Susan K. Sell, Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs
Emeriti passed away on December 24, 2023. Susan was a faculty member in the political science department from 1991 to 2016. She served as Director of the Institute for Global and International Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs from 2007-2012. Upon retiring from the department as an emerita professor, she took a position at the Australian National University.
During her time at GW, Susan was a vital figure in the department and the Elliott School. She was passionate about her research in international relations, which was innovative and influential, bolstering GW’s reputation in this field. She was also a devoted mentor to students and scholars. Her wit, which could be razor-sharp, was buffered by her deep humanity and care for others.
Mike Brown, Dean of the Elliott School during part of Susan’s tenure, offered these reflections.
“Susan stood out as a great scholar, teacher, and institution-builder. At the Elliott School, she served for many years as Director of the Institute for Global and International Studies (IGIS), organizing programs and events that brought people together from across campus and around the world. Bringing people together was one of Susan’s hallmarks. She also taught the school’s core course for undergraduates, Introduction to International Affairs, for many years, launching 500 students per year into their academic and professional careers. Helping people was another of Susan’s hallmarks. Above all, Susan was a great colleague and a great person. Susan was exceptionally generous, supportive, cheerful, and kind in every interaction I had with her — How often does one get to say that? — and I’m sure that was the case with all of the countless people she touched in her life.
The Elliott School community sends its condolences to Susan’s family. She was a vibrant member of the faculty and will be missed by all who knew her.