Human Resources

George Mason Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:47:31 +0000

George Mason Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:47

Congratulations to the �� faculty and staff retirees from October 2024 to April 2025. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

October 2024

Mary Liles, School of Art, 5 years, 6 months

Wendy Watkins, Office of University Audit, 7 years

November 2024

Robert Counts, Office of University Registrar, 30 years, 1 month

Stephen Morehouse, Student Centers, 16 years, 4 months

December 2024

Jane Barton, Antonin Scalia Law School, 32 years, 1 month

Daryl Corley, Mason Enterprise, 5 years

Dennis Herring, Facilities and Campus Operations, 32 years, 5 months

January 2025

Corinne Hurst, Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, 32 years, 3 months

Julie Roberts, Department of Economics, 9 years, 3 months

February 2025

Maria Amaya de Amya, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

John Arnett, Information Technology Services, 32 years, 11 months

Robert Baker, School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, 19 years, 5 months

Orrin (Tony) Barton, University Police, 25 years, 5 months

Michael Briggs, Information Technology Services, 20 years, 4 months

Magdaleno Castillo, Facilities and Campus Operations, 9 years, 7 months

Calvin Chandler, University Police, 21 years

Cheng Cheu, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 2 months

Manuel De Paz Hernandez, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

Deborah Goodings, College of Engineering and Computing, 15 years, 4 months

Wally Grotophorst, University Libraries, 42 years, 5 months

David Hart, Schar School of Policy and Government, 20 years, 5 months

Nina Joshi, Counseling and Psychological Services, 27 years, 1 month

Mills Kelly, Department of History and Art History, 23 years, 4 months

Linda Mason, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 7 years, 4 months

Curtis McNay, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 10 months

Debbie Penny, Information Technology Services, 34 years, 9 months

Art Pyster, College of Engineering and Computing, 8 years, 5 months

Joyce Rose, College of Engineering and Computing, 21 years, 7 months

Louise Shelley, Schar School of Policy and Government, 17 years, 5 months

John Stout, Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, 26 years, 9 months

Clare Talbert, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 29 years, 1 month

March 2025

Jeanette Blanchard, Information Technology Services, 39 years, 1 month

Timothy Caldecott, GMU-TV, 12 years

Christina Lehnertz, Office of International Programs and Services, 19 years

Susan Muller, Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation, 16 years, 6 months

April 2025

Naomi Arlund, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, 18 years, 10 months

Dolores Horn, Department of Cyber Security Engineering, 19 years, 7 months

Dina Lozano, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 25 years, 5 months

Cheryl Medina, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, 17 years, 6 months

Warren Prescott, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 16 years, 11 months

Joyce Price, University Libraries, 19 years, 1 month

Dennis Stater, Biomedical Research Lab, 14 years, 8 months

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Retirement

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:52:55 +0000

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/16/2025 - 14:52

��’s Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of faculty and staff in support of the university's values and mission. Awards are sponsored by Human Resources and other university departments.

A ceremony honoring this year’s awardees was hosted on the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, April 15. View the complete list of award recipients.

John Crocker of Risk, Safety, and Resilience received a Presidential Citation for his service to a fellow employee during a medical emergency. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

This year’s awards included several new categories and garnered a 146% increase in nominations compared to last year, reflecting the university’s culture of engagement and appreciation. Learn more about Reward and Recognition programs at George Mason.

The Sustainability Hero Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals and teams who have gone the extra mile to seek creative solutions that have promoted healthy, sustainable living or reduced George Mason’s environmental impacts.

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Housing and Residence Life, received the Sustainability Hero Award. Photo provided

Sustainability Hero Award

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Special Projects, Housing and Residence Life

Makenzie Gold Quiros was recognized for leadership, collaboration, and partnership with Patriot Packout, the annual campus move-out program that helps divert items from the waste stream and reallocates them to those who can use them. Donations include household items, food, clothing, and more.

Gold Quiros played an instrumental role in integrating Patriot Packout into Housing and Residence Life operations. Collaborating with members of the Patriot Packout planning committee to develop marketing and educational materials about the program, Gold Quiros' efforts helped spread the word among residential students.

The result was increased awareness and participation in the program. In 2024, Patriot Packout received more than 13,000 pounds of donations, more than double the amount received in 2023 (5,700 pounds).

