members Sharon Caudle, Christopher Layne, and Gina Reinhardt joined Professor Hermann in portraying members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. One student from each agency team presented its recommendations and responded to the senators’ questions. Other class members took on the role of the media, developing reports for the public.
Later in the exercise, the teams made their presentations to President George H. W. Bush, who again questioned the students and commented on their various recommendations.
“The opportunity for our students to make this kind of presentation on a real-world issue to a man of President Bush’s experience is remarkable,” said Hermann. “President Bush generously shares his time and his wide-ranging knowledge of foreign affairs with the students, and at the same time, helps them appreciate the complexity of the issue they are dealing with.”
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More NewsBush School Hosts Key Foreign Intelligence Conference
A final pre-acceptance analysis of a major report that deals with global trends affecting national security during the first quarter of the 21st century was the focus for a host of foreign policy experts who met November 17 – 19 at the Bush School.
Twenty-four national and regional foreign policy experts assessed the Global Trends 2025 report during the Ansary Foreign Policy Conference sponsored by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) and the Bush School’s Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. Their observations and recommendations may affect the final version, according to Griffin Rozell, assistant director of the Scowcroft Institute.
The report is the government’s newest “estimative” intelligence—that is, forward-looking assessments of national security issues—for senior U.S. policymakers. The conference at the Bush School is one of the few times that assessments of such a major report have been undertaken outside of Washington D.C.
This year’s conference consisted of six panels covering a range of topics. Panelists included Gideon Rachman, foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times; Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute; Marianne Kah, chief economist at ConocoPhillips in Houston; and scholars from major universities and think tanks across the country. Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft opened the three-day meeting with an overview address, which was part of the institute’s prestigious William and Dianne Moss Lecture Series. Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence James Clapper was the closing speaker.
Over the past quarter century, the NIC has developed into an all-source center of strategic thinking. Drawing on the best available expertise inside and outside government, it provides the director of national intelligence and other U.S. government policymakers with an authoritative voice addressing current international issues and identifies and illuminates those that lie ahead. Policymakers can address questions to the intelligence community via the NIC, which also provides a locus for experts in academia and the private sector to broaden the intelligence community’s perspective.
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More NewsNonprofit Certificate Offered in the Woodlands
Students interested in studying nonprofit management are now able to take classes in the Woodlands. Beginning in January 2009, the Bush School is offering courses at Lone Star College, University Center, in the Woodlands.
These classes are part of a 12-credit (four courses) graduate certificate in nonprofit management. William Brown, associate professor and director of the program, says the Woodlands option is part of an expansion to allow more people to experience a Bush School education. The certificate is also available online, a popular option for working professionals, as well as at the College Station campus.
The Bush School’s nonprofit management program is aimed at strengthening the management and leadership skills of current and aspiring leaders in the nonprofit sector. The certificate helps working professionals improve their skills and better position themselves for career advancement. Similarly, those who aspire to work in the nonprofit sector can take these classes to better understand the unique challenges of working in a nonprofit organization and prepare themselves to take on leadership roles. Each course earns three credits applicable to a Texas A&M University Certificate in Nonprofit Management. All are taught by faculty from the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
The classes will meet every other week on Friday evening and all day Saturday for six weeks. Available courses include Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector, which begins January 30; Management and Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations, which begins March 27; and Performance Management in the Public and Nonprofit Sector, beginning on April 3.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and meet other requirements to be admitted to the program. Interested students may apply via the ApplyTexas application at www.applytexas.org. Additional up-to-date application information is found online at http://bush.tamu.edu/academics/certificate/. Estimated cost for Texas residents is approximately $1,700 per course. Financial aid is available.
For additional information, contact the Office of Extended Education at:
http://bush.tamu.edu/extendeded/cnpm/
1-866-988-BUSH (2874) or email ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))
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More NewsMoseleys Support Bush School, Corps of Cadets
Sally and James A. Moseley recently donated $100,000 to the Bush School and the Corps of Cadets, establishing the Sally and James A. Moseley ’57 Fellowship to support Bush School students and the Sally and James A. Moseley ’57 Corps of Cadets 21st Century Scholarship. Moseley said his contribution was one way to show his “profound respect for the University.”
Moseley also noted that his great admiration for President George H. W. Bush inspired his donation to the School. “If the Bush School had been available to me when I was entering graduate school, I might have opted for that instead of law school,” he said.
