Schar School Featured Stories

Bridging Health and Justice: How Schar PhD Student Loveline Phillips Is Shaping Policy Research

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:30:52 +0000

Bridging Health and Justice: How Schar PhD Student Loveline Phillips Is Shaping Policy Research Andrew J Schappert Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:30

Loveline Phillips on Schar School faculty: ‘The professors are welcoming, they’re warm, hospitable, and they just want to see you excel as a student.’ Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Loveline Phillips’s path to �鶹��Ƶ has been anything but linear. Born in Nigeria, educated in her homeland and the United Kingdom, and now pursuing a PhD at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government, Phillips carries with her a global perspective shaped by migration, scholarship, and persistence—and, more recently, motherhood.

Loveline Phillips Photo provided

Her first experience in the United States came in 2017, when she visited from the United Kingdom where she was studying sustainable development on a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, a fund designed to support students from underserved Commonwealth nations to pursue master’s degrees.

Her then-fiancé was a student at Purdue University in Indiana, which brought her to the United States.

Ever the scholar, Phillips completed one year of a master of philosophy degree in Santa Monica, California, at Pardee RAND Graduate School, an institute within the RAND Corporation, where she deepened her training in policy analysis and research.

From there, she set her sights on a PhD in public policy and applied to the Schar School. Acceptance at the school introduced her to a mentor who would shape her work at George �鶹��Ƶ: University Professor Faye Taxman, a health services criminologist and founding director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence, exclamatorily known as ACE!.

The match was not obvious at first. Phillips’s background was in international economic development and health policy, not criminal justice.

“I’d never done anything on criminal justice prior to coming to George �鶹��Ƶ,” she said. Still, she leaned on advice instilled by her parents: “Whatever your hands find to do, do it to the best of your ability.”

At the Schar School, Phillips found a way to connect her prior interests with her new field.

“There’s a health and justice nexus,” she said. “These are vulnerable populations that are prone to health challenges and have poor health outcomes.”

Her published work with Taxman examines probation, reentry, and community supervision through both health and justice lenses—a combination she now sees as central to her academic identity.

Phillips credits the Schar School, and Taxman in particular, with accelerating her development as a scholar.

“Prior to joining the Schar School, I never had a first-authored publication,” she said. “And now I have two, with one book chapter coming out soon.”

Taxman, she added, is “my advisor, she’s my dissertation committee chair, she’s a mentor, and she has really pushed me in my career.”

Beyond mentorship, Phillips said the Schar School has given her rigorous methodological training, including using powerful research tools, such as the qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti. That, mixed with her quantitative and social network analysis skills through coursework, results in a valuable mix of method skills, allowing her to approach problems from multiple angles.

“Using both her qualitative skills and system-theory causal loop diagram methods, she has uncovered patterns of how different systems interconnected,” said Taxman. “From this, she identifies how to improve the functioning of systems and organizations.”

Phillips is, she said, “a remarkable graduate student committed to applying the methods she learns at the Schar School of Policy and Government.”

What has surprised Phillips most about the Schar School is its ethos of real-world policy and public service work as well as its collaborative and experiential culture.

“Seeing how faculty is really invested in students’ development stands out,” she said. “The professors are welcoming, they’re warm, hospitable, and they just want to see you excel as a student.”

Balancing doctoral research with life as a parent to a 14-month-old daughter, Tioluwani, Phillips remains focused on the impact of her work. Her next paper looks at how probation conditions impact probationers, especially as they re-enter society, with the goal, she said, of informing both practitioners and researchers for the public good.

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Four Former Virginia Governors Weigh in on Virginia’s Next Four Years

Andrew J Schappert — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:51:39 +0000

Four Former Virginia Governors Weigh in on Virginia’s Next Four Years Andrew J Schappert Fri, 01/23/2026 - 11:51

From left: moderator Bob Holsworth with former governors Bob McDonnell, Ralph Northam, Tim Kaine, and George Allen on stage in Richmond. Photos by Drew Precious

On the Friday before the historic inauguration of Abigail Spanberger (D) as Virginia’s first female governor, �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government hosted “The Governors’ Roundtable: The Future of Virginia.”

