Dr. Ivan Sascha Sheehan, professor in The University of Baltimore’s College of Public Affairs (CPA), has been named interim dean of the college. Prof. Sheehan, who has served as its associate dean since 2023, will take on the role in an interim capacity as CPA Dean Roger Hartley returns to the faculty after 10 years of service. Prof. Sheehan will start in the position beginning in January 2026.
A prolific policy-focused scholar, writer, and influential thought leader with a principal focus on terrorism, U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and national security issues, Dr. Sheehan joined The University of Baltimore in 2009 after serving on the faculty of the John W. McCormack School of Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. A frequent speaker on American foreign policy, Sheehan has addressed diverse audiences from academic forums in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America to policymakers in the U.S. Congress and the National Press Club. He continues to serve as a subject matter expert and consultant on a range of public policy matters.
"I am deeply honored to serve as Interim Dean of the College of Public Affairs and profoundly grateful to UBalt President Kurt L. Schmoke and Senior Vice President and Provost Ralph O. Mueller for their confidence and trust," Sheehan said. "The College of Public Affairs is home to an extraordinary community of award-winning faculty whose teaching, scholarship, civic engagement, and service have earned national recognition and whose impact is felt far beyond the classroom. I am equally inspired by our remarkable students, whose passion for public service and commitment to improving their communities embody the very best of this institution."
"I am much looking forward to working with Prof. Sheehan; he understands UBalt's mission and has the vision to move CPA into its bright future," says Provost Mueller.
Sheehan, who previously served as executive director of the School of Public and International Affairs from 2018-23, said CPA is actively engaged in preparing its graduates to take on key roles in both the development of effective public policy and the delivery of top-quality service across the public sector―for Baltimore, for Maryland, and beyond.
"I believe deeply in the transformative power of education and look forward to working alongside my colleagues to uphold our collective mission to prepare public servants ready to lead and serve the city, state, nation, and world," he said. "I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Dean Hartley for a decade of exceptional leadership and his enduring contributions to the College’s success and reputation."
Sheehan previously taught at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Bentley University, Tufts University, and George Mason University after earning his Ph.D. in 2006 from George Mason. He also holds an M.Sc. from George Mason and a B.A. from Swarthmore College. The author of more than 200 publications, Sheehan’s work has appeared in prominent outlets including The National Interest, Foreign Policy, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, National Review, The Hill, Roll Call, Fox News, Al Jazeera, and many other publications. He serves as an expert source for journalists both domestically and abroad.
Learn more about Prof. Ivan Sascha Sheehan and The University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs.