College of Education and Human Development

From a nearly decade-long gap between high school and college, to his passion in a niche field of kinesiology, senior Ryan Hutchinson is proving that the road less traveled is sometimes the better one.

These learning design and technology courses pair graduate students with real startup clients to apply learning experience design (LXD) and UX research skills in hands-on consulting projects.

Recently, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University marked the 20th anniversary of the Mason LIFE program. To celebrate, a luncheon was held at the Center for the Arts that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and community partners in a powerful show of community and commitment. 

University Career Services (UCS) at George Mason University expanded its annual Education Recruitment Day into a full week of programming in February. Education Careers Week featured a weeklong celebration of career exploration, collaboration, and learning for students interested in teaching, human development, or careers working with children.

For George Mason University baseball player Evan Blanchard, success isn’t just measured in hits and RBIs. During his internship with Mason Athletics’ marketing department, the third baseman helped design a promotional campaign that brought hundreds of fans—and a surge in attendance—to a men’s basketball rivalry game.

In its first year, George Mason University’s Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy is already demonstrating strong indicators of demand, academic rigor, and early student achievement. Interest in the program has grown rapidly. For the 2026-27 admissions cycle, ACCESS received 387 applications from ninth graders, nearly double the 193 applications submitted the previous year.

Megan Sharkey is hoping her research on teacher well-being will give districts and divisions the insights needed to get teachers the support they need.

Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, joins President Gregory Washington to discuss the future of education in a rapidly changing world.

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.

Using biosensors and surveys, CEHD and CVPA worked together to find the cause behind increasing injuries in dancers.