Faculty and Staff News

Jason M. Kinser and Gesele Durham have been promoted to new roles at Mason Korea and the Provost’s Office, respectively.

Charmaine Madison, George Mason University vice president for information technology and chief information officer, has been honored by Cloudforce with a Change Champion Award. Cloudforce’s Frontier Awards recognize individuals who are driving impact with artificial intelligence (AI), embedding AI into operations, transforming how work gets done, and delivering outcomes at scale.

The Office of Academic Advising has announced the recipients of the 2026 Academic Advising Awards, recognizing undergraduate advisors who have made a meaningful impact on student success across George Mason University.This year, the awards drew 376 nominations representing 97 individuals from across the university.

Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, is June Employee of the Month.

George Mason University welcomed 262 “Junior Patriots” and their families for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day at the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square on April 23. The day kicked off with music and dancing by the Green Machine, a visit from the Patriot mascot, and the Junior Patriot Palooza on Merten Lawn, hosted by Human Resources.

Heavy traffic is expected on and around George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for regional community college and high school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena from May 18 through June 17, 2026.

George Mason University Spring Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. in EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus. Separate Degree Celebrations will honor school and college graduates from Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, at the Fairfax Campus.

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in George Mason University’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. For this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

Janis Terpenny and Chun-Hung Chen were named Fellow in their respective professional societies.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce Carolyn Hays as its next executive director, effective May 10, 2026.