He established the scholarship for the Corps because it was the most important part of his A&M experience. “I love the Corps, and I want it to continue as an integral part of Texas A&M,” he concluded.
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More NewsMcIntyre Appointed to the National Security Education Board
On October 1, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of Dr. David H. McIntyre to the National Security Education Board. President George W. Bush nominated McIntyre in July.
McIntyre directs the Bush School’s graduate level certificate program for Homeland Security at the Bush School and heads the University’s Integrative Center for Homeland Security. The National Security Education Board oversees the National Security Education Program, which administers grants and programs to encourage international studies. The program enhances the nation’s ability to deal with foreign cultures and languages by delivering a steady supply of workers who are skilled in these areas.
The board is comprised of seven cabinet-level representatives from the departments of defense, state, education, commerce, energy, national intelligence, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, plus six non-Federal members.The board meets periodically in Washington D.C.
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More NewsGriffin, Vedlitz Honored for Service
Two faculty members were honored during the Bush School Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on September 18 for their years of service to Texas A&M University.
Professors James Griffin and Arnold Vedlitz were presented with 25-year and 35-year service pins, respectively. Griffin is director of the Bush School’s Economics Policy Program, and holds the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance. Vedlitz heads the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy and holds the Bob Bullock Chair in Government and Public Policy.
Both Griffin and Vedlitz have distinguished records of academic accomplishment and service. Griffin was the Cullen Professor of Economics at A&M before joining the Bush School faculty in 2001. A graduate of Southern Methodist University and the University of Pennsylvania, Griffin is a Humboldt Fellow, a member of Who’s Who in Economics, and serves on the editorial board of three economics journals. His research interests range from energy policy to the effects of technological change on various industries.
In addition to his Bush School position, Vedlitz is also an adjunct professor of political science at Texas A&M, adjunct professor of health policy at the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, and division head for the Science, Technology and Public Policy Division at the Texas Transportation Institute. A graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Houston, Vedlitz has held several administrative positions at the University, including associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate provost for External Affairs. Widely known for his expertise in public policy, Vedlitz is principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or senior research scientist on some $15 million of research projects funded by federal and state agencies. His research focuses on science and technology policy, minority politics, and urban politics, among others.
“The Bush School is fortunate to have these two outstanding scholars on our faculty,” said Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick. “Their dedication to their academic disciplines, their students, and their colleagues over many years has brought credit to them and to the University.”
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More NewsInternational Affairs Capstone Project Focuses on NATO
Eight students worked with Dr. Gabriela Thornton and Bush Library Foundation director and the first U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, on a capstone project regarding Ukraine’s possible NATO membership and the implications for the U.S. and the security of the region. The report was prepared for the Atlantic Council, a think tank that promotes transatlantic relations. As part of the project, the class traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the client and experts with whom they could discuss their developing views on NATO expansion, and specifically the possible inclusion of the Ukraine. They met with Ambassador William J. Burns, undersecretary for political affairs at the State Department; Oleh Shamshur, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S.; Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, NATO’s first supreme allied commander transformation (SACT); and Brent Scowcroft, former national security advisor under Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.
Given the fact that past, current, and the incoming U.S. administrations have indicated support for NATO expansion, it is likely that countries like Ukraine and Georgia will gain membership. This capstone class reviewed the consequences and repercussions of such membership for Ukraine, and agreed on four recommendations that might be implemented prior to Ukraine acquiring NATO membership. These include modernizing the military, strengthening and building institutions, leveraging Ukraine’s geopolitical location to its advantage, and seeking neutrality.
As with all capstone projects this one was designed and directed by the students in the class. An initial presentation of the final report was presented in November to Bush School students and faculty, who offered comments and suggestions. The final version of the report will be presented to the Atlantic Council in January 2009 by several of the students in the capstone class. The students in this capstone were Andi Allen, Brooke Biddle, John Bungo, Kathleen Grout, Jim Harbridge, LB Lockley, Julia Paslavska, and J.R. Starch.
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More NewsFaculty and Staff Honored
Bush School faculty and staff members were honored for their teaching and service activities during the annual Bush School Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony held on September 18. Each winner received a monetary award and a certificate. Those being honored included faculty members Dr. Deborah Kerr and Dr. Lori Taylor, and two staff members, Mark Kacer and Jeannie Long.
