Meet the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Amanda Haymond Still

Katarina Benson — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:31:35 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Amanda Haymond Still Katarina Benson Mon, 11/10/2025 - 09:31

Amanda Haymond Still

Job: Director of Undergraduate Student Research Initiatives and Internships, College of Science

Amanda Haymond Still, BS Chemistry ’13, PhD Biochemistry ’17. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Amanda Haymond Still, BS Chemistry ’13, PhD Biochemistry ’17, came to �� in 2009 as a University Scholar in the Honors College and never left. There are many reasons why she stayed, but she now has a new one: She’s leading the College of Science’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP). “As a postdoc and faculty member, I really enjoyed the mentoring process, so when a position opened up to do that full time, I decided to put my name in the hat.”

Founded in 2007, ASSIP provides opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to work one-on-one with faculty researchers across many disciplines. In summer 2025, nearly 400 students participated in person and remotely in the eight-week program. They came from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and about 17 states, including California, Texas, New York, and Washington State.

Embracing Online Access: Still said ASSIP’s pivoting to online during the pandemic had a plus side—they realized that, for certain types of research projects, remote works great. Now that people can participate from anywhere, applications have exploded—this year they received more than 3,300—and they have had interns from as far away as Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Mason Korea. “It's administratively challenging but also very exciting.”

Opportunity for Further Expansion: The number of participants each year is driven by researchers’ needs and capacity. When students apply to ASSIP, they read through a list of researchers and projects and rank who they would like to work with. Then those researchers go through the applications and make decisions. “Even with remote participants, there are only so many hours in a day,” she said. “The best way to grow the program is to involve more George Mason faculty.” Currently 23 academic departments at George Mason participate.

All in a Day’s Work: During those eight weeks, Still said she is tied her email, solving problems as they arise. There are also safety trainings and paperwork as many interns are working in labs. As director, Still conducts a weekly seminar for the interns where they learn how to be a scientist. Most of the topics she covers are basic research information like how to write an abstract or prepare a scientific poster, which interns do before the summer is over. Each session ends with a poster presentation where they present their findings. “They get very excited,” Still said. “And it's fun to see how much students can get done in eight weeks.”

Try and Try Again: Still also talks to the aspiring scientists about failure, “which they always love to hear,” she jokes. But the reality is, in research, you never know how things are going to go. She said week 5 is a critical point in the program. That’s when the students realize things aren’t working the way that they thought they would, and their resilience kicks in. “If you're working on something at the cutting edge of science, it might not go well, and that's okay,” Still said. “This is part of learning how real discovery and inquiry works.”

Not a Summer Camp: Still emphasizes that “internship” is an important part of the ASSIP title. “These aren't demonstration projects. This is real independent research,” she said. And hard work does pay off. Many participants have had their names included when the work is published in scientific journals and presented at research conferences. Some have even been named on patents.

Joining the Mason Nation: For the past two years, Still has run a pilot program in which students can get college credit for their ASSIP participation. About 10% participate. “Part of the reason we do this program is we hope that some of the students stay with us and come to Mason,” she said. “They're on campus, they’re getting credit, they are George Mason students for a little while.”

Inquiring Minds: Still’s research career started like many of the students she’s mentoring. There was an option in the chemistry major to do undergraduate research for course credit, which Still wanted to do but didn’t know anyone. So she consulted the department directory. “I was literally cold emailing all of the professors with research groups,” she said. When she got to the C’s, she connected to her mentor and dissertation director Robin Couch of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Aiming for ‘Targets’: Still spent her George Mason career pursuing scientific questions in enzymology. “I was looking at enzymes found in bacteria that are not found in us, with the goal of using those as new antibiotic drug targets,” she said. “The field of antimicrobial drug discovery is really exciting. It's very much like you versus ‘the invaders.’” When Still was defending her dissertation, one of the people in the audience was Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine codirector Lance Liotta. “He offered me a postdoc on the spot.”

An Inventor in Her Own Right: Through her work at George Mason, Still has garnered a few patents over the years. Her most recent application is for DNA protein hybrid molecules that Still built with Rémi Veneziano in the College of Engineering and Computing. “We built these really cool hybrid molecules for cancer drugs.”

Best Part of the Job: Still said one of the things she loves about running ASSIP is getting to see “kids get the bug for scientific research.” She also has never doubted her decision to remain at George Mason. “It doesn't grow old, no matter how many years you're here,” she said. “There's always something new happening.”

