June 4, 2009

MEDIA CONTACTS: Menachem Wecker
202-994-8025; mwecker@gwu.edu 
Nick Massella
202-994-3087; massella@gwu.edu

GW PROFESSOR ROBERT O. WORK APPOINTED TO NAVY LEADERSHIP POST

WASHINGTON - Robert O. Work, professorial lecturer at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs and a senior defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, was confirmed as the undersecretary of the Navy by the U.S. Senate.

A former U.S. marine, Mr. Work retired as a colonel in 2001 after 27 years of service. He was the first director of the Marine Corps' Strategic Initiatives Group, a small analytical cell working directly for the commandant of the Marine Corps. He also served as the military assistant and senior aide to Richard Danzig, the 71st secretary of the Navy.

"The Elliott School's faculty is comprised of superb scholars and policy practitioners who are dedicated to bringing substantive knowledge and analytical rigor to bear on real-world problems. Mr. Work's appointment reflects his formidable policy expertise as well as his commendable commitment to public service," said Michael E. Brown, dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs. "The Elliott School community wishes him the best as he takes on his important responsibilities in the Department of the Navy."

In April, Mr. Work told the Senate Armed Services Committee that if confirmed, he believed he would be well prepared for the job due to his life-long experience as an active-duty dependent, a military officer, a father of a military family, and a leader, strategist and analyst.

"I will also work hard with the secretary of the Navy to ensure that our nearly 11,000 wounded warriors receive the best care possible, and that the families of our fallen are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve," he added.
 
At the Elliott School of International Affairs, Mr. Work recently taught a course on the roles and missions of the U.S. armed forces and another course on defense policy and defense analysis, which offered a very practical view of defense analysis.

The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs is one of the world's leading schools of international affairs. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., its mission is to educate the next generation of international leaders, conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues and engage the policy community in the United States and around the world.

For more news about The George Washington University, visit www.gwnewscenter.org.
 
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