Dr. Deborah Kerr, a lecturer at the Bush School, received the Association of Former Students’ College Teaching Award. Dr. Kerr consults on the creation of strategic plans and performance management and measurement systems and provides coaching, training, and professional development services to medium and large organizations in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Prior to joining the Bush School faculty, Kerr was senior vice president at the American Heart Association’s Texas Affiliate. Earlier she served on the executive team of the Texas State Auditor’s Office for 14 years.
One of the students who nominated Dr. Kerr called her “an inspirational professor…who sets the standard for professional education.” Her accessibility after hours and her willingness to share career and life advice as well as her distinguished teaching in the classroom were also noted.
Assistant Professor Lori Taylor received the Bush Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes superior contributions to the teaching, research, and public service missions of the Bush School made by an individual faculty member.
In addition to her Bush School appointment, Taylor also holds an adjunct position in the Department of Economics, and is a Program Area Leader for School Finance, Facilities, and Organizations in the State of Texas Education Research Center at Texas A&M. She has written extensively on variations in the cost of education and recently developed a Comparable Wage Index for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
In making the presentation, Executive Associate Dean Sam Kirkpatrick noted that the AFS award recognizes faculty members for commitment to their students and their academic discipline and for their ability to motivate students toward academic excellence.
“Dr. Taylor is known for her enthusiasm about teaching and the way she enhances students’ analytical skills, helping them to fully understand the principles of economics within public policy analysis,” Kirkpatrick said.
“Our faculty is our greatest strength,” said Kirkpatrick. “These two individuals demonstrate the high academic quality, commitment to student success, and excellent public service work which are helping the Bush School to strengthen its reputation among peer institutions.”
Mark Kacer and Jeanie Long received the 2008 Outstanding Staff Awards from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at the ceremony. Kacer is user services administrator in the information systems division of the School; Long serves as an instructional design specialist in Extended Education.
The staff awards program is designed to recognize outstanding staff members for their dedication, enthusiasm, accomplishments, and contributions to the School.
Kacer was cited for his outstanding customer service and quick response to customer’s needs. “If he doesn’t have an immediate answer, he’ll find one,” one colleague wrote. Long’s commitment to the highest educational standards was cited by one nominator, while another noted that in maintaining, designing and re-designing online courses she ‘consistently delivers a quality product with the students’ best interest in mind.”
“These recipients exemplify the exceptional work done by our staff,” said Dean Dick Chilcoat. “They not only do their jobs well, they also demonstrate the teamwork, customer service and professionalism we value at the Bush School.”
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More NewsBush School and NERRTC Conduct Disaster Response Exercise
The Bush School conducted a bioterrorism response exercise directed by the National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center (NERRTC) on November 14th. The simulation was conducted at the newly renovated Emergency Operations Training Center (EOTC), at Brayton Fire Field. Both NERRTC and the EOTC are operated by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
The goal is to provide an interactive and realistic environment in which to educate and train future leaders in government and public service. The students are placed in a crisis situation which this year focuses on a smallpox outbreak orchestrated by international terrorists. Fifty-six first-year students in the Bush School’s Master’s Program in International Affairs formed teams representing the governments of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. One group represented the state of Texas to develop an understanding of international, national, and state agencies’ roles and missions in emergency response.
The exercise provides an interactive and realistic learning laboratory where students can practice the leadership skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. It is also designed to demonstrate the linkage of international and domestic crisis response, the nature of American federal-state relationships, and the significance of crisis management and public leadership.
The exercise reinforces classroom learning gained in the core course in leadership and international affairs, taught by Dr. Joe Cerami, director of the Bush School’s Public Service Leadership Program and Ms. Lindsey Pavelka, assistant director. The simulation was designed by Colonel Kevin Gamache (USAF, Ret.), director of the Multiprogram Research and Education Facility for the Texas Engineering Experiment Station. Students were guided through their roles and responsibilities by experts from TEEX under the direction of Colonel Rick Comley (USAF, Ret.), director of Executive Programs.
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More NewsEngel Wins Prestigious History Book Prize, Elected to SHAFR
Jeffrey A. Engel, assistant professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, won the Paul Birdsall Prize in European Military and Strategic History for his book Cold War at 30,000 Feet: the Anglo-American Fight for Aviation Supremacy, published in 2007 by Harvard University Press.
