Jepson School names 2011 Jablin Dissertation Award winner

November 9, 2011

Mark A. Menaldo, an associate professor in Texas A&M International University’s department of social sciences, is the recipient of the 2011 Fredric M. Jablin Doctoral Dissertation Award.

His work is on “Putting Statesmanship Back into Statecraft: The Role of Transformative Ambition in International Relations.” The research explores “how changes in foreign policies are in large part a result of the political ambition of national leaders” and critically examines “how prevailing theories in international relations conceive of leadership.”

The Jablin Dissertation Award was established to honor the life of Jepson professor Fredric M. Jablin and is given annually to recognize outstanding new scholarship in the field. It includes a monetary prize and travel expenses to the International Leadership Association’s (ILA) annual conference.

Dean Sandra J. Peart presented the award to Menaldo at ILA’s Oct. 26-29 conference in London, England. Presentations at the conference by Jepson faculty members included:

  • “Mapping Interfaith and Civic Leadership in Richmond, Virginia” – Douglas A. Hicks
  • “Taking Responsibility for Climate Change: The Role of Religious Congregations and Religious Leaders” – Thad Williamson
  • “Inspirational or Self-Deflating: The Role of Status and Self-Efficacy in Leadership Role Model Effectiveness” – Crystal L. Hoyt