The four former governors gather with David Ramadan and �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington.

The event, held in Richmond, Virginia, brought together four former governors of the commonwealth—George Allen (R), Senator Tim Kaine (D), Bob McDonnell (R), and Ralph Northam (D)—for a lively, collegial, and substantive discussion.

Former Virginia Delegate David Ramadan, professor of practice in the Schar School and a member of Governor Spanberger’s transition team, opened the panel, acknowledging the 120 attendees. The audience included Virginia business and civic leaders, representatives from George �鶹��Ƶ and Schar School centers, Schar School faculty, students, and alumni, and a strong contingent from Virginia’s political community including current and former members of the General Assembly.

Ramadan noted that 2026 is the 10th anniversary of the naming of the Schar School after businessman and philanthropist Dwight Schar and the event kicks off a yearlong celebration of the school. He also mentioned that McDonnell, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and former Vice President Mike Pence currently serve as professors at the school.

McDonnell offers reflections from his time as governor during the discussion.

“The Schar School is interested in nonpartisan engagement,” Ramadan said.

George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington welcomed the audience and briefly described the university and the Schar School and its mission.

“This event embodies Dwight Schar’s vision,” he said.

Noted Virginia political analyst Bob Holsworth served as moderator and asked four questions of the panel who, for an hour, reminisced about their own inauguration days, offered advice to the new governor, and discussed how she might navigate the next four years.

(The following are edited excerpts from the conversation.)

Holsworth: What advice do you have for Abigail Spanberger in the first days of her administration?

Allen: It will be exhilarating for Abigail Spanberger. I remember my inauguration day. The weather was so cold. I grew up in a football family. I was thinking, It’s game day. Your adrenaline is just going. I wanted the world to know that Virginia was open for business. She, like all of us, will work to keep her promises. As governor, you’ll learn a lot. Make decisions that will make Virginia more affordable, safer. If yes, then yes. If no, then no.

Tim Kaine shares a lighter moment during the collegial exchange.

Kaine: My inauguration was in Williamsburg. (The Richmond Capitol was under renovation.) Only three Virginia governors have been inaugurated in Williamsburg: Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and me. The weather was awful. I had four main objectives, one for each year. Abigail needs an agenda. She will get knocked off her agenda. But don’t let the urgent take over. Savor the good days and get ready for the bad.

Northam: It’s great that everyone is coming together to support Abigail. She has done a great job putting together a good team and they are ready to get to work. I recommend Abigail build relationships with members of the General Assembly to get things done.

McDonnell: Whether you win by ½ a percent or by 18 points, you are governor for all the people. She’s an incredibly capable person. She’s the youngest governor since George Allen. She’s up to the task. In Virginia, we transition power well. Relationships mean results. Go to the General Assembly and make house calls. See how you can work together. Know that budget and work it hard.

Allen listens as his colleagues offer their advice for the new governor.

Holsworth: How will she tackle the affordability issue?

Allen: Know the budget. Prioritize. People and businesses are not trees. They do move. Virginia is in strong competition with other states like North Carolina and Florida. Energy policy is going to be really important. That’s an affordability issue.

Platitudes are great, but you have to act. She needs to work with everyone to find solutions to make things affordable for Virginians. You can make decisions that really have an effect on people.

Kaine: Do it where people feel it: health care, housing, child care, the big ticket items that hurt the pocketbook.

McDonnell: Time is money. Reduce regulations that take permits 200-300 days for building. Virginia is in really good shape.

Northam: Jobs are the most important things. Make sure Virginia is strong for business. The cost of energy is so important. The Hampton Roads offshore wind project needs to be finished. Our ports. I worked with President Trump to deepen and widen our channels. We need to get our ports back up. Tariffs have hurt.

Allen: What we need are leaders who care about the people.

Bob McDonnell (left) listens as Ralph Northam (right) reflects on lessons learned from governing.

Holsworth: How should Spanberger respond to President Trump?

