Director’s Welcome
How do you advance peace, bridge historic cultural divides, develop new energy resources, and fight terrorism in today's troubled world? My recent visits to the Caucasus, Turkey, Brazil, and Afghanistan underscore one clear answer: with diplomacy and commerce. At every stop, leaders and regular citizens alike told me that progress is being made today not by military action, but through diplomatic and economic engagement.
I'm delighted that you have discovered the Patterson School and are exploring our website. For 50 years our multidisciplinary program has prepared students for rewarding careers in the international arena. Our school is highly selective and globally recognized, distinguished by its intimate size, affordability, and focus on both diplomacy and international commerce.
Each fall we bring on board just 35 full-time, residential master's degree students. Why so few? Because we believe this size cohort produces the optimal learning and networking environment, both inside and outside of the classroom. There are unique opportunities available with only 35 students — take everyone onto the trading floor of a major bank, to a briefing with corporate leaders at P&G's World Headquarters, or through the weapons simulators at Fort Knox — that are not open to a class of 500. Similarly, the educational experience that results from everyone being full-time, residential, and master's level is decidedly deeper and richer. In this familial, one-team environment our students forge exceptional bonds that really do last a lifetime.
In Kabul, a top ISAF* official told me that the path to success was "train and equip." I couldn't agree more. This is the Patterson School's core mission: to train the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and international commerce and to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to build a better world. If you believe our program matches your personal needs and desires, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you once more for your interest in the Patterson School. I wish you every success as you prepare for a career in international affairs, either as part of our family or elsewhere. Given the daunting challenges policymakers and executives face today, the world needs your help.
Carey Cavanaugh, Director
Ambassador (ret.)
*In contrast to the battlefield humor expressed by some American officers (showing their frustration over our allies' restrictive rules of engagement), ISAF does not stand for "I Saw America Fight," or the even worse "I Suck At Fighting." Indeed, those canards only illustrate the importance of greater diplomatic training for U.S. forces and the need to equip them with better cross-cultural skills. The banter does, however, reflect the need for an approach that mixes elements of security, diplomacy, and commerce in a strategy that is more palatable to our coalition partners and the Afghan people. That might help shift the perception of the current International Security Assistance Force to at least "I Supported Afghan Freedom." We may need to dispatch a few additional Patterson School alumni to the region to help chart a path to success.