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Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell (R) marked one of his inaugural duties as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government with a simple yet significant act: sharing a meal.
The lunch, however, was more than just a casual buffet in a Mason Square conference room. It served as an introduction for the student cohort of the Schar School's newly established National Security and Public Policy (NSPP) program. Six of the cohort’s students had the opportunity to engage directly with a seasoned leader, gaining insights into the complexities of governance and national security.
The Schar School’s NSPP is making its debut this year, assembling a select group of students driven to join the policy-relevant workforce. These students are not only pursuing an advanced credential—completing their Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree in just one year—but are also cultivating a network of peers who share a passion for national security and public policy. They also will share a study-abroad week to European Union and NATO policy centers in Brussels over winter break.
“Our cohort students bring a new dynamic to the program,” said Schar School professor Justin Gest, director of the MPP program. “They're hustlers who have decided to devote more time to their studies to expedite their education and entry into the world of public policy. And perhaps most valuably, they value the community that our MPP program engenders among students.”
The lunch with the former governor yielded the anticipated perspectives, the students said afterward.
“I thought it was really valuable to listen to Governor McDonnell and have the chance to ask him questions in a small group setting,” said NSPP student Nick Abplanalp. “He had a lot to offer about topics such as the deficit and working in local or state government versus working in federal. I liked hearing him talk about his experiences as governor managing the economy.”
Army veteran and NSPP student Wesley Strong said it was “really insightful to hear from someone who has had experience in Virginia government, and just getting to hear his perspective on everything that is going on right now compared to when he was in office.”
McDonnell also offered “what he sees as priorities going forward,” Strong said, “and what we should be looking at as we continue our education and enter the policy space, whether it’s federal or state.”
The event underscored the Schar School’s dedication to fostering environments where future leaders can learn from those who have navigated the corridors of power, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to tackle the issues of tomorrow.
Dining in an informal setting with a former governor just a few weeks into his masters program “was surreal,” said Strong. “But Mike Pence was here a few weeks ago, so we got to hear from him as well. It’s been cool to be at George Mason and getting these speakers with so much experience to come talk with us.”
Former Vice President Pence, by the way, is also a Distinguished Visting Professor of Practice at the Schar School.