Paul Wahlbeck, CCAS vice dean for programs and research and professor of political science, will serve as CCAS interim dean following the departure of Dean Ben Vinson on July 1.
"I’m thrilled by Paul’s selection and look forward to working with him to ensure a seamless leadership transition," said Vinson, who will leaving GW to become provost and executive vice president of Case Western Reserve University. “Paul has served admirably as a key member of my decanal team, coordinating and supervising our academic and research operations in conjunction with the team. His engaging demeanor and his expertise as a scholar, educator and administrator made him an ideal fit for what was a newly created position.”
Wahlbeck joined the CCAS faculty in 1993 after receiving his PhD from Washington University. He served as director of the Law and Social Science Program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2001 to 2003 and, in 2006, served as director of NSF’s Political Science Program. In 2011, he became chair of the Political Science Department. Paul’s scholarship centers on Supreme Court decision making, especially strategic interaction among justices. His work has appeared in many journals, including the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics and Political Research Quarterly.
"It will be an honor to lead Columbian College as its interim dean, and I look forward to serving our vibrant community of scholars and students,” Wahlbeck said. “As vice dean, I've had the opportunity to work with faculty, staff and students from across our departments and programs, and I applaud their accomplishments and commitment to GW. Indeed, my transition to this interim position will be aided by a great team, including vice and associate deans, department chairs and staff."
GW Provost Forrest Maltzman, who announced the selection last week, called Wahlbeck a “leader in his field” and a dedicated member of the faculty.
“President Thomas LeBlanc and I are grateful to him for accepting the role of interim dean and confident that he, along with the strong CCAS leadership team, will provide excellent leadership for the students, faculty and staff at Columbian College,” Maltzman said.