The Birdsall Prize is awarded biennially by the American Historical Association (AHA) to recognize the most important work in the past two years on European military or strategic history since 1870. Cold War at 30,000 Feet details the struggle between the U.S. and Great Britain to gain supremacy in the field of commercial aviation after World War II, and is based on extensive research done in both American and British archives.
Engel received the prize on January 3, 2009, at the AHA annual meeting held in New York City. Currently serving as interim director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, Engel is the Evelyn and Ed F. Kruse ’49 Faculty Fellow at the Bush School.
Engel also was elected to the Executive Council for the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR), the principal professional organization for scholars of American diplomatic history. He will serve a three year term beginning in January, joining colleagues from universities and colleges around the nation, including the Universities of Wisconsin and Colorado and Florida Atlantic University.
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More NewsBush School Capstone Researches College Station’s Contracting Practices
The City of College Station provides funds for local nonprofit agencies through the Outside Agency Funding Program. The nonprofit agencies and programs funded are selected because they substantially increase the amount of services provided to the citizenry, and their services are not typically provided by City employees. Examples of the City’s nonprofit collaborations include the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Research Valley Partnership, and Keep Brazos Beautiful. Over the last few years, the City has worked to streamline the application, selection, and monitoring processes of the Outside Agency Funding Program, but recently decided to limit its funding of outside agencies. At the same time, the City decided to ascertain whether its current nonprofit funding program compared favorably with nonprofit programs in other university towns of similar size and asked the Bush School to help them make that judgment, using Bush School students and faculty expertise.
Specifically, the Bush School was asked to “benchmark” or compare the City of College Station’s nonprofit funding process to the process used by other cities of similar size to determine nonprofit agency staff and board perceptions of the funding process, determine the outcome or success of the services provided by the program, and provide recommendations about how it might be improved. Dr. Edwina Dorch and her class took on the assignment as a capstone project.
At the beginning of the fall semester, the class divided itself into teams. A benchmarking team consulted the Federal Office of Budget’s performance-based contracting guidelines to obtain an appropriate set of benchmarking criteria and selected comparison cities based on the size and ethnic demographics of their student and non-student populations. In the spring, this same team will review the City’s budget and conduct telephone surveys of staff in the contract sections of the comparison cities to determine if they regularly engage in best practice quality assurance contracting techniques. At the same time, a second team will conduct site visits to nonprofit agencies funded by the City of College Station to determine staff and board member perceptions about the City’s nonprofit funding process and to gather their views about how these agencies should be evaluated by the City.
This project teaches students the value of several research methods: utilization focused research—accumulating knowledge for its own value—and “democratic” research—providing information useful in government decision making. By engaging both in utilization-focused and democratic research, the professor and the graduate students hope to increase the City’s capacity to compare its contracting practices and its capacity to evaluate future agencies funded by the City.
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More NewsAmbassador Djerejian Gives Humphreys Lecture
Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian delivered the Lenore and Francis Humphreys Lecture on November 11. The Humphreys Lecture series is presented by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs.
Djerejian discussed the theme of his new book, Danger and Opportunity: An American Ambassador’s Journey through the Middle East. He is a leading expert on political, security, economic, religious, and ethnic issues in the Middle East. Ambassador Djerejian served in the administrations of President George H. W. Bush, President Clinton, and President Reagan in a series of key diplomatic posts. Widely recognized for his diplomatic skills and wide-ranging experience, he played key roles in the Arab-Israeli peace process, the first Gulf War, successful efforts to end the civil war and release U.S. hostages in Lebanon, and the establishment of collective and bilateral security arrangements in the Persian Gulf region.
In 2003, at Secretary of State Colin Powell’s request, Ambassador Djerejian chaired a congressionally mandated bipartisan Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy in the Arab and Muslim World. He also served as an Advisory Board member of the Clinton Global Initiative’s working group on Mitigating Religious and Ethnic Conflict at former President Clinton’s invitation. In 2006, Ambassador Djerejian served as a senior advisor to the Iraq Study Group (ISG). He has received numerous awards during his career including the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the Department of State’s Distinguished Honor Award, and the Anti-Defamation League’s Moral Statesman Award.