Learn more about ASSIP

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Spence

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:05:20 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Spence Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/15/2025 - 10:05

Rachel Spence

Job: Academic Manager, International Enrollment Partnerships, Global Education Office, and Chair of the Staff Senate

As the academic manager in ��’s Global Education Office, Rachel Spence helps international students from partner universities worldwide with the transfer of classes, registration, and advising.

In addition to helping students navigate their experiences in the United States and complete their George Mason degrees, Spence is also the chair of the Staff Senate, which represents the interests of all classified and non-student wage employees to the administration and Board of Visitors.

Rachel Spence, Global Education Office, and chair of the Staff Senate. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Learning at home and abroad: A career in education felt inevitable for Spence. “My dad taught elementary special education, and my mom taught freshman composition classes at colleges and universities,” said Spence. “Education is in my blood—but I always knew I didn’t want to teach.”

As an undergrad, Spence studied abroad for a semester in Denmark. “It was my first time leaving the United States and was truly transformative,” said Spence. “Especially for developing my sense of independence and my quest to understand different cultures.”

Passport to possibilities: That experience led her to pursue a master’s degree in international and intercultural communication. After graduating, she landed her dream job as a study-abroad advisor at Old Dominion University. “I loved helping students plan their own international experiences and working with them to make it happen,” said Spence.

Global pathways: Since arriving at George Mason in 2017, she has shifted from helping domestic students plan their time abroad to also helping international students during their time in the United States. She assists students in the China 1+2+1 program, in which undergraduate students earn degrees from both their Chinese and American universities.

“I help students adapt to academic life in the U.S. and build pathways for students from other countries to earn a George Mason degree,” said Spence.

Even though she does not travel as much and she would like, she said her job lets her have an international experience every day.

Serving all staff: In addition to her job in the Global Education Office, Spence serves as the chair of the Staff Senate, representing the interests of staff across the university.

A time of uncertainty inspired Spence to join the senate. Spence is a military spouse—her husband is in the Navy. When he received a new assignment across the country, Spence received approval from the university to work remotely from California.

“However, just six months after we moved 2,600 miles away from campus, there was a state-level change in policy for remote work,” Spence said. “I thought that my approval might be revoked, and I’d be forced to leave my job.”

Navigating changes: When remote and hybrid work policy for state employees changed in 2022, Spence saw the Staff Senate as an important resource for employees navigating the quickly changing requirements.

“I appreciated how the Staff Senate was advocating and positioning itself as the voice of all classified staff on this issue,” said Spence. “I was so thankful for the special sessions they held that spring, I decided to give back and serve as a senator.”

Spence’s remote work agreement was ultimately approved, and she continued working in California for the duration of her husband’s military assignment. She has since returned to the Northern Virginia area and works on the Fairfax Campus.

Leading the way: Spence was nominated and accepted the role of Staff Senate Chair in spring 2025, after the previous chair left their role at George Mason. She agreed to cover the remainder of the term, and this summer, she was elected to serve as chair for another two years.

“I’m thankful to my colleagues on the senate for the vote of confidence and their encouragement to keep leading the group,” said Spence.

A seat at the table: Spence also serves as the Staff Liaison to the university’s Board of Visitors (BOV). The Staff Senate advocated for the addition of a staff representative as a nonvoting member in 2020. At the time, nonvoting faculty and student representatives were already part of the board’s membership. The Board of Visitors unanimously approved the change.

“I don’t take for granted that I am often the only staff voice in the room, or that staff only recently earned that seat at the table,” said Spence. “I hope that I can make sure that staff voices are not only heard but are valued and recognized as important members of the team.”

Connecting the dots: To Spence, one of the biggest challenges at a university as large as George Mason is keeping staff informed of the many changes and updates affecting their work.

“I’m hoping to build a larger network and connect the Staff Senate with other groups on campus,” said Spence. “We already collaborate with Faculty Senate and Student Government, but I’ve also started reaching out to staff councils in the colleges. I think we’ll be even stronger together and can really expand our advocacy and communication efforts.”

Campus outreach: The senate is also bringing its meetings to the regional campuses. The November Staff Senate meeting will take place at the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus, and the senate is hoping to host a meeting at Mason Square in spring 2026. “This will give our constituents on those campuses an opportunity to attend in person and connect with the senate on a more personal level,” said Spence.