Northam: There are going to be areas where she can work with Trump. She should focus on Virginia. Rely on people you put in place. Stand back and let them do what they do.

Kaine: Call your senators and ask for help. When I was governor, I had George W. Bush for three years and Obama for one year. Bush was pulling the plug with the [Metro] silver line to Dulles and moving ships from Virginia to Florida. His brother was governor of Florida. I called John Warner.

McDonnell: It’s a transactional relationship with Washington. Maybe connect on energy, solar, wind, and fossil fuels. Embrace that. All of these types of energy. She’s the daughter of law enforcement. She might go against type. Find common ground.

Holsworth: What do you think of redistricting?

McDonnell: It would not be good. The net effect is bad for the nation and it will make the tone of politics a lot worse.

Northam: There’s a domino effect. The president should put a stop to this. You have to fight fire with fire.

Kaine: Do it and do it better. You can’t open Pandora’s Box and expect states to sit on their hands. Get back to redistricting that will be done the right way.

Allen: People should elect their leaders and not rig elections. Not one party or the other running roughshod over each other.

A reception followed the program, allowing attendees a chance to continue the dialogue and Schar School students to network. The event illustrated the Schar School’s role as a forward-looking policy institution that convenes scholars, practitioners, students, and the broader community to address pressing public policy challenges.

This event marks the beginning of the Schar School’s yearlong series commemorating its 10th anniversary and reaffirming its mission. On Tuesday, February 3, the program continues with an alumni breakfast. More events will be announced in the coming weeks, culminating in a 10th anniversary gala in fall 2026.

Additional reporting by Buzz McClain

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David Ramadan

Gregory Washington

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Alumni News: Accolades and Appointments for Schar School Graduates

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:01:29 +0000

Alumni News: Accolades and Appointments for Schar School Graduates Andrew J Schappert Wed, 01/14/2026 - 13:01

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A roundup of recent news about the alumni of the Schar School of Policy and Government Gerica Goodman has been named director of legislative affairs by Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. Goodman, who earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from �鶹��Ƶ in 2012 and a Schar School master of public administration (MPA) degree in 2015, is the governor’s principal point person for interacting with the General Assembly and coordinating the administration’s legislative strategy.

Director of Legislative Affairs Gerica Goodman, BS Psychology ’12, MPA ‘15 Photo by Creative Services

Goodman, who worked in George �鶹��Ƶ’s admissions and alumni relations offices as a student and after graduation, in 2020 became the first Black woman to serve in the post of legislative and policy director for the Virginia Speaker of the House.

“I'm not surprised at her place in government,” said James Burroughs, former director of the MPA program. “She has earned her position through intelligence and hard work.”

Goodman, he said, “possesses two rare talents. She combines a keen intellect with excellent people skills. It isn't easy to unpack a proposed law and explain it in plain English to regular folks or to take an idea and turn it into legislation. Even more important, she has earned the trust of people in power as an honest broker.”

Goodman said in a 2020 interview that her Schar School master’s degree comes in handy on a daily basis.

“One of my favorite classes was Program Evaluation,” she said, adding that it was taught by an adjunct who was also “a bureaucrat’s bureaucrat,” a senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office. “The class looked at government programs and took them apart and evaluated them, which is essentially what I do for bills and government agencies.”

She admitted to being “kind of a boring person who likes the legal print on the back of anything, and I like legal jargon,” she said. “Reading bills seems like a daunting process, but I always find something really interesting.”

Always?

“We had a bill about milk, about not calling anything that’s not derived from a dairy cow ‘milk.’ I find stuff like that super interesting,” she said.

French Medal of International Security

Jude Sunderbruch, PhD Public Policy ‘08 Photo provided

Jude Sunderbruch, who earned his PhD in public policy from the Schar School in 2008, has been awarded the French Medal of Internal Security at the Gold level, one of France’s highest recognitions for contributions to public safety and security. The medal was presented during a ceremony late last year in Washington, D.C.; the award recognizes his longstanding role in advancing Franco-American cooperation in homeland security and law enforcement.

