"More than two centuries ago, George Washington called for the establishment of a great university to forge citizen-leaders. Today, our university is the embodiment of that vision as we engage the world from this nation’s capital. We take seriously our responsibility to educate future leaders, not only for the nation but for the world."
President Steven Knapp
Board of trustees chair Nelson A. Carbonell
Overseen by the George Washington University Board of Trustees, our leadership team is committed to providing a unique and rigorous education to our students while creating a path of transformative growth to further solidify our position as one of the world’s premier research universities.
Led by chair Nelson A. Carbonell, Jr., a 1985 alumnus of the university, the board is responsible for our university's governance. The board plays a key role in:
Since becoming the sixteenth president of GW in August 2007, President Steven Knapp has helped to build the stature of GW as an intellectual contributor to national and global problems. He’s working to:
President Knapp is the first GW president to live on campus and he and his wife, Diane Robinson Knapp, often share their home at the F Street House with the university community for events and gatherings.
Ruffles, President Knapp’s dog, has been known to befriend students on their way to class. If Ruffles chooses to stop you for a quick ear scratch, be sure to ask President Knapp about the time Chuck Brown, a go-go legend from the 1970s, praised his percussion skills.
The Office of the Provost supports all academic endeavors for GW’s schools and colleges.
Forrest Maltzman, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, and his leadership team promote the efforts of our exceptional faculty and facilitate unparalleled educational and student life opportunities for our students.
The Office of the Provost leads implementation of the university’s strategic plan, Vision 2021, which is rooted in the pillars of globalization, policy and governance, cross-disciplinary collaboration and citizenship and leadership. The plan aims to provide a unique, rigorous education to every one of our students and build upon our stature as a research institution.
Our vice presidents provide senior leadership and strategic vision for all aspects of GW life. They leverage extensive practical experience in their fields and help to shape our next century of growth. They’re supported by faculty and staff members, including support personnel.
Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Vice President for Research
Vice President and Secretary of the University
Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Deputy Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Vice President for External Relations
The GW academic experience is firmly rooted in each of our schools and colleges. Each GW dean serves as the chief administrative officer for their school and works closely with the president and provost on all academic affairs, as well as department chairs within their schools. Deans ensure that each school can maintain their own distinct identity while working together to create a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.
School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Elliott School of International Affairs
School of Engineering & Applied Science
College of Professional Studies
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Libraries and Academic Innovation
School of Nursing
School of Business (interim)
GW Law
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Student leaders take shape in many forms from members of the Student Association to captains of varsity athletics and student organization presidents.GW students don't just participate in campus life; they stimulate it and consistently make their mark.
All student leaders, regardless of their role, work to start a conversation and make progress on an issue or topic. This could mean speaking out against sexual assault as part of a national movement through the It’s On Us campaign or holding meetings with administrators to make plans for the future.
The current Student Association president is sophomore Peak Sen Chua.
Peak Sen Chua, Student Association President
Class of 2019
Majors: Public Health and Political Science
"It's an honor being the first international student to serve as Student Association President, and I want to use this opportunity to ensure that we can improve the GW experience for both domestic and international students."
