Tracie Potts, the newly appointed Executive Director of The Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano announced today, August 11, that Tracie Potts was named the new Executive Director at the Eisenhower Institute. Potts’ first day at the College will be October 4.
Potts is a Washington Correspondent for NBC News Channel and has served as a daily contributor to ‘Early Today,’ CNBC, and more than 200 NBC affiliates. For nearly two decades immersed in our nation’s capital, she has reported on Congress, the Supreme Court, four presidential administrations, and a wide range of public policy issues.
In addition to her role as a national news correspondent, Potts has demonstrated a heartfelt passion for engaging and inspiring the next generation of aspiring leaders. She has served as an NBC University Instructor with the National Association of Black Journalists and a News Literacy Project Digital Classroom Instructor—presenting digital and virtual lessons to thousands of students worldwide to finetune their skills of discernment and to educate them on the nuances between news and opinion. Potts also serves on the Learning Heroes Advisory Board, the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement Parent Advisory Council, and as a Board Member of the Montgomery County Council of PTAs. She recently ended a two-year term on the National PTA Board of Directors and continues to serve on its governance team.
“This work combines things I care about deeply: educating the public about issues that affect their everyday lives; listening to all voices and perspectives; and creating opportunities for bright, passionate future leaders to think strategically and advance creative ideas,” Potts said. “President Eisenhower said it best: youth are our greatest resource. I am energized and inspired by this generation and can't wait to connect with them as part of the Gettysburg community.”
A fervent advocate of education, Potts earned her Bachelor and Master of Journalism from Northwestern University. During her time as a student, she received the Newton B. Minow Prize in Communication and the Harrington Award, the Medill School of Journalism’s highest broadcast honor.
“Mrs. Potts believes that the mission of educators is to help students consider opposing perspectives and develop creative solutions to the pressing issues of the day—all with the character and integrity that became a hallmark of President Eisenhower’s enduring legacy,” Iuliano said. “These fundamental goals, coupled with her distinguished career and significant accomplishments, give us full confidence in the profound impact she will have on the future of our students, the Institute, and Gettysburg College.”
As Executive Director, Potts will merge her experience, skillset, and passions not only to enhance the Institute’s national visibility, but also to coordinate programs that continue to prepare our students for leadership roles in their communities, in organizations, and in government. Potts will build upon the Institute’s already strong foundation by setting the strategic direction of the Institute and helping ensure that it effectively provides Gettysburg College students with the opportunity to engage directly on issues of public policy, through internships, access to renowned experts, symposia, and other programming; advancing nonpartisan discourse and critical analysis; serving as a convener of subject matter experts; and promoting knowledge creation through partnerships among scholars and practitioners, in addition to other opportunities.
“It is my privilege to join the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College. Its students and scholars have laid a foundation of excellence: elevating non-partisan solutions to the biggest challenges facing our nation,” Potts said. “I've spent three decades informing America about critical public policy issues. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, experience and vision to deepen this work, leveraging the proximity our nation’s capital to give students a platform to explore their passions and impact our world.”
Read the full email announcing Potts’ new role as Executive Director at the Institute.
Contact: Jamie Yates, Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, jyates@gettysburg.edu; 717-337-6801.
By Staff
Posted: 08/11/21