The award, conferred by France’s Minister-Counsellor Agnès von der Mühll, highlights Sunderbruch’s work building durable operational ties between U.S. and French security institutions. French officials noted his contributions during his tenure as executive director of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and later as director of the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3)—two roles central to counterintelligence, cybercrime, and international security collaboration.

According to French representatives, as reported by the media outlet Homeland Security Today, the ceremony also underscored Sunderbruch’s close engagement with France’s direction de la coopération internationale de sécurité (DCIS), the country’s international security cooperation directorate, and his consistent efforts to deepen bilateral and multilateral coordination across agencies.

Sunderbruch, managing director at the Dallas-based cybersecurity consulting firm OakTruss Group, will serve as an adjunct at the Schar School in the summer semester. He will teach POGO 750 Consulting Practicum.

Leading Idaho’s Hispanic Affairs Agency

Annette Tipton, MA International Commerce and Policy ‘11 Photo provided

Annette Tipton, a 2011 graduate of the Schar School’s International Commerce and Policy master’s program (now the Global Commerce and Policy program), has been appointed by Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) to be executive director of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs (ICHA).

The state commission serves Idaho’s Hispanic community of some 271,000 by acting as a liaison between the community and the government. According to its website, the commission provides recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding issues facing the state’s Hispanic population. It also plays an important role in connecting people with resources and collecting data about Hispanics in Idaho.

Tipton has long been familiar with the commission’s mission. As a teenager, she attended one of the first Idaho Hispanic Youth Leadership Summits, an annual event organized by ICHA to engage young people with workshops, a college fair, and a keynote speaker.

“It’s really exciting to see that program has continued,” she said. “I know it has evolved recently. There’s a genuine desire to keep moving forward and to continue those collaborations with academic institutions here in Idaho.”

Born into a family of agricultural workers in Rupert, Idaho, Tipton comes from a lineage of perseverance and hard work. Her grandparents emigrated from Mexico and worked on farms across the United States before settling in Idaho.

After becoming the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, Tipton worked in government relations for major financial institutions including JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch.

While working in finance, Tipton also volunteered with nonprofits such as the Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation, a college migrant assistance program, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

“It’s a good blend of what I’ve done,” she said. “From a more strategic perspective in business or finance, to deeper community involvement, strengthening relationships, and understanding that these are families, they are Idahoans, and they have needs.”

COO of Oregon’s Most Populus County

Christopher Neal, BA Government and International Politics ‘07 Photo provided

Christopher L. Neal, a 2007 government and international politics graduate, is the new chief operating officer (COO) of Oregon’s most populous county, Multnomah County, home of the state’s largest city, Portland.

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously confirmed Neal as the COO and director of county management from a pool of 84 applicants following a national recruitment and hiring process.

Neal oversees the county’s daily operations and its more than 6,000 employees, guiding the county’s senior leaders to ensure effective administration, financial management, and operational consistency. He is also charged with continuing to roll out the county’s Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and developing the county’s strategic plan.

Neal acknowledged he arrives at a difficult time in county history amid significant budget shortfalls in the general fund and homeless services.

“But we all know that during these times of adversity, we become our most creative, bold, and daring,” he said. “These qualities have carried us through to the other side before, and they will again.’’

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The Steven S. Fuller Institute’s Washington Economy Watch report can be found at this webpage.

New Report Warns of Sharp Federal Job Losses in D.C. Region

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:23:31 +0000

New Report Warns of Sharp Federal Job Losses in D.C. Region Andrew J Schappert Mon, 01/12/2026 - 10:23

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A new report issued this week by the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at the Schar School of Policy and Government estimates the Washington, D.C., region’s federal workforce shrank by nearly 53,000 employees from December 2024 to November 2025—a contraction not seen in more than two decades.

The remaining federal workforce now stands at 327,100, the lowest level since late 2001, underscoring the scale and speed of the decline.

Compounding the job losses is the economic “knock-on effect in the form of household spending that those jobs support,” said Terry Clower, director of the Schar School’s Center for Regional Analysis at �鶹��Ƶ.