Djerejian was the founding director of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. He is currently managing partner of Djerejian Global Consultancies, LLP and serves on several public and nonprofit boards. The Lenore and Francis Humphreys International Speakers Program is an integral part of the Scowcroft Institute’s program of activities, which includes hosting international speakers and major scholarly conferences, and providing grants to outside researchers to use the holdings of the Bush Library.
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More NewsScowcroft Institute of International Affairs Hosts Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Reception
On October 28, 2008, the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) hosted a reception for Bush School alumni in the Washington, D.C. area. Approximately forty former students gathered to celebrate the institute’s one-year anniversary, to hear an update on its progress and programs, and to learn the institute’s plans for the future from SIIA Interim Director Jeffrey Engel and Assistant Director Griffin Rozell. The institute’s namesake, former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, spoke briefly about the changing international landscape and the challenges and opportunities the United States faces, and answered questions from the gathered guests. He also took the time to speak personally with most of the Bush School alumni and expressed his enthusiasm and vision for SIIA.
In its ongoing mission to “bring the best of the world to Aggieland and the best of Aggieland to the world,” SIIA hopes to tap into the enormous potential of former Bush School students who are working in all areas of government, academia, and the nonprofit and private sector. As the Bush School’s primary international affairs research arm, the Scowcroft Institute will continue to expand the programs it offers to Bush School students, former students, faculty, staff, and the entire Aggie family.
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More NewsCocanougher Named Interim Dean
Jeffrey S. Vitter, provost and executive vice president for academics, has announced the appointment of Dr. A. Benton Cocanougher, dean emeritus of the Mays Business School, as interim dean of the Bush School, effective January 1. He succeeds Dean Dick Chilcoat, who stepped down from his position at the end of last year. Don Powell, former chair of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, will chair the search to identify a permanent dean.
Vitter noted that the University and the Bush School were fortunate to have someone of Cocanougher’s character and experience to take over the reins from Chilcoat. “His administrative skills and knowledge of Texas A&M University make him a great choice for this interim position,” Vitter said.
Cocanougher served as dean of the Mays Business School from 1987 to 2001 and most recently served as interim chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. He received his B.B.A. in finance, an M.B.A. in marketing, and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.
Cocanougher cited his respect for President and Mrs. Bush and his appreciation of the importance of the Bush School to Texas A&M University as among the reasons he accepted the interim appointment. “I look forward to working with all constituencies of the School who have helped make possible the truly impressive progress of the past several years,” he added.
In making the announcement, Dr. Vitter thanked Dean Chilcoat for his outstanding service. “Under Dick’s leadership, the school has grown and is well positioned to achieve global distinction for its research in the areas of public policy, public and nonprofit management, national security affairs, and international transactions and development,” Vitter said. Chilcoat has served as dean since 2001. He holds the Edward and Howard Kruse Endowed Chair, and will now be an executive professor in the School.
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More NewsBush School Students Are Volunteer Readers
In keeping with the Bush School’s tradition of service, this fall, some twenty students chose to volunteer their time each week to read to pre-kindergarten students at the Carver Center, a school in Bryan established to provide education for children living in low-income housing areas. Each Bush School volunteer meets with one or two students weekly, serving as “lap readers” for pre-kindergarten children. This individual attention helps them improve their vocabulary and word pronunciation and become more comfortable in educational settings. For many of the Carver students, English is not their first language. However, because many Bush School volunteers are proficient in Spanish, they are able to form a special bond with the students they read to, sharing a language and helping the students feel comfortable in communicating with their tutors.
“The young people at Carver may come from disadvantaged homes, but every positive encounter they have with an adult who cares is something worth noting,” says Bush School Public Service Organization Executive Chair Katie Sanderson.
The children at Carver come from all nationalities, and a majority of them come from homes where either one or both parents work full time and are unable to spend quality one-on-one time with their child. Coupling that with large classroom sizes, the quality time Bush School volunteers spend reading to Carver students makes it even more important to their learning process.
Second year student Eduardo Emmerich believes “educating and influencing students at this age is vital to their development.” Each week, Bush School volunteers not only have a personal impact on their community, but also get a new perspective on their own experiences by reading to students at the Carver Center.
