SMPA Welcomes Liasson and Wilson as Distinguished Fellows

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Jill Sankey 202-994-6466; [email protected]
Taylor Tibbetts 202-994-1462; [email protected]

George Washington University Welcomes National Public Radio Journalist Mara Liasson and Former Pentagon Senior Spokesman Douglas Wilson as School of Media and Public Affairs Distinguished Fellows

Media and Communication Professionals to Share Expertise and Real-World Experiences During Election Season

WASHINGTON – Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), and Douglas Wilson, former assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, will join the George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) as its newest fellows for the 2012-2013 academic year. Both will provide key insights to students and faculty in the lead-up to the presidential election and beyond.

"The School of Media and Public Affairs is pleased to welcome these distinguished professionals to our academic community," said Frank Sesno, director of SMPA. "We are thrilled to have two such prominent and accomplished professionals join us during this election year. The distinct perspectives Mara and Doug will provide our students will be invaluable. It's what makes SMPA such an exciting place to be."

The SMPA Distinguished Fellows program begins its third year this fall, bringing exceptional professionals from the fields of media, political communication and public affairs to the students of SMPA. Past fellows include Joe Lockhart, Ed Henry, Sen. Bob Bennett, Bob Herbert, P.J. Crowley and Arun Chaudhary. It is funded by the generosity of parents of SMPA students.  

Mara Liasson joined NPR in 1985 and currently serves as its national political correspondent, contributing regularly to NPR's award-winning newsmagazines All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Each election year, Ms. Liasson provides analysis of the candidates and issues in both presidential and congressional races.  During her tenure, she has covered five presidential elections, from 1992 to 2008.  Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Liasson worked as NPR's White House correspondent during the Clinton administration and as congressional correspondent from 1989 to 1992. She also serves as a regular contributor for Fox News.

"I look forward to sharing my experiences with the School of Media and Public Affairs during this exciting election season," said Ms. Liasson. "I am certain the dialogue between faculty, fellows and students will provide all involved a greater understanding of our current political environment."

Douglas Wilson served as the Pentagon's assistant secretary of defense for public affairs from February 2010 until his retirement from government in March 2012.  As the Pentagon's senior spokesman and communications advisor, Mr. Wilson was responsible for the development and implementation of communication strategies on issues including Afghanistan, Iraq, the "Arab Spring," the DADT repeal, Wikileaks and counterterrorism.  He coordinated Pentagon communications following the death of Osama bin Laden. Mr. Wilson served in senior Pentagon communications positions twice previously under President Clinton and has three times been awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Pentagon's highest civilian honor. Prior to his appointment as assistant secretary, he was the executive vice president of the Howard Gilman Foundation, overseeing the foundation's domestic and international policy programs at White Oak. Mr. Wilson has also served as national political director of the Democratic Leadership Council; director of congressional and intergovernmental affairs for the U.S. Information Agency; foreign policy advisor to U.S. Sen. Gary Hart; and director of the 1996 Clinton-Gore re-election effort in his home state of Arizona, overseeing the strategy that resulted in the only Democratic presidential win in that state since 1948.

"I'm delighted and honored to be invited to work with the outstanding team at the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs for the upcoming academic year," said Mr. Wilson. "I'm looking forward to collaborating with both students and faculty as we examine and put into context a number of national security communications issues which will continue to resonate nationally in the weeks and months ahead."

The School of Media and Public Affairs is dedicated to the rigorous study of journalism and political communication with a focus on understanding the impact media have on how societies inform and govern, connect and communicate. As media undergo transformational change, SMPA's goal is to advance both theoretical insight and innovative practice. SMPA conducts ground-breaking research, offers inspiring teaching, encourages hands-on work in the field and in our production facilities and engages directly with thought-leaders in Washington, D.C. and around the world.

To learn more about GW's School of Media and Public Affairs, visit smpa.gwu.edu or follow us at @SMPAGWU.

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