He estimated that in addition to the loss of 52,900 jobs effectively triggers another 20,000 job losses across the regional economy as spending falls.

Clower likened the moment as reminiscent of “changes that hit industries in the Midwest in the 1970s,” a comparison that highlights the potential for lasting economic disruption.

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Kennedy Solomon, MPP ‘14, Named Manager of State Affairs for RV Industry Association

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:46:49 +0000

Kennedy Solomon, MPP ‘14, Named Manager of State Affairs for RV Industry Association Andrew J Schappert Wed, 12/17/2025 - 15:46

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Master of Public Policy alumnus Kennedy Solomon has been tapped as the new manager of state affairs for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), the national trade association for the recreational vehicle industry in the United States.

Kennedy Solomon: His experience at the Schar School is ’what got me interested in advocacy work.’ Photo provided

The 2014 graduate represents the membership association’s more than 500 manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry firms to state legislators, regulators, and recreational vehicle industry stakeholders around the country. The Northern Virginia-based organization’s federal and state affairs teams champion the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follow relevant legislation and policies.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Solomon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University before moving across the country to earn his master’s degree in public policy from �鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

His experience at the Schar School, he said, is “what got me interested in advocacy work,” Solomon said.

Solomon began his career in politics during his time at the Schar School, interning for U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay Jr. (D-MO), where he gained vital exposure to federal issues.

Soon after graduating from George �鶹��Ƶ, Solomon returned to California, where he interned for State Assembly Member Bill Quirk (D).

“I gained a fundamental understanding of how state governments move faster than Congress,” Solomon said. “For instance, a bill could be introduced in January, and then by June, it’s implemented into law. I like the pace. That’s what essentially sparked my interest in state government affairs.”

In his current role as manager of state affairs, Solomon collaborates with industry stakeholders, educates lawmakers about industry issues, and works with RV Industry Association members to advocate for legislation nationwide that will help the RV industry continue to grow and thrive.

“As a policy enthusiast, the best part of my role is learning the key legislative issues and regulations that will impact the RV industry as a whole,” he said.

For Solomon, the RV industry is meaningful because it allows individuals to easily access the outdoors and its many resulting benefits.

“I’m passionate about some of the key issues that the RV industry touches on,” he said. “It gives people the ability to explore and create memories with their family and their friends. RVs also give people the ability to travel and experience the outdoors in unconventional ways, and spending time outdoors provides meaningful physical and mental health benefits. I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Solomon added that bipartisan support for outdoor recreation is another aspect he values.

“The outdoors brings people together, regardless of their political ideology,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of an organization that helps foster unity so consumers can continue creating memories and enjoying the outdoors.”

The Master of Public Policy program at the Schar School teaches students to address a vast range of public concerns, including terrorism, human trafficking, gender studies, environmental hazards, and hunger. The program prepares students to move into influential positions in the policy world after developing skills in policymaking and analysis necessary to understand and solve critical problems.

Reprinted with permission of RV Pro.

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Schar School’s David Ramadan Tapped for Virginia Governor-Elect and Lt. Governor-Elect Transition Teams

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:05:13 +0000

Schar School’s David Ramadan Tapped for Virginia Governor-Elect and Lt. Governor-Elect Transition Teams Andrew J Schappert Thu, 11/20/2025 - 12:05

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Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) and Lt. Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi (D) have named key members of their transition leadership teams, among them David Ramadan, a two-time Republican representative to the House of Delegates and now a professor of practice at the Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ.

Schar School’s David Ramadan has been named to two Virginia statewide transition teams. Photo provided

Ramadan is also host of the Schar School’s flagship podcast, Policy and Governance Perspectives.

Ramadan will contribute to Governor-elect Spanberger’s “United for Virginia’s Future” initiative while serving as chair for Lt. Governor-elect Hashmi’s Housing Committee. He will work to assure that both offices are ready to immediately govern effectively upon taking office on Inauguration Day, January 17, 2026.