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More NewsReflections from the Dean
As I prepared to step down as dean on January 1st, 2009, after completing seven and one half years of service to the Bush School, I reflected on the growth of the School since its inception in 1997. It has been a true privilege to serve a school whose namesake is the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. President Bush is the consummate example of public service and is a wonderful role model for all of us. He makes it possible for us to know “what right looks like.” He exemplifies the quote etched in stone on the side of the Bush Presidential Museum: “Let future generations know the blessings and burdens of freedom, and let them say we stood where duty required us to stand.”
The School has grown and transformed significantly since its early years in terms of student enrollments, size of faculty and staff, number of programs, and research and scholarship productivity. It now has six major components: the Master of Public Service and Administration; the Master’s Program in International Affairs; the Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy; the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs; the extended education programs (graduate certificates, online education, and executive education); and the Public Service Leadership Program. Today we have almost 200 resident graduate students, more than sixty faculty and staff, and over 350 graduate students in our extended education programs. The Bush School is ranked among the best in public affairs programs among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report; and its international affairs program is recognized nationally as well. Like leaders at all levels, we come along and add “a little value during our time on watch.” We build on the good works of past CEO’s like Dr. Chuck Herman, founding director, and Dr. Bob Gates, interim dean of the school and former University president. We aim to be a “great school;” and when I look at where our graduates are placed, where our research impacts, and where our service occurs, I am convinced that the Bush School is well on the way to achieving its grand vision.
I’ll close with a sincere “thank you” to our students, staff, faculty members, and senior administrators for their cooperation and friendship. That same appreciation goes to the members of our advisory board, development council, the library/museum staff and its advisory council, the Bush Foundation, the University administration, and colleagues. Needless to say, special thanks goes to Mr. Don Powell, the chairman of our advisory board since the school was established; Jean Becker, the chief of staff for President Bush and our “guardian angel;” and very special thanks to President and Mrs. Bush. The support and dedication of all “builds the Bush School for the future” and makes it one of the “crown jewels” at Texas A&M University.
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More NewsBush Students Study Transatlantic Security in Europe
Nine Bush School MPIA and MPSA students spent two weeks in Europe in May learning about the structure, functions, and processes of the transatlantic security relationships between the U.S. and the European Union as they met with officials of the European Union Commission, NATO, and the German government. The program leader was Dr. Gabriela Thornton; also participating were Professors Christopher Layne and Joe Cerami.
The trip began in Brussels and focused on the U.S.-E.U. relationships that exist through NATO and the U.S. diplomatic missions in Europe. The group met with E.U. Commissioner Leonard Orban, who highlighted the mix of cultures, languages, values, and ideals that exist in the E.U. and offered interesting insights into E.U. policies on integration through increased communication.
During two days at NATO Headquarters, the students heard presentations on current NATO operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, political issues with Russia, and future relations within the transatlantic relationship. The group was also able to visit with senior members of the NATO Parliamentary staff, gaining new perspectives on the value of the role that national assemblies play in foreign and security policy.
The second week was spent in Berlin and Dresden. In Berlin, the students were hosted by Dr. Hildegard Boucsein, a German political figure and member of Texas A&M University’s International Board of Directors. They toured the German Chancellery and met with Mr. Guido Muller of the German Intelligence Services. His team is responsible for counter-espionage, WMD proliferation, transnational terrorism and organized crime, and other areas of specific concern to German national security. Muller discussed the varying perceptions in both the U.S. and Europe about how to combat terrorism effectively, given the cultural, philosophical, and practical differences among various nations.
Another informative presentation was given by Christopher Lanz, the director of Deutsche Welle, the national news agency of Germany. Director Lanz shared his thoughts on the proper role of the media in both foreign and security affairs, media effects on public and government perspectives, and on the transatlantic relationship.
After meetings with officials and tours of various other government buildings, the Bush School group traveled to the Free University, which was founded in the American sector of West Berlin during the Cold War, and is now home to thousands of German undergraduate and graduate students. The primary host was Dr. Ingo Peters, who shared a variety of interesting policy positions on the U.S.-E.U. relationship as well as some thought-provoking ideas about the future of the European Union.
Another highlight was a one-day trip to Dresden, Germany, where the group toured the production facility of AMD, the microprocessor manufacturer, took a walking tour of the King Augustus’ historic district, and drove by the Volkswagen plant.
Dr. Steven Bowman concluded the trip by leading a tour of historical sites in Berlin related to the end of the Third Reich, the Russian assault on the city and the beginning of the cold war.