Statewide explorer: Outside work and her senate activities, Spence enjoys spending time outdoors. “I completed the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest by visiting all the Virginia State Parks,” she said. That is no small quest—40 different parks participate in the program.

No place like home: Spence’s husband is an engineer, and many of their weekends are spent working on house projects. “For the first time ever, we are starting to realize our current house might be ours for more than a couple of years,” said Spence. “We are working on improving it and making it our own.”

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Meet the Mason Nation: TJ Pegg

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:08:43 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: TJ Pegg Lauren Reuscher Tue, 07/08/2025 - 11:08

TJ Pegg

Job: Associate Director for Student Success Coaching

TJ Pegg, Student Success Coaching. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Starting college can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Life at a university presents new opportunities, challenges, and ways for students to find personal pathways to success. At ��, the Student Success Coaching team helps students navigate the transition to college and make the most of their student experience.

TJ Pegg has been part of the Student Success Coaching team for five years. In May 2025, he became the associate director for the unit, working directly with the coaches who serve the general student population. In his prior role at George Mason, Pegg provided oversight for marketing, communications, and staff training for the department.

Coaching the coaches: An interest in supporting the holistic student experience drew Pegg to student success coaching. Pegg leads and supports the group of success coaches who meet directly with students throughout their university experience. His responsibilities draw upon his previous work at other institutions, which focused on housing and residence life, as well as advising student organizations.

“The work of success coaching translated nicely for me,” said Pegg. “We help students create a sense of belonging and to see how various campus resources can support their success in navigating college and life.”

Goal-oriented: All incoming freshmen and transfer students are assigned a success coach, and all students are eligible to make an appointment with a coach at any point in their academic journeys. Students often reach out for coaching appointments if they are struggling with time management or trying to fostering their sense of belonging on campus, according to Pegg.

Some students naturally seek out success coaching, while others are referred to the office by other campus resources. Since fall 2020, Student Success Coaching has hosted more than 20,000 appointments.

“Student Success Coaching is here to help students make the most of their George Mason experience inside and outside of the classroom,” said Pegg. “We actively work with students to understand their own definitions of success, create goals, implement action plans, and connect with university resources to best support them.”

TJ Pegg leads and supports the group of success coaches who meet directly with students throughout their university experience. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Setting personal priorities: Appointments with success coaches can cover a range of discussion topics from academic to personal matters—anything a student brings forward that affects their needs and well-being as a student.

“One student I coached for about a year was highly engaged on campus and worked on campus, but was struggling with time management and their own well-being,” Pegg said. After Pegg helped the student reflect on their goals, the student said that the coaching experience truly helped them navigate campus life.

“This student shared that some of the questions I asked helped them evaluate how to prioritize which things they needed to continue, as well as activities or experiences that they have grown out of and are no longer serving the right purpose,” Pegg said.

Group effort: Students may meet with a Success Coach in addition to the academic advisor in their degree program. Student success depends on an entire network of faculty and staff across the university, and success coaches themselves can gain insights and skills by working with other specialists across campuses.

First impressions: To connect with students and campus partners, Student Success Coaching hosts a “Kickoff to Success Resources Fair” during Welcome2Mason at the start of the fall semester. More than 20 university offices host tables during the event. Students can have an initial conversation with their coaches and speak with representatives from other units on campus. Campus partners can also take the opportunity to collaborate with success coaches on the best ways to support students.

“Students were energized and engaged with campus resources, and our team was activated and connecting with students,” said Pegg. “The event lets students know that they are not alone and have a lot of support behind them.”

Off the bench: Coaching is not just a resource when times are hard—but something Pegg encourages students to access throughout their academic journey.

“One of the biggest challenges is finding the best ways to connect with all students to help them understand the benefits of success coaching,” said Pegg. “We want students and staff to know that we’re here even when things are going well—not just when students need help.”

Can-do spirit: Outside work, Pegg enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and trying iced coffee at new coffee shops. A team player on and off campus, he also plays kickball and dodgeball in recreational sports leagues in Washington, D.C.

“This summer, I am pushing myself outside my comfort zone and playing volleyball,” Pegg said. Great coaches know that trying something new can open up a whole new set of possibilities.

Learn more about Student Success Coaching

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Meet the Mason Nation: CJ Minteer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:52:27 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: CJ Minteer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:52

CJ Minteer

Job: Director of Procurement, George Mason Athletics

In a perfect world, student-athletes have everything they need to reach their potential on the court or field, in the pool, or on the mat. �� staff like CJ Minteer support their success and training. As the director of procurement for George Mason Athletics, Minteer carefully manages and supports the equipment needs of student-athletes across the university.

CJ Minteer supports George Mason student-athletes by ensuring they are equipped for success. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Making every dollar count: Minteer arrived at George Mason in 2021, taking the role of equipment manager. He has been in his current role, director of procurement, since 2022. Minteer administers the purchase of approximately $1 million of athletic gear each year for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

“This includes everything from T-shirts, to hoodies, footwear, accessories, backpacks, and more,” said Minteer, who manages the university’s contract with Adidas. That contract covers most of the uniforms and apparel provided for George Mason’s teams.

Minteer also manages contracts with companies that provide equipment to the teams— baseball bats and helmets, basketballs, golf clubs, and track and field equipment.

Backing the team: Supporting student-athletes and their success makes the job meaningful.

“Helping our student-athletes with any issues they have with the apparel, and making sure that everything is up to snuff on game day, are important parts of the job,” said Minteer. “We want the athletes to look and feel their best.”

Field of dream (jobs): Minteer grew up around college sports, and landing a job in the equipment realm feels like a home run to him. “I've grown up with sports my whole life, “said Minteer. “My dad has been a football coach for over 20 years, and I knew that I ultimately wanted to work in sports.”

Be true to your school: Minteer was introduced to equipment management in college, when he worked as a student employee for James Madison University’s football team. He was eager to get involved any way he could. “I wanted to be on board with anything I could do to help out, even if it was volunteering,” Minteer said.

He studied sport and recreation management at James Madison and continued working as a part-time equipment manager after graduating, until he came to George Mason for a full-time role.

Dressed to impress: When it comes to uniform design, Minteer balances multiple factors and priorities. Design ideas come from the coaches, as well as Minteer. The designs must follow the university’s overall brand and trademark guidelines to create a cohesive look across teams.

The finished products also must hold up to the heavy demands of sports. “These uniforms are very high quality, and they're meant to last a long time,” Minteer said.

Built for the big moments: Minteer enjoys working behind the scenes to create products that the student-athletes will use during their biggest moments. “There's nothing quite like this job,” Minteer said. “It is very behind-the-scenes. You see your work done on game day and at practice. Seeing all the gear and all the uniforms that the athletes wear, it's all done by us.”

Turning on a dime: Minteer says one of the biggest challenges in the equipment realm is athlete turnover. In the NCAA, student-athletes frequently transfer schools, and the trend continues to grow. This can be tricky when jersey and equipment orders are placed far in advance.

“We can do inventory as frequently as possible, but you never know who is going to leave or stay,” said Minteer. In a time crunch, they have workarounds. “We have extra jerseys. We can do tackle twill or screen printing on uniforms, so we have something a little bit quicker than having Adidas customize it,” he said.

Biggest fan: Outside work hours, Minteer follows and supports George Mason teams. “I'll be in the dugout at the baseball and softball games,” Minteer said.

One of his most memorable moments was watching the softball team win the conference championship in 2023 in New York. “I drove five hours to go see them that day,” Minteer said. The championship went to a second game, for 18 total innings. It was a long day, and Minteer drove back home that same night.

He said it was worth it. “It was so uplifting to be there the first time our team won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship for softball,” Minteer said. “That was a moment that I’ll never forget, and feeling like I was a part of it.”

More about George Mason Athletics

Meet the Mason Nation: Traci Kendall

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:30:57 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Traci Kendall Lauren Reuscher Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:30

Traci Kendall

Job: Executive Director of Operations and Community and Local Government Relations, Government and Community Relations

Traci Kendall is the executive director of operations and community and local government relations at ��. She has been with George Mason since 1996 and is one of the longest-serving members of the Office of Government and Community Relations. Kendall has been instrumental in establishing the university’s town-gown relations with local communities.

Traci Kendall and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read at a George Mason basketball game, where Read was presented with a personalized basketball on Sue Collins National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Photo provided

Known for her knack for establishing a congenial rapport with others and navigating diplomatic issues with a cool demeanor, Kendall has made strong connections with colleagues throughout the university and in the external community that are key to forming successful partnerships for George Mason.

Being a good neighbor: “I’m inspired by the people I’ve worked with over the years,” Kendall said. “So many people are passionate about their work and eager to be of service or share their expertise with the community.”

Kendall has led the development of several resources to assist external community members, including the Discover George Mason guide, which details services and programs available to the public; the Mason Speakers program, which offers free educational lectures to community and business organizations; and the Good Neighbor Program, which helps educate off-campus students on how to be good neighbors in the communities in which they live.

Follow the signs to campus: Kendall and her team work to win the community’s hearts and minds by developing awareness of George Mason as a trusted resource that can help community members in their everyday lives, through opportunities like small business counseling, health services, summer camps, recreation, entertainment, and more.

“Helping others to discover the university in new ways energizes me,” Kendall said. “When someone says, ‘Oh wow, I never knew that,’ it excites me.”

Serving the community: Kendall organized the first Patriot Packout program in 2007, offering students an easy way to donate extra food, clothing, and household items during move-out. The Community and Local Government Relations team mobilized faculty and staff volunteers and partnered with local businesses to transfer donated items to local nonprofit organizations. The program has continued to grow and is now managed by University Sustainability.

Part of George Mason’s history: Kendall’s favorite George Mason memory involves the men’s basketball team’s 2006 Final Four run.

“I have never experienced a time when the whole university community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community—felt so incredibly connected over a singular experience,” she said. “It was really an amazing time to be at George Mason.”

Journeying afar: Outside work, Kendall enjoys exploring the world beyond the local community. “I live and work in order to travel!” Kendall said. “I love checking out new places, architecture, and natural beauty.”

Her recent travels have included a six-country tour of the Alps with a ride on the Bernina Express, a panoramic train, a two-week tour of Spain, and a trip to Iceland with a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

“Swimming with the dolphins with my then 9-year-old daughter in Cozumel was remarkable,” she recalled. “I remember thinking how truly happy I was in that moment.”

Though her work focuses on the local community, Kendall loves to travel to new destinations—like when she swam with dolphins in Cozumel, Mexico. Photo provided

What’s next on her itinerary? Kendall and her daughter will cruise the fjords of Norway this summer. She also has a trip to Thailand and Cambodia booked for 2026.

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Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:37:27 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:37

Nandini Koka, MD

Job: Executive Director, Student Health Services

Dr. Nandini Koka, executive director of Student Health Services at ��. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Nandini Koka joined �� in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care.

At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

The doctor is in: In her role, Koka provides direction and leadership for Student Health Services to ensure students receive quality clinical care. She also serves as a medical advisor and resource to campus leaders on health-related matters. In a post-pandemic world, where many aspects of health care remain an urgent community need, her input is essential across George Mason’s campuses.

Helping the student body: Koka knows that learning is not confined to the classroom, and some of the biggest lessons can address a fundamental part of students’ lives: their health.

“I am excited to work at George Mason because of the opportunity to care for a diverse student population,” said Koka. “I want to help guide students as they become advocates for their own health and create goals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Appointments on the books: Last year, Student Health Services had 16,500 student interactions—this includes in-person and telehealth visits, lab work, and nurse triage interactions across the Fairfax, Mason Square, and Science and Technology campuses.

Koka knows this number could go even higher. One of her primary goals is to increase awareness of the health services available to students.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is creating awareness around Student Health Services and the fact that we are a full-service medical clinic,” said Koka.

Addressing the body and mind: “We continue to see the need for mental health care as a challenge in the community,” said Koka. “Student Health Services has a unique approach to behavioral health, as we utilize a collaborative care model.”

Dr. Koka leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In this model, medical providers partner with behavioral health counselors to co-manage the care of students. Koka says that this team approach has given students more touchpoints with clinicians and provides a more holistic care model.

Additionally, all patients who visit Student Health Services are given a mental health screening at their first visit, and once a year thereafter. Primary care providers are a key point to identify concerns related to mental health.

Finding ways to make it cost-free: Sexual and reproductive care is another critical area of need at Student Health Services. “We have partnered with a community organization to provide free sexually transmitted infection (STI) services to students throughout the semester,” said Koka. “We continue to look for ways to expand access to services for our students.”

Fostering a supportive community: A dynamic campus community is what brought Koka to higher education. “I have been able to interact with our students and see their excitement about being here at George Mason and wanting to be a part of this community,” said Koka.

Rest as part of health: Outside of work, Koka enjoys spending time with her family. “Our two daughters keep us busy with soccer and dance, and we have fun going to the games and watching the performances,” said Koka. To relax, she might go for a run, play with her dog, or try out new recipes.

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Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:52:36 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:52

Marit Majeske

Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center

Marit Majeske helps bring the arts to people of all ages as education coordinator at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at �� in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since.

Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The center was created in partnership with Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, with help from private donors and local business members. Today, it boasts 102,000 square feet of space to serve the community through performances and arts programming.

Hometown arts: After graduating from college, Majeske worked on political campaigns. But in 2010, she was ready for a change, and something was calling her to the arts, which had long been her passion. When Majeske heard that George Mason was opening a performing arts center in Prince William County—where she grew up—she decided to apply for a job.

Getting the house in order: Majeske started out as the front of house manager, where she built the volunteer usher and accessibility programs and created procedures to ensure a smooth visitor experience. In 2016, she took the additional role of interim education coordinator, which later became a full-time position. While working at the Hylton Center, Majeske earned her master’s in arts management from George Mason.

A broad palette: Today, Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s Education Initiative, which offers learners of all ages free opportunities to experience and engage in the arts. “Through in-person and virtual programming such as field trips, backstage tours, lecture-demonstrations, and masterclasses led by professional artists, every community member can experience the arts in meaningful ways,” Majeske said.

Arts class: Working with local school districts is one of Majeske’s favorite parts of the job. The Hylton Center hosts students from public schools in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park, as well as others, for arts programming.

“These schools have impressive arts programs, and I enjoy getting the opportunity to provide additional experiences to students and teachers that support their work in the classroom,” Majeske said.

Peak performance: In the 2023–24 season, nearly 20,000 learners of all ages participated in Hylton Center Education Initiative programming. Majeske says that meeting the growing needs of the community is one of the most fulfilling, but also the most challenging, parts of her jobs.

Marit Majeske has worked at the Hylton Center since it opened in 2010, and she is also a George Mason alum. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We have seen significant growth in our Education Initiative engagement since 2020, and we hope to continue to expand in a way that provides a wide range of arts experiences reaching learners of all ages—from preschool through lifelong learners,” Majeske said.

Introducing the cast: Majeske’s work intersects with the Mason Artist-in-Residence program, in which artists participate in creative activities with the community prior to their public Hylton Center performances.

“One of my favorite things is getting to know the artists’ interests beyond their art form, which lends itself to creating unique opportunities for engagement with our community members,” Majeske said.

Behind the curtain: Building opportunities for connection between artists and their audiences drives Majeske’s work. And sometimes, it goes off-script. A lifelong fan of Broadway, one of her fondest George Mason memories was when Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at the Hylton Center.

“That evening, while I was addressing our ushers backstage prior to the performance, Mr. Stokes Mitchell stumbled upon our meeting and had been quietly listening in the background,” Majeske said. “Unprompted, he stepped forward, introduced himself, and thanked everyone for welcoming him. What a lovely surprise for our ushers!”

All the world’s a stage—and a classroom: Through her work at Hylton and her own educational experiences, Majeske knows that valuable learning happens outside the confines of a classroom. When she’s not working or taking in performances, she loves to explore, frequently taking in historic sites, museums, and independent bookstores. “I am a firm believer in lifelong learning,” she said.

Learn more about the Hylton Center

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:19:13 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:19

Name: Mihee Cho

Job: Assistant Manager for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, Mason Korea

Mihee Cho, assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office. Photo provided

Mihee Cho has been working at �� Korea almost as long as the campus has existed. In June 2015, just one year after the campus opened, she started working as an administrative assistant in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Currently, Cho serves as the assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office, managing its daily operations and programming for students.

Time overseas. “My interest in working higher education sparked during my time as an international student in the United States,” said Cho. She earned a master’s degree in educational technology from Missouri State.

Home away from home. Joining a campus community as an international student gave Cho a unique perspective. “Being part of the campus community, both receiving assistance and offering support to fellow international students, was incredibly rewarding,” said Cho. “I discovered the value of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students adjusting to life abroad.”

Paying it forward. Cho saw the opportunity to work at Mason Korea as a chance to share the knowledge and experiences she had gained as an international student. "I wanted to create a similar supportive atmosphere for students at Mason Korea, helping them navigate the challenges of studying in a new country and encouraging their involvement in campus life,” said Cho.