“Makenzie’s incredible leadership to grow and integrate Patriot Packout within Housing and Residence Life operations dramatically improved the amount of goods and supplies diverted away from trash incineration, reducing the university’s environmental impacts while putting useful donations into the hands of George Mason Patriots,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.

New this year, the Wage Employee Service Award recognizes non-student wage staff who have consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and exceptional organizational citizenship, contributing significantly to the university's operations and mission.

Rose Aubery, Office of Admissions, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Wage Employee Service Award

Rose Aubery, Transfer Admissions Assistant, Office of Admissions

Rose Aubery has served as an invaluable resource for prospective transfer students, offering personalized guidance through the complex transfer process. Aubery’s unwavering commitment to supporting students—especially those balancing work, family, and personal challenges—has made a lasting impact.

Putting students first, Aubery ensures that every student she assists receives tailored support and clear, accurate information. She helps them understand the admissions process, explains pathways to a degree, and empowers students in their journey to higher education.

“Rose is a source of positivity and helps many students find their way to a bachelor’s degree at George Mason, students for whom higher education might otherwise not be an option,” said Melissa Bevacqua, director of admissions for transfer recruitment in the Office of Admissions. “Her work is impactful and makes a difference for students, for our team, and our university.”

Wage Employee Service Award

Susan Bannan, Recruitment Specialist, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations

Susan Bannan, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Susan Bannan has transformed talent recruitment in her office by streamlining operations, reducing external search costs, and improving the candidate experience. Her proactive, customer-focused approach has supported George Mason’s billion-dollar campaign, Mason Now, and contributed to long-term talent retention.

“One of Susan's most notable contributions is her unwavering commitment to ensuring that candidates have a positive experience with ��,” said Sara Snyder, associate vice president for administration and finance in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations.

“She meticulously manages the recruitment process, providing clear communication and support at every stage. Her efforts have resulted in a seamless and enjoyable experience for candidates, which has been instrumental in attracting top talent,” said Snyder.

Learn more about Reward and Recognition at George Mason

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Outstanding Achievement Awards

Johnnie Hall is April Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:59:41 +0000

Johnnie Hall is April Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:59

Science and Technology Campus machine shop manager Johnnie Hall embodies �� value “students come first.” The machine shop is regularly used by registered student organizations, researchers, and students alike, and Hall frequently works evenings and weekends to work with their schedules. He is also a mentor to Mechanical Engineering Department’s capstone design students, who often comment that they would not be able to complete their projects on time if not for his assistance.

Employee of the Month Johnnie Hall and President Washington. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Hall also helped facilitate the department’s move to the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB). “It would not have been possible without Johnnie's efforts packing and labeling, disassembling equipment, fielding questions from the project team, fielding questions from faculty, students, and staff, all the while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude and staying on top of his typical duties running the machine shop,” said Leigh McCue-Weil, professor and chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

One notable moment during the move was when the loading docks were snowed in, and he personally began clearing snow until he could flag down a snowplow to assist. “Rather than complaining, Johnnie simply grabbed a shovel and began digging out the loading dock before the movers and riggers arrived,” added McCue-Weil.

“Johnnie has been a reliable ‘jack of all trades’ for the College of Engineering and Computing always willing to step in where needed in support of our strategic goals,” said Arthur B. Pyster, professor and associate dean for research in the college. “He was one of the first technicians to lend his expertise to Mason's Nanofabrication Facility and the College of Engineering and Computing's Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).”

Joyce Rose, CEC’s operations manager, said, “Johnnie is exemplary. We wish we had more employees just like him! During Johnnie's time at Mason, he has gone above and beyond what was expected of him.”

Johnnie Hall works in the machine shop at the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“In my mind, Johnnie can be considered ‘employee of the day’ every day of the year. Whenever you ask him for a favor, you can count on him 100%,” said mechanical engineering professor Nathan Kathir.

Volgenau School of Engineering Divisional Dean Ariela Sofer said, “I constantly get comments about how great Johnnie is!”

How did you come to Mason:

I started working at Mason in August of 2018 as a part-time machine shop technician. Before working at Mason, I had gone through a trades program focused on welding at my local community college on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I jumped at the chance to apply my skills and learn more along the way. Since then, I have had the chance to be a part of some amazing student and research projects.

