THE RECORD
What ’ s in a
( Re ) Name ?
For the School of Global Policy and Strategy — formerly the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies — it ’ s an updated focus , and a lot fewer syllables .
Dean Peter Cowhey : by ANTHONY KING
This July , the acronym formerly known as IR / PS became GPS — the School of Global Policy and Strategy . But the difference goes deeper than letters . Here the school ’ s dean , Peter Cowhey , explains .
The new name is representative of a much larger strategic vision for the school ; can you tell us about that ? Dean Peter Cowhey : The name change responds to the ever-evolving nature of this dynamic educational institution . The school was created in 1986 on the correct prediction that the intersection of Asia and the Americas would be fundamental to global dynamics of the coming decades . We were ahead of the curve in our focus and that made us unique . Now , everyone claims to be expert on the Pacific . Our goal is to emphasize that we have linked our expertise on the Pacific to forging global solutions .
The world of global universities has dramatically changed over the years , from how they are funded to organizational infrastructure . There is a sense that the next great challenge will be to break out of the silos of individual strengths and pillars of excellence and combine expertise into integrated , comprehensive problem solving for society ’ s grand challenges .
GPS focuses on the ability to find solutions to global challenges . The Pacific remains the core of our regional identity , but we are building on that to strengthen analytic training and analysis , and capitalize on the evolution that has occurred naturally with our faculty research interests . We remain steadfast to train students in strategic thinking and analytic skills so that they can apply practical solutions in any part of the globe .
Chancellor Khosla has called the school the place for policy-making on campus . What does that mean to you ? PC : UC San Diego ’ s campus plan calls for greater collaboration across the schools and disciplines , and specifically highlights the need to create bridges between the STEMM fields [ science , technology , engineering , math , and medicine ] and policy . GPS stands ready to accept this challenge . It is indicative not only of our campus initiatives , but also of the leadership role that we will play in connecting UC San Diego to the world .
Our faculty have natural ties to other units on campus , and as dean , I intend to provide as much support as I can to strengthen and deepen those collaborations . Examples of new cross-campus collaboration currently being pursued include a joint institute with the Jacobs School of Engineering on global production and innovation , and two initiatives with Scripps Institution of Oceanography — including one on climate and other environmental issues .
20 TRITON | FALL 2015