February 4, 2009

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

HARRY HARDING, FORMER DEAN OF GW'S ELLIOTT SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, NAMED FOUNDING DEAN OF UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA'S BATTEN SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC POLICY

WASHINGTON - Harry Harding, former dean of The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs (1995 - 2005) and University Professor of International Affairs, has been named the first dean of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten Sr. School of Leadership and Public Policy. Harding's term will begin on July 1, 2009.

"The University of Virginia has chosen wisely," said Michael E. Brown, dean of GW's Elliott School of International Affairs. "The Elliott School has had great success in large part because of Harry Harding's superb leadership over the course of a decade. Harry will bring the same innovative vision and high standards to the development of the Batten School. Although we are very sorry to see Harry leave GW, we wish him every success in his new and exciting position at the University of Virginia."

As dean at GW's Elliott School of International Affairs, Harding helped the school expand its academic curriculum, create new and innovative research programs, launch partnerships with universities around the world, and move into its modern new facility at 1957 E St., NW.

Donald R. Lehman, executive vice president for academic affairs, added, "Harry's tenure as dean is remembered as an era that brought exciting changes to the school and positioned it to take on the international challenges of the 21st century. Harry Harding is an excellent teacher and a fine scholar, who also taught classes while serving as dean. He has been a valued member of the University community, not only as dean but as one of our University Professors, and we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors at the University of Virginia."

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 a complete calendar of events at the University's Elliott School of International Affairs, visit www.elliott.gwu.edu.

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

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