A two-time George �鶹��Ƶ graduate, Ramadan earned his BA in government and politics in 1993 and his Master of International Transactions in 1995. He later served on the George �鶹��Ƶ Board of Visitors from 2010 to 2012, appointed by the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, now a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at the Schar School.

From 2012 to 2016, Ramadan represented Loudoun and Prince William counties as a delegate, during which he built a strong record in bipartisan lawmaking, education reform, and civic leadership. Today, he brings that same commitment to the classroom, mentoring students at the Schar School and elevating public dialogue through the policy podcast.

The Schar School is a nationally recognized center for public policy and government studies, preparing leaders who shape policy at the local, state, and national levels. Ramadan’s appointment underscores that legacy of service, expertise, and real-world impact.

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National ‘15 Minutes with POTUS’ Contest Crowns Rice Junior as 2025 Policy Briefing Champion

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:06:04 +0000

National ‘15 Minutes with POTUS’ Contest Crowns Rice Junior as 2025 Policy Briefing Champion Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/18/2025 - 15:06

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Rice University junior Shreeya Madhavanur, winner of the 2025 “15 Minutes with POTUS” Policy Briefing Competition, receives the $1,500 first-place prize. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government.

Imagine you have just 15 minutes to brief the President of the United States on a complex global security issue. That is the test at the heart of the “15 Minutes with POTUS” competition, an annual policy challenge hosted by the Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ. This year’s event drew 50 of the nation’s top undergraduates from 22 universities, each tasked with presenting a multilateral strategic solution to a modern national security threat.

Shreeya Madhavanur is debriefed by “POTUS."

Rising above the intense competition was Rice University junior Shreeya Madhavanur, who claimed the title of 2025 Policy Briefing Champion for her compelling proposal to establish a Biosecurity Civil Communications Initiative within NATO. Judges commended her precision and poise under questioning, qualities that earned her the top prize and highlighted the competition’s growing reputation as a training ground for the nation’s future policy leaders.

This year’s competition ended Friday, November 7, with the finalists’ presentations in front of a panel of distinguished judges. Finalists were chosen after first-round written brief submissions, judged by Schar School PhD students.

Madhavanur, a business management major with minors in politics, law and social thought, and medical humanities, took home the $1,500 first-place prize. University of Richmond’s Nicholas Ramon Javier, a junior studying history with a Chinese minor, placed second, winning $750, and William and Mary senior Kara (last name withheld by request), a public policy and global studies double major, came in third, winning $500.

The three-member judging panel included Ambassador Rich Verma, former U.S. ambassador to India andformer deputy secretary of state for management and resources, who currently serves as chief administrative officer at Mastercard; Schar School Adjunct James P. Danoy, former national security briefer to President Obama; and Schar School Associate Professor Jeremy Mayer, director of the Master of Political Science program and a noted scholar of American politics who has trained rising diplomats at the State Department. Verma served as “President,” with Danoy and Mayer serving as “Cabinet members” giving contestants a realistic high-pressure briefing environment.

A panel of distinguished judges listens intently as finalists deliver their high-pressure briefings during the concluding round of the competition.

“The briefers gave us excellent insight into the most pressing issues of the day that we need to act on, and act on decisively,” said Verma following the briefings. “I’m so inspired and impressed by how well they did, not only with the subject matter, but on how well they presented.”

The presentations, despite the 15-minute time limit, were dense with data and delivered with passion.

Madhavanur said the idea for her briefing, which called for POTUS to champion a multinational effort to combat misinformation in the world’s health infrastructure, rose from classroom discussions in a course on responsible AI and public health.

“It had so many policy ramifications; it got me thinking about this,” she said.

Javier said his brief, which asked for support in the Philippines and addressed Chinese “below warfare” efforts to disrupt the island nation, said, “as a Filipino American, I’ve spent time thinking about this part of the world on a personal level. I have friends who are interested in cybersecurity, so I began to explore how those two worlds connect.”

And as for Kara, her brief on strengthening alliances to safeguard the development and distribution of the world’s precious minerals, which saw a national security issue, stemmed from a recent paper she wrote about microchips.

