The merger connected students with experts who exposed this next
generation of leaders to careers in policymaking. They learn from
people like strategy expert Susan
Eisenhower, who started the Institute 40+ years ago as a
tribute to her grandfather, President Eisenhower. Every time I walk
into my office, I'm reminded that Ike lived here. We are surrounded
by history and purpose."
GETTYSBURG, Pa., Jan. 2, 2025
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Former Journalist Leads New Generation of
Change-Makers At Gettysburg College's
Eisenhower Institute
By Patricia Green Rodgers, MSW,
MSPR
"As a Black woman who grew up in the South,
I was honored to expose my students to a culture that many of them
had never seen and often misunderstood."
Tracie Potts is a public policy
educator and former journalist who covered local, national, and
international news. Now in her fourth year as Executive Director of
the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg
College, Potts uses her journalism acumen, including 30
years covering The Hill, the White House, the Supreme Court, and
national policy issues, to create opportunities for students.
1. You brought domestic and global media experience to your
position. How has this helped?
"Reporting skills are helpful in policy research. I led a
project that required finding people to interview about economic
growth in Pittsburgh communities
I'd never visited. That's what I did as a reporter! Like
journalism, I teach students to approach research and write clearly
and objectively."
The Eisenhower Institute, founded in 1983 as a Washington-based think tank on international
affairs, merged with Gettysburg College
in 2009. How has this benefited students?
"The merger connected students with experts who exposed this next
generation of leaders to careers in policymaking. They learn from
people like strategy expert Susan
Eisenhower, who started the Institute 40+ years ago as a
tribute to her grandfather, President Eisenhower. Every time I walk
into my office, I'm reminded that Ike lived here. We are surrounded
by history and purpose."
3. Is the Socratic Method used when examining ethical
decisions that impact public policy choices?
"Yes. Our program leaders lead interactive discussions to foster
critical thinking. We don't want to be just a 'think' tank. We want
to be a 'think and DO' tank for students. For example, our Fielding
Fellows conduct research for the U.S. State Department."
4. You and a colleague co-facilitated the EI's Civil Rights
study trip to the South twice. How did the experience impact
students?
"As a Black woman who grew up in the South, I was honored to expose
my students to a culture that many of them had never seen and often
misunderstood. We visit historic sites and talk to people who lived
through injustices and those working on education, voting rights,
jobs, and social issues. It inspires students to create
lasting change."
5. As a Black woman leading a preeminent Institute at a
prestigious college, what can you share about the college and its
commitment to inclusivity?
"My goal at EI, similar to my goal as a journalist, is not to tell
students what to think but how to think. It's why we
present diverse perspectives. Last year, we hosted Maryland Gov. Wes
Moore and former conservative British Prime Minister
Liz Truss. As for me, I'm at the
stage of life where I crave authenticity. I've also learned that
sharing my lived experience is valuable to my students:
achievements, failures, and what I'm still learning.
Hopefully, the young people I seek to inspire will find their voice
and pursue opportunities with confidence and humility."
Media Contact
Traci Potts, Gettysburg College, 717-337-6685,
tpotts@gettysburg.edu, gettysburg.edu
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SOURCE Gettysburg College
