Faculty and Staff News

Department of English Professor Emeritus Don Gallehr, the first George Mason University professor to teach more than 50 years at the university, died on March 7 at his home in Warrenton, Virginia. He was 84.

We rely on a countless number of signs each day, whether we are driving, walking through a neighborhood, shopping at the grocery store, or going from building to building on campus. John Forgy, environmental graphic designer and sign program manager at George Mason University, creates the wayfinding systems that guide students, faculty, staff, and visitors across the university’s campuses and sites.

Cheryl Hairston, BS Athletic Training ’15, and Jaylen Simmons, BS Kinesiology ’21, MS Athletic Training ’23, now serve George Mason student-athletes as athletic trainers. Their journeys into the profession began with personal curiosity, mentorship, and formative experiences that ultimately shaped their careers.

George Mason University honored faculty and staff with significant service anniversaries at the University Day Service Awards ceremony on Monday on the Fairfax Campus. Honorees were recognized for years of state service ranging from 5-55 years.

As a professor in George Mason’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Paul So is a theoretical physicist who specializes in dynamical systems analysis and its application to neuroscience. Outside his role as a physics professor, So is an artist. An avid painter, he also supports developing artists as a co-founder of Hamiltonian Artists, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art incubator based in Washington, D.C.

Aurali Dade was recently named vice president for enterprise risk management and chief risk officer at George Mason University. Learn more about her and her role.

Drenkard is a nationally recognized leader who brings deep expertise in academic nursing, clinical practice, health care innovation, and strategic program development.

Paul Bazzano has worked for Mason Recreation for more than 30 years. He started as a student worker while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication at George Mason University and is now assistant director of competitive sports and athletic training. 

As the anchor for Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. The campus is powering new developments in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, and defense. A new, walkable Innovation Town Center is under construction near the front door of campus.
And George Mason employees now have the option to live in the center of it all.

George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.