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We are excited to welcome Mr. Colby Jenkins as this year’s Distinguished Speaker addressing the Class of 2025 at our College’s Celebration on May 17. Mr. Colby Jenkins is an Army Special Forces combat veteran and is currently performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Colby was previously appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare and Counterterrorism in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Born and raised in Roosevelt, Utah, Colby knew from a young age that service to his nation and community was important. As the son of patriotic, service-oriented parents, Colby saw firsthand how his family’s dedication to their community, including his father’s service on the city council and later as Mayor, could allow one person to improve the lives of those around them. While considering his own future path, Colby took further inspiration from his grandfather, a member of the “greatest generation,” and his service during World War Two. Seeing military service, and specifically going to the United States Military Academy at West Point, as an ideal path, Colby sought a congressional nomination and gained an appointment to West Point, thus launching him on a career of service to the nation.

More Information about Mr. Jenkins

Upon graduating from West Point, Colby became an airborne Ranger-qualified infantry officer before trying out for and being selected to become a Special Forces officer. As a Green Beret Detachment Commander, Colby led his Special Forces A-team on multiple global deployments, including combat in Afghanistan and later various training, counter drug, and hostage rescue operations throughout South America, including the jungles of Colombia.

Colby’s experience in combat and leading his team opened new opportunities to serve beyond the fields of battle. The four-star commanding general of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) hand-selected Colby to initiate a new congressional fellowship program that included graduate school in Washington, D.C., and working in a U.S. Senator’s office. Colby would be the first special operations officer to do so for USSOCOM, creating a path for many others to follow. After Colby’s work in the U.S. Senate and completing a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, Colby continued his work on Capitol Hill as a Green Beret liaison to Congress. This experience took him from the halls of Congress around the world with members of Congress and staff. Colby later worked in the Pentagon as a counterterrorism policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense, coordinating critical efforts between the White House, Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and other interagency partners to advance American interests.

After completing his active-duty military service Colby transitioned to the Army National Guard and now the Army Reserves where he continued his military service for more than two decades. During his civilian career, Colby remained active in the legislative arena working for several years in the Pentagon as the senior civilian legislative strategic advisor to the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s #2 military leader. Simultaneously, Colby taught as an adjunct professor in George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. Following his years of service and work in Washington, D.C., Colby jumped to the corporate tech world working for Google at Google headquarters and later other innovation and entrepreneurial entities in both Silicon Valley and ultimately southern Utah.

Colby is married to Heather, his wife of more than 25 years, and they have two college-age daughters.

Claudia McCarthy was born and raised in a small town in Central New York located in the Finger Lakes region. From the very beginning, her family instilled a sense of patriotism that shaped her life decisions based on the notion of serving others. This desire to serve led her to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech while participating in the Corps of Cadets program. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies.

While working full-time as a contractor specializing in consulting and analytics for Defense Acquisition programs, Claudia continues to embrace her love for adventure and travel. When not traveling to a new place, or training for the next big adventure, she can be found enjoying the arts in the DC area, as well as hosting her friends where she can try out new recipes she is learning to cook. With a strong desire to acquire knowledge, she has a deep love for books and reading and is always looking for the next challenge.

More information about Claudia

The Dr. Richard F. Southby Prize is awarded to the graduating student designated as the Distinguished Scholar in the Bachelor of Professional Studies, Homeland Security program.  The 2025 Dr. Richard F. Southby Prize is awarded to Mr. Zachary Chnupa-Cox. 

About the Award

Dr. Richard F. Southby was a faculty member at the George Washington University from 1979 to 2006, having served as department chair, associate dean, interim dean of the former School of Public Health and Health Services, distinguished professor of global health, and executive dean in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs. He was granted emeritus status by the Board of Trustees in 2006. Dr. Southby was the founding director of the Police Science Program in the College of Professional Studies. The Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize is presented to an exceptional graduating student from the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security/Police and Security Studies program. The prize was established by Dr. Southby’s wife, Dr. Janet R. Southby, Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.

About the Awardee

At the age of 17, Zachary enlisted in the United States Army, serving four years with distinction. He began his military career as a Paratrooper in the 1st Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where he participated in airborne operations and large-scale training exercises supporting both conventional and special operations forces. After successfully completing the rigorous Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, he was selected to join the elite 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment—a special operations unit known for conducting high-risk global missions.

While serving as an Army Ranger, Zachary deployed to Afghanistan, gaining invaluable experience operating in complex, high-pressure environments. These formative experiences solidified his passion for national security and protecting the homeland.

During his academic tenure at George Washington University, Zachary served as a Pathways Student Trainee with the United States Secret Service. In this role, he contributed to protective operations and intelligence efforts, deepening his understanding of federal law enforcement and national security operations.

Following graduation, Zachary will begin his career as a Special Agent in federal law enforcement. He will focus on complex criminal investigations, including firearms trafficking, narcotics enforcement, and efforts to combat violent crime both domestically and abroad.

