Dec. 5, 2002
GW Professor Elected to Congress
GSPM's Cole Moves to Capitol Hill
By Matthew
Nehmer
Tom Cole, an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Political Management
(GSPM), turned his teachings into action as he won Oklahoma’s 4th
congressional seat, succeeding Republican Conference Chair J.C. Watts,
who did not seek reelection. Cole, a Republican, served at GSPM as the
Fahrenkopf/Manatt Professorial Lecturer for a class called “Political
Parties and Politics.”
“Professor Cole sets a great example to our students by using his
practical experience as a springboard to public service,” says
GSPM Dean Christopher Arterton. “His success raises the bar
of commitment to a career in politics and public service.”
Cole, a former chief of staff to the Republican National Committee,
had co-taught his class with fellow GSPM adjunct professor and former
chair of the Democratic National Committee Don Fowler. The class focused
on the functions, psychology, voting behavior, composition, and operations
of political parties.
“I’m pleased that we prevailed,” says Cole. “No
one could replace J.C., but someone needed to succeed him who shares
our conservative values and who can be immediately effective in Congress
and in working with the Bush Administration.”
GW’s Graduate School of Political Management is the nation’s
premier school of professional politics. Hailed by The New York Times
as “the West Point of the political wars,” the school is at
the forefront of establishing the foundation for long-term solutions
to the problems of American democracy by advancing both the professional
expertise of those in politics and the analytical science of democratic
politics.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
