A Message from the Dean

Dear Members of the Elliott School Community,

In 1898, Columbian University of the District of Columbia established the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy, our school’s institutional predecessor. U.S. President William McKinley and members of his Cabinet attended the opening ceremony on November 15 of that year, and the Washington Post characterized its founding as “the first school of its kind established in the country. The want of it is recognized by every one who has given the subject consideration.” 

Teaching and research on international affairs has continued here at the George Washington University throughout these past 125 years. Our approach has been multidisciplinary—then as now—engaged with policy, and committed to impact. Whatever the configuration of the school or college over the years, we can be rightly proud of this sustained focus for a century and a quarter, and the role that GW has played in shaping the field.   

We are excited to mark this quasquicentennial anniversary of international affairs at GW. As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, this rich history helps ground our future ambitions in that sense of longevity, purpose, and impact. For 125 years we have continuously adapted to new challenges in the international arena, pushing new boundaries of disciplines and preparing our students for an increasingly diverse set of careers. The majority of our students, undergraduate as well as graduate, now go on to careers in the private sector and nongovernmental organizations, even as the call of public service remains an important pathway for many. As the world becomes more complex, the emphasis we place on practice, fostering international dialogue, and shaping policy solutions, prepares our graduates for whatever they will encounter.

As we celebrate this coming year, we are grateful for the contributions of our alumni, faculty, staff, and students who have made our journey here possible. We invite you to join us in commemorating 125 years of excellence and to continue supporting our mission of creating global leaders for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of the Elliott School's storied legacy. May we look ahead to another 125 years of shaping the future of international affairs. 

Sincerely,

Alyssa Ayres 
Dean 
Elliott School of International Affairs 
The George Washington University 

• 1898 School of Jurisprudence and Diplomacy
   

• 1905 The Department of Politics and Diplomacy
   

• 1907 The College of Political Sciences
   

• 1913 International Law and Diplomacy in Columbian College
   

• 1928 School of Government
   

• 1960 The School of Government, Business and International Affairs
   

• 1966 The School of Public and International Affairs
   

• 1987 The School of International Affairs 
   

• 1988 The Elliott School of International Affairs