“I feel like there’s a secret story going on in U.S. policy,” she said after her brief. “The [actual president] has expressed a lot of interest in rare earth minerals; it’s a critical part of our military and our economy.”

The judges brought their real-world experience into the judging room at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Van Metre Hall at �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington, Virginia—just across the Potomac River from the White House—underscoring the contest’s commitment to realism and proximity to the nation’s policymaking centers.

The momentum was high, but so was the pressure. “POTUS” and the two cabinet members frequently cut in with sharp, unexpected questions that pushed contestants to adjust their arguments in real time. They met the challenge head-on, staying composed and focused as they navigated each curveball with confidence.

Finalists gather and celebrate following their presentations.

“Does that answer your question, Mr. President?” Madhavanur asked POTUS after a reply. “It does? Perfect.”

The students making their debut briefings had already accomplished one of the main skills of briefing, Danoy said.

“It's all about preparation, preparation, preparation, and knowing your subject matter extremely well,” he said, recalling his own briefing sessions with Obama. “You have to know your subject so well that you’re prepared to answer any of the tough questions that might come up during the presentation.”

To that end, Mayer said he was “impressed with the presentation, but I was more impressed with their ability to think on their feet and answer questions that they couldn't have prepared for.They were sharp and bode well for the future of the country.”

Beyond the formal competition, students also benefited from extensive professional development opportunities woven throughout the event. Finalists received one-on-one time with the judging panel and received constructive feedback on both their policy proposals and presentation styles. Participants also had the chance to meet individually with Schar School Career Services for tailored résumé reviews and career guidance. These individualized sessions ensured that every student left the competition not only with a deeper understanding of national security policymaking, but with strengthened professional skills they can carry into internships, graduate programs, and future public service careers.

“Fifteen Minutes with POTUS” offers students a rare, hands-on introduction to the realities of policymaking under pressure. The competition sharpens analytical and communication skills while building the confidence needed for future roles in diplomacy, intelligence, and national security. As the event continues to grow in prominence, it is fast becoming a benchmark experience for students aspiring to careers in public service and global leadership. Stay tuned for the launch of next year’s contest.

Additional reporting by Jessica Bates.

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Reimagining Democracy: Schar School Students Help Write a ‘New Declaration’ at UVA Summit

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:35:41 +0000

Reimagining Democracy: Schar School Students Help Write a ‘New Declaration’ at UVA Summit Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/18/2025 - 11:35

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From left, Neelam Gurung, Nia Christy, and Jayden Banks helped write a Constitution for a younger generation at Declaration Next. Photos by University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy.

What would happen if 40 students from a dozen colleges across the commonwealth were brought together for a two-day summit to draft a new declaration for the future of American democracy?

It happened. Three government and international politics (GVIP) students in the Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ attended Declaration Next, a multifaceted program presented in October by the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy as part of its signature Democracy360 initiative.

Nia Christy focuses on the conversation at Declaration Next.

The students—Neelam Gurung, Nia Christy, and Jayden Banks—joined students from colleges and universities around Virginia on UVA’s grounds to engage with scholars and to practice core democratic skills—with the intention of shaping the future of civic engagement.

The program immersed students in the history of the country’s founding of the country followed by guided debates until reaching a “declaration for the modern generation.” Fittingly, the event commemorated next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

It was not a passive experience, the Schar School students said. For a day-and-a-half, after enjoying a traditional communal meal know as a Jeffersonian “Feast of Reason,” the participants engaged in working sessions with scholars and practitioners with the intention of creating a unanimous document.

The event, said Gurung, “was an enriching experience. We had many good discussions and debates, which provided a great way to connect and exchange ideas.”

The junior GVIP major said a highlight was being selected for the seven-member committee tasked with synthesizing the resolutions drafted by various subcommittees in the creation of the new declaration.

“Each subcommittee had students from different schools, so it was interesting to see all the different perspectives and ideas,” she said. “Being part of this process helped me learn how to collaborate and bring everyone’s ideas together.”

