FROM THE CLASSROOM TO CONGRESS: GW POLITICAL MANAGEMENT PROFESSOR TOM COLE ELECTED TO CONGRESS

WASHINGTON – Tom Cole, an adjunct professor in The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), has turned his teachings into action as he won Oklahoma’s 4th congressional seat, which was previously occupied by Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, who did not run for re-election. Cole, a Republican, served at GSPM as the Fahrenkopf/Manatt Professorial Lecturer for a class entitled “Political Parties and Politics.”  The endowed lectureship is named for Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., Esq., former Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman, and Ambassador Charles T. Manatt, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and current chairman of The George Washington University Board of Trustees.

Professor Cole sets a great example to our students by using his practical experience as a springboard to public service,” said 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 chairman 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,” said 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.”

“I hope this a precedent of things to come,” said Arterton. “Our professors are at the top of their respective fields and instill in our students the political drive and practical skills necessary to succeed in politics.”

The Graduate School of Political Management faculty represents the broad diversity of political professionals who are leaders in the field of political management.

The Graduate School of Political Management of The George Washington University 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.

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