For the MPIA students, the trip provided a unique examination of national security, defense, and other policy areas that are germane to the IA track. MPSA students had the opportunity to experience the inner workings of very different government systems, examine the roles and impacts of various organizations and NGOs, and to get exposed to the effects of security, culture, and other important factors on public service administration.
See more Winter 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsBush School Former Student Named Director of Private Sector Office for FEMA
Nelson H. Balido of San Antonio, Texas, has been appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to lead the Private Sector Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Balido is a graduate of the Bush School’s Certificate in Advanced International Affairs. He also holds degrees from Texas Tech University, is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, and is a public affairs officer in the U. S. Naval Reserve.
In accepting the appointment, Balido noted the importance of conducting outreach efforts to all segments of the business population in order to establish effective public-private partnerships as a critical part of emergency management in preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Balido founded Balido and Associates, Inc., a public strategies, multicultural marketing and real estate firm. He also worked in marketing for SBC Communications (now AT&T) and served on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.
See more Winter 2009 e-CHRONICLE articles
More NewsCocanougher Appointed Bush School Interim Dean
Monday, January 05, 2009
Jeffrey S. Vitter, provost and executive vice president for academics, has announced that Dr. A. Benton Cocanougher, dean emeritus of the Mays Business School, has agreed to serve as interim dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, succeeding Richard (Dick) A. Chilcoat, who stepped down from his position at the end of last year. Cocanougher’s appointment is effective Jan. 1. Don Powell, former chair of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents, will chair the search to identify a permanent dean, Vitter added.
Cocanougher served as dean of the Mays Business School from 1987 to 2001 and most recently served as interim chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. He received his B.B.A. in finance, an M.B.A. in marketing, and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.
In accepting the interim appointment, Cocanougher said, “My respect for former President and Mrs. Bush, and my appreciation of the importance of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service to Texas A&M University, prompted my decision to take on this interim role. I look forward to working with all constituencies of the School who have helped make possible the truly impressive progress of the past several years.”
In making the announcement, Vitter said “I want to thank Dick Chilcoat for the tremendous job he has done as dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service. Under his leadership, the school has grown and is well positioned to achieve global distinction for its research in the areas of public policy, public and nonprofit management, national security affairs, and international transactions and development.”
He added that the university is very fortunate to have a man of Cocanougher’s character and experience to take over the reins from Chilcoat. “His administrative skills and knowledge of Texas A&M University make him a great choice for this interim position.”
More NewsBush School Advisor on Obama’s National Security Team
December 8, 2008
Two members of President-elect Barack Obama’s newly named national security team have close associations with the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
In addition to Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates, who was interim dean of the Bush School prior to becoming president of the University, Obama’s new National Security Advisor, General James Logan Jones, Jr., is a member of the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs’ Advisory Board.
Currently president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Energy, General Jones completed 40 years of active duty service in the Marine Corps in 2007. His two final assignments were as 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander, U.S. European Command. After his retirement, he served as Chairman of the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq and as a special envoy for Middle East Security. He is a decorated combat veteran who has worked closely with government, business, and civic leaders in an effort to protect and advance U.S. and allied interests around the world.
Other distinguished members of the SIIA Advisory Board include former Senator Howard Baker, Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Professor John Deutch, Hon. Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Admiral Bobby Inman, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Hon. Virginia A. Mulberger, Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, Lt. Gen. Bernard L. Trainor, and Dr. Cindy Williams.
“Both are dedicated public servants who exemplify the qualities of principled leadership we seek to instill in our students.” said Dean Dick Chilcoat.
The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) is a research institute. The Institute’s core mission is to foster and disseminate policy-oriented research on international affairs.
For additional information contact:
Susan L. Robertson, Director, Communications and External Relations
979.862.8842
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Engel Elected to SHAFR Council
Professor Jeffrey A. Engel, assistant professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, has been elected to the Executive Council for the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR). He will serve a three year term, beginning in January, joining colleagues from universities and colleges around the nation, including the Universities of Wisconsin and Colorado and Vanderbilt University.
Founded in 1967, SHAFR is the principal professional organization for scholars of American diplomatic history. The premier journal of the profession, Diplomatic History, is published by SHAFR.
For additional information contact:
Susan Robertson, Director of Communications
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