MA Academic Excellence Global Affairs

After 37 years as a healthcare professional in the U. S. Navy, studying global health was a natural fit for David and a valuable opportunity to further hone his expertise. David would like to give a special thanks to Professor Iccha Basnyat for all her support and encouragement throughout his journey. Following graduation, he plans to dedicate his time to reading and academic study, with the goal of becoming a published author.

David is particularly interested in researching the impact of stigma on the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on his time at George Mason University, his most memorable experience was a study abroad to Nepal. During this trip, he participated in a lesson regarding the human right to eat meat, which involved killing a chicken that was subsequently cooked for the class lunch.

John is pursuing is Master of Arts (MA) in Global Affairs with a specialization in Global Conflict and Security.
One of John's favorite classes so far has been Dynamics of Civil Wars (taught by Dr. Terrence Lyons).
After graduation, John will be assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal for one year of in-region training (IRT). 
John would like to thank Dr. Byunghwan Son (Global Affairs Progam), Dr. Arslan Malik (Schar School of Policy and Government), Prof. William Prillaman (Schar School of Policy and Government), and Dr. Terrence Lyons (Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution).

Major Kevin Otwoma is a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Trainee pursuing a Master of Arts in Global Affairs at George Mason University, specializing in Conflict Security with a concentration in Latin America. He recently completed the Basic Spanish Course at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, California. Major Otwoma was commissioned into the Army on 10 May 2014 after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a BA in Political Science. 

Kevin is a proud husband and father of two. His wife, Jasmin Otwoma, earned her BA from the University of Central Florida. She is bilingual and has taught Spanish to Kevin and their children, Zaalia (6) and Thomas (4). 

Kevin enjoyed all his classes at GMU, but he paid special attention to Dr. Hultin, Dr. Son, and Dr. Ashley, who tortured him to think more deeply and examine the literature more closely. It goes without saying that these professors sharpened his mind, and he is forever grateful. His most memorable experience was the GLOA receptions, which he recommends the school and faculty continue. 

Following his studies at GMU, Kevin will head to South America to become a long-term regional expert. He aspires to work in combatant commands or embassies abroad for the remainder of his Army career. 

Kevin would like to thank his immediate family, his family and mentors watching live, fellow FAOs, close family friends in attendance, and the GMU faculty and staff. Most importantly, Kevin would like to thank his mother and heroine, Adrienne Otwoma, and his wife, Jasmin, who ensured his success in school.