Sarah Alison Freeman, the 2025 recipient, is graduating with a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs. She currently serves as Press Associate for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a grassroots-funded organization championing economic populist issues. 

About the Award

The Founding Dean Arterton Award is given to the graduating student who epitomizes professional distinction and ethical conduct in political management. F. Christopher Arterton, who served as dean of the Graduate School of Political Management from its founding in 1987 to 2010, established this award to celebrate the core ideals valued by a school of professional politics. Before joining the GSPM, Professor Arterton taught political science at Yale, MIT, and Wellesley, achieving national recognition as a scholar of American politics and as a professional pollster. As the founding dean of the GSPM, Arterton advanced his vision that, beyond teaching abstract theory, institutions of higher education have an affirmative obligation to prepare their students for practical participation in democratic governance and electoral politics. In the process, Dean Arterton created the new academic discipline of political management. Having led the merger of the school into the George Washington University, Arterton subsequently expanded the school’s curriculum of political management to include programs in legislative affairs, strategic public relations, and the politics of governance. During the 23 years of Dean Arterton’s leadership, the GSPM emerged as the foremost academic institution of applied democratic politics in the world. 

About the Awardee

Sarah Alison Freeman, the 2025 recipient, is graduating with a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs. She currently serves as Press Associate for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a grassroots-funded organization championing economic populist issues. Prior to joining Progressive Change, Sarah interned for three offices on Capitol Hill: Representatives Raul Ruiz (CA-25) and Kim Schrier (WA-08), and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. She also interned for The First Ask and the National Women's Political Caucus. Sarah also earned her B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University, with minors in French & Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. During her time at GW, Sarah served as the President of GW College Democrats and was involved in GW Bands, Karate Club, Chi Omega Fraternity, and Leading Women of Tomorrow. She is incredibly proud to be a two-time GW graduate.

The 2025 recipient  Adolphina Vander Velde is a graduating student in the Political Management M.P.S. program. She is a passionate advocate for democracy, social justice, and making government systems work better for all. A Colorado native and first-generation college graduate, she’s driven by a deep commitment to fairness and accessibility. 

About the Award

During his time leading the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) from 2013 to 2016, the Honorable Mark Kennedy encouraged students to devote themselves to expanding the reach of freedom around the globe with the goal of making democracy work more effectively. The Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Award recognizes the GSPM graduating student who best exhibits actions or preparations to promote or protect the expansion of political and economic freedom beyond the borders of the United States.

About the Awardee

Addi Vander Velde is a passionate advocate for democracy, social justice, and making government systems work better for all. A Colorado native and first-generation college graduate, she’s driven by a deep commitment to fairness and accessibility. Whether marching for gun safety as a middle schooler, standing outside the Supreme Court during the Roe v. Wade decision, or volunteering at ballot boxes, Addi believes real change starts from the ground up. Her work is rooted in a belief that democracy is not self-sustaining—it requires constant engagement, empathy, and a willingness to push for progress, even in the toughest moments.

About the Award

The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.

About the Awardee

The 2025 Undergraduate Distinguished Scholar recipient, Logan J. Bennett, is a graduating student in the Cybersecurity, B.P.S. program.

About the Award

The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.

About the Awardee

Alaysia McKenzie is a U.S. Army veteran and public relations professional with a background in federal communications, media strategy, and digital engagement. A proud native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, her military service took her across Europe with a home base in Germany, where she served as a Network Operations Specialist. She also stepped into multiple leadership roles, including Battalion Public Affairs Representative, Training and Operations NCOIC, and leader of the unit Soldier and Family Readiness Group.

While pursuing her graduate studies at George Washington University, Alaysia supported communications efforts for organizations like the National Institutes of Health and The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and helped shape national media conversations through her work with the Project for Media and National Security. Alaysia leads with heart, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her foundation in both service and storytelling continues to guide her approach to public relations and people-centered communication.

The 2025 recipient, Gregory Britton, is a part-time faculty member in the Publishing program.

About the Award

This honor is awarded to the part-time faculty member in the College of Professional Studies who has provided extraordinary service to the students and the college. The award recognizes both enlightened teaching and meritorious efforts to advance the college and its programs.

About the Awardee

Greg Britton is editorial director of Johns Hopkins University Press, where he oversees the publishing of 170 new books annually. He also acquires the Press’s list in Higher Education studies. Greg serves on the press’s management team that directs the substantial book and journal programs, distribution service, and Project Muse. Prior to his appointment at Hopkins, Britton directed Getty Publications at the J. Paul Getty Trust. He is active in both the Association of American Publishers and the Association of University Presses, which gave him their 2016 Constituency Award. In 2018, the Council of Independent Colleges presented him with their Academic Leadership Award. He wrote “Thinking Like a Scholarly Editor: The How and Why of Academic Publishing” a chapter in Peter Ginna’s What Editors Do: The Art, Craft, and Business of Book Editing (University of Chicago Press, 2017.) Greg writes occasionally for the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Education.