Fall 2023

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Letter from the dean’s office

Dear Friends, As we welcome autumn’s kaleidoscope and crisp air, I am delighted to introduce the Fall 2023 edition of our magazine, mirroring the dynamic life of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Within its pages, you’ll find riveting stories that signify our spirit and achievements. The Wilder School continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, steadfastly holding a place among the top 15% of public affairs programs in the U.S., as recognized by the U.S. News & World Report. This consistent achievement, now a signature of our school, has propelled us to top-tier rankings across five specialty areas. In parallel, we celebrate the ascendancy of our Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, Dr. RaJade Berry-James, to the presidency of NASPAA, the world’s leading accrediting body for public affairs programs. Her journey, indicative of the Wilder School’s leadership caliber, echoes our global influence. This edition’s cover story features our Capitol Semester interns — a tangible testament to our commitment to experiential learning. The Capitol Semester is our immersive policymaking internship program with the state legislature, allowing our students to work alongside the commonwealth’s representatives and engage directly with the legislative process. Delving further, you’ll find an engaging conversation with our namesake, Governor L. Douglas Wilder, who offers critical perspectives on the Commonwealth Poll — an unbiased, insightful reflection of the issues affecting Virginians, conducted by the Wilder School since 2000. With a generous gift, Wilder School alumna Sesha Joi Moon has established a scholarship to aid VCU students in perpetuity. This year was punctuated by high-profile events that enriched our campus life. We had insightful engagements with Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, British ambassador to the U.S., and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, both offering profound perspectives. We also recount our experience hosting the esteemed 2023 Deans Summit and the 16th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards. We honor our alumni, Najmah Thomas and Amy Atkinson; their transformative work in social change and community leadership is emblematic of our mission. I invite you to celebrate our 2023 achievements as you traverse this edition. The Wilder School stands as a beacon of public service education, fostering a more equitable, just society, whether you’re a potential student, an alum, or a public service professional. The Wilder School is not just an institution; it is a powerhouse of change, an engine for innovation, and a launchpad for public servants. We stand dedicated to molding future leaders, cultivating pioneering thought, and driving meaningful change. Thank you for your unwavering support and your indispensable role in our journey. Together, we carry our shared mission forward, dedicated to shaping a better future through public service.

 

Warm regards,

Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D.
Dean
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Virginia Commonwealth University