Banks, a senior in the GVIP program from Alexandria, Virginia, said Declaration Next was his first visit to the historic campus known as “Grounds,” which served as the backdrop of another first for Banks: an organized protest.

During the lunchbreak he and others stepped outside the campus Rotunda to witness an organized community and student protest against the Trump administration’s controversial “compact” with the university to call off federal investigations.

Observing the protest made an impact: “It was certainly timely as our discussions on democracy were being played out right outside the Rotunda” where they were meeting, he said.

Throughout the day, students discussed “how our democracy was in danger and established priorities to inform the next 250 years of our country’s governance,” Banks said. “One of the greatest takeaways I got from this event is the statement: ‘The highest office in the land isn’t the president of the United States, it’s the citizen of the United States.’”

The concept resonated with him.

“I really love this statement because it emphasizes the value of the people as the core of our democracy,” he said. “As a future leader, I hope to live by this statement—serving the people first and ensuring their voices are heard.

“I already knew our democracy was in jeopardy. But participating in this event opened my eyes to the serious challenges our country faces, including the lack of transparency and self-interest in politics. I hope to make a change and protect our democracy.”

Gurung, originally from Pocatello, Idaho, encouraged students to participate in off-campus events such as Declaration Next “because they provide a platform to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills while also fostering meaningful connections with both faculty and fellow students.

“Programs like the ones from the Karsh Institute of Democracy are a great way to get involved and understand more about democracy and civic engagement,” she said.

Students at Declaration Next created a list of priorities for a new Constitution in the University of Virginia’s Rotunda.

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Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

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Michael V. Hayden Inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:39:55 +0000

Michael V. Hayden Inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration Andrew J Schappert Mon, 11/17/2025 - 12:39

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�鶹��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government proudly congratulates General (Ret.) Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of public service, and Hayden’s selection underscores his lifelong commitment to leadership, integrity, and national security.

Michael V. Hayden: ‘I’m grateful for the privilege of being named a Fellow. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s important work.‘ Photo Creative Services/�鶹��Ƶ

A Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School, Hayden is the founder and namesake of the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security where he continues to shape the next generation of public servants through his teaching, mentorship, and informative live events.

Hayden joins other Schar School faculty members as NAPA Academy Fellows, including University Professors Emeritus Kingsley Haynes, Timothy J. Conlan, and James Pfiffner; Professor Alan Abramson and Associate Professor Alan R. Shark; and Visiting Professor of Public Policy David Brunori.

“I’ve spent my professional life in organizations where mission, service, and integrity matter deeply—the U.S. Intelligence Community and the United States Air Force,” Hayden said. “The National Academy of Public Administration embodies those same values, and I’m grateful for the privilege of being named a Fellow. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s important work.”

Hayden brings to George �鶹��Ƶ an extraordinary record of leadership and public service spanning more than four decades at the highest levels of government. A retired four-star Air Force general, he is the only person ever to have led both the CIA and the National Security Agency, overseeing some of the most complex intelligence and national security operations in U.S. history.

His career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to protecting the nation while advancing transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the intelligence community. At the Schar School, he continues to share that experience and perspective with students, faculty, and policymakers, enriching the university’s role as a leader in public policy and national security education.

“Congratulations to our founder General Michael V. Hayden on his induction as a NAPA fellow,” said Hayden Center Executive Director Larry Pfeiffer. “NAPA has recognized something we here have known for years—that General Hayden is one of our nation’s most respected leaders and insightful minds, and a voice for pragmatic, practical solutions to our most vexing challenges. Our country will benefit from his participation in this program.”

Election to NAPA is one of the highest professional honors in the field of public administration, recognizing leaders who have made significant and sustained contributions to the effectiveness of government. Hayden joins a distinguished class of new Fellows whose expertise and service exemplify the academy’s mission to build a more effective, accountable, and transparent government.

Founded in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of government. NAPA brings together top public administration professionals—scholars, practitioners, and leaders—to tackle the nation’s most pressing management and policy challenges and to strengthen the institutions of American governance.

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