As of April 2024, approximately 1,000 undergraduate students study at Mason Korea, and 40% of them live on campus. International students compose approximately 14% of the study body.

Hearing student voices. Part of Cho’s job is ensuring that students have a dynamic campus experience. She collaborates with student involvement groups, including the Patriot Activities Council, Student Government, The Voice—the official student-run English media outlet), and n-Lingual, a student-led organization for language and cultural exchange.

Cho also assists in planning university-wide events like Mason Day and provides strengths advising as a certified strengths coach.

Ideas always flow. Working on a university campus, Cho values the exposure to new ideas and perspectives. “Being surrounded by students, professors, and staff from diverse backgrounds fosters an intellectually stimulating atmosphere,” she said.

No two days are the same. Interacting with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures is one of Cho’s favorite parts of her job. “Being part of an international community like Mason Korea offers a rich and dynamic environment for learning and collaboration,” said Cho.

Finding her own strengths. Cho has also enjoyed the chance to expand her own skills and help students in new ways. Becoming a certified strengths coach has enhanced the support Cho can offer students as they explore their abilities and develop their leadership potential.

Outside work, Cho enjoys traveling and listening to different genres of music. She also enjoys exploring the artsy cafes around Mason Korea’s campus.

Learn more about Mason Korea

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Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:06:43 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:06

Kevin Brim

Job: Recycle/Waste Management Supervisor, Facilities Management

Can I recycle this? At some point, anyone who has approached a recycling bin (or set of bins) with good intentions has asked this question, either aloud or in their mind.

Helping the community understand the parameters of recycling and composting is one of the biggest challenges in recycling and waste management, according to Kevin Brim, supervisor in Facilities Management at ��. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim.

His team is working hard to change that.

Keeping it clean: Putting the wrong items in a recycle or compost bin can lead to contamination of waste streams. Brim and his colleagues in Facilities Management are making it easier for the George Mason community to recycle, compost, and properly dispose of items.

Waste no time: Brim knows he is part of something impactful, and interacting with the George Mason community is what he likes best about his job. “I’ve been at Mason for 18 years, and I learn something new every day,” Brim said.

Protecting the Earth isn’t a one-person job: Waste diversion efforts stretch across the university and rely on the involvement of many units—and the actions of individuals. Mason Facilities, University Sustainability, Mason Dining, and others are working to help George Mason reach its Zero Waste goal: diverting 90% or more of all waste items away from the trash through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Learning the ins and outs: Brim’s first job in George Mason Facilities was as a quality assurance inspector for the university’s housekeeping contract. Brim moved to the waste/recycle team in 2011, learning every aspect of the operation from the ground up. That knowledge and experience led him to his current role as the supervisor of that team.

Spreading the word: Brim takes pride in his team and how they help foster a culture of sustainability at Mason. “I ensure my team knows just as much as I do about waste and recycling here at Mason,” Brim said. His team’s interactions with others on campus help inform the community about the proper disposal of different items, protecting Mason’s recycling and composting streams.

It all comes back to serving George Mason students, according to Brim. “Students are the reason we are here, so they’re our target audience,” said Brim. “I’m always interested in hearing their input on what we can do better, or what they would like to see.”

Harnessing the sun: Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve George Mason’s waste diversion rate. Brim’s team recently installed new Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses, some of which include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins. Brim’s team plans to install more Bigbelly stations, expanding their availability across all of Mason’s Virginia campuses.

Saving the scraps: Composting efforts will also increase in campus dining locations. “Mason Facilities is looking to expand our composting programs with all food vendors on campus, with a main focus on behind-the-scenes food waste,” Brim said. These composting streams are often easier to control, ensuring a clean composting product.

The glass is half full: This spring, George Mason launched a glass recycling program, with purple recycling trailers parked on the Fairfax Campus. Brim says the glass recycling program has expanded to collect glass bottles at catered events on campus.

“We will continue to divert as much away from landfill and incinerator as we can,” Brim said.

Reduce, reuse . . . relax: Outside work, Brim spends time with his wife of 33 years (his high school sweetheart), three adult children, five grandkids, and two dogs. “They all keep me pretty busy,” he said. Relaxing in the backyard tops the list, too. “It’s the little things in life,” Brim said.

Learn more about Mason's Zero Waste goals

Find more ways to make a sustainable impact

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:53:28 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:53

Rachel Wernicke

Job: Associate Dean and Chief Mental Health Officer, University Life

Rachel Wernicke has worked as an Army officer, psychologist, therapist, and coach. In 2019, she moved into her current role: associate dean and chief mental health officer at ��.

Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer at Mason. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

At that time, University Life at Mason created the role of chief mental health officer to address student mental health from a more strategic, public health approach. This decision happened at a critical moment, just before the world entered the greatest mental health challenge of a generation: a global pandemic.

A group effort: “We continue to see significant need for mental health support in students, faculty, and staff,” Wernicke said. “Supporting mental health takes a whole campus effort, with the engagement of our entire Mason community and a commitment to creating a culture and providing the programs and services that sustain mental health and well-being.”

According to Wernicke, nearly every role on campus is connected to this work, “even if on the surface it may not seem so,” she said.

Supporting the troops: Wernicke’s time as an Army captain influenced her decision to become a psychologist. “A core Army leadership practice focuses on caring for people,” Wernicke said. “Learning how to do this when I served as an Army officer led me to study psychology and become a therapist.” The leadership lessons she learned in the Army continue to shape her leadership style today.

Passion for education: As a therapist in training, Wernicke had the opportunity to work in college mental health, and she loved working with students. “Although I’ve practiced in hospitals and other settings, I kept returning to higher education over the years,” Wernicke said.

Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mental health as the second pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased attention to the need for expanded mental health care. As a result, Mason has adapted and expanded its mental health services for students.

“Both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS) had to shift their services to meet the needs of students during the pandemic,” Wernicke said. “The most critical shift was to offer telemental health services for students.”

Answering the call: The number of students seeking mental health services is rising, both at Mason and nationally, continuing a trend that was underway before the pandemic. From 2010 to 2020, the total number of students served by Mason’s CAPS increased by 55%. The growing demand for services hasn’t stopped.

“As of January 2024, just over halfway through our fiscal year, CAPS has supported more than 1,100 students,” Wernicke said. “This compares to 1,254 students served during the entirety of the previous fiscal year.”

Multiple avenues for care: SHS also provides mental health care to students. “SHS provides universal screening for depression and substance use concerns to all students being seen by a health care provider,” Wernicke said. “Any student who screens positive for these concerns is offered treatment.”

In the 2023 fiscal year, SHS had 725 behavioral health interactions with students, a 266% increase from the prior year.

Mason launched a partnership with a telemental health vendor, TimelyCare, in fall 2022. This care option reaches students wherever they are located, at whatever time is convenient for them. Through TimelyCare, students may access free mental health services 24/7, 365 days a year. As of January 2024, TimelyCare has provided mental health services to 1,518 Mason students since its launch.

Planning for the future: Mason continues to evolve its approach to supporting mental health. Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force with Nance Lucas, executive director of Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.

“We are working to raise awareness of the resources available to our community and to make recommendations for programs, policies, practices, and services that will support a culture of mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

The task force includes students, faculty, and staff from across the university. “The charge is both aspirational and practical, focusing on creating a systems approach to mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

Putting ideas into action: This year, their goals are to identify a Mason model of mental health and well-being, recommend ways that well-being and mental health services can be expanded, enhance the inclusiveness of these programs and services, and increase community awareness of what is already available. The Patriots Thriving Together hub has been created as a starting point for Mason students and employees to find resources.

Finding joy: Practicing what she preaches, Wernicke finds ways to support her own well-being. “I have three kids—they’re in college, high school, and middle school—so keeping up with their activities and staying connected with them is a priority,” Wernicke said. “Music is a major source of well-being for me and something I enjoy with my family.” She also finds joy and relaxation by exercising, running, spending time with friends, and cooking.

Support from all around: Wernicke says she thrives at Mason because of the people around her. “I’m lucky to be able to work with some of the most talented and committed clinicians, educators, and advocates in CAPS, SHS, and Disability Services,” Wernicke said. “I appreciate being able to work with people from across the university who are committed to student health and well-being.”

Mental health and well-being resources at Mason:

Patriots Thriving Together
Counseling and Psychological Services: 703-993-2380
Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC): SSAC Support Request
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor
TimelyCare
Mason's Center for Community Mental Health

Watch Wernicke’s Tedx Talk, “Mental Health in the New Normal: Shaping Our COVID Stories,” for more insights about the pandemic’s impact on mental health and well-being.

Watch Wernicke's Tedx Talk

Mental Health and Well-Being Resources at Mason

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