Best day on the job:

My favorite day has always been our Mechanical Engineering Department's senior Capstone Day. It's such a rewarding experience getting to showcase all of our students' hard work that I have had the opportunity to be a part of.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

My favorite part about working at Mason is being able to give students a chance to try new things they might have never had the chance to. It's such a great feeling seeing our students learn new skills in our workshop that they can take with them in life.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When I am not working, I enjoy playing music at home on my synthesizer. I also enjoy taking car rides in my 1985 Toyota Celica.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:32:03 +0000

Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:32

Bonnie Madden, a two-time �� alum, joined the Biology Department as the microbial and phage lab manager almost a decade ago while working on her bachelor's degree in biology. Since then, she has been an integral part of the College of Science department. She is known for her dedication to both the lab and fostering student success.

George Mason President Gregory Washington and March Employee of the Month Bonnie Madden. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Bonnie is an enormous asset to the Biology Department and to ��. She has a lot of great and innovative ideas that have enhanced the quality of the lab in many ways,” said Anne Scherer, term associate professor of biology.

Elisabeth Epstein, assistant professor of biology, said, “She is our go-to person to make our microbiology labs run smoothly and professionally and, importantly, on time and ready to go! Her extensive expertise is often relied on for producing high-quality lab materials. She often comes into the labs even on evenings and weekends to make sure the student experience runs smoothly.”

Along with managing the lab, Madden, who also has a master’s degree in biology from George Mason, teaches a section of the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) discovery-based research course, which teaches undergraduate students how to isolate and analyze bacteriophage. She also teaches a next gen sequencing course in the spring semester.

“Bonnie is a mentor to each and every student,” said Scherer. “She trains undergraduates, learned how to use the transmission electron microscope for the course, and she walks around the classroom and fields questions that students might have and works one-on-one with those struggling.”

How did you come to Mason:

I came to Mason as an undergraduate. My goal at the time was to set an example for my sons and show them learning is an ongoing process regardless of age. Right before graduating with my BS in Biology [in 2015], I was offered the opportunity to become part of the Biology Department by Dr. Deborah Polayes as a replacement for Jo Mose, who was the microbiology lab manager back in 2015.

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job was when I graduated [in 2023] with my master’s degree as my students and assistant lab workers were graduating with their bachelor's degrees. I was so proud of them, as I am every year.

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

The thing I like about Mason is all the opportunities it has to offer. The opportunity for growth and expanding your potential is limitless. Also, the opportunity to make lifelong connections is invaluable. It is up to the individual to decide what they are comfortable with and how far they want to expand their boundaries.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I have a broad range of activities that keep me busy throughout the year. Some hobbies tend to be seasonal. In the summer, I enjoy boating and gardening. Last summer, my husband and I were able to boat on Lake Windermere in England. In the winter, I tend to enjoy movies and painting. However, I enjoy concerts, traveling, and flameworking with glass year-round.

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Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:38:50 +0000

Kenneth Darby is February Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:38

As the senior events manager at ��’s Mason Square, Kenneth (Kenny) Darby is known as the one who can do it all. He has been a vital part of Mason Square events since 2017 and has worked as senior events manager for the past five years. In their letters of support, his colleagues emphasized his ability to seamlessly manage complex high-profile events with precision and care, and his unwavering commitment, empathy, and attention to detail.

Employee of the Month Kenny Darby with President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“As an outstanding leader and colleague, Kenny consistently enriches the Mason Square community with his positive contributions, supporting event clients to bring their vision to a reality,” said Sara Hawes, director of Operations for Mason Square administration. “His unwavering dedication to his responsibilities, coupled with the empathy and attention he extends to clients, colleagues, supervisors, and students sets a commendable example for all those who have the opportunity to interact with him.”

Mercedes Allsop, executive assistant to the Dean's Office in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School, said, “Kenny’s dedication not only enhances our campus environment but also sets a commendable standard for others to aspire to, truly making him a deserving candidate for this recognition. “His ability to manage high-profile events with a calm, professional demeanor ensures that each event is executed flawlessly.”

Alison Price, director of operations and the Law and Economics Center at Antonin Scalia Law School, highlighted Kenny’s skill with high-profile clients. “Kenny is the role model for how customer service should be provided at this university,” she said.

“Kenny is the ‘go-to’ individual when having an event at Mason Square. From beginning to end, I trust him to ensure that our events go smoothly,” said Una Murphy, director of donor relations in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations. “He is friendly, assured, professional, inquisitive, caring and incredibly intuitive. I completely trust Kenny's judgement when it comes to a successful event.”

Colleagues have come to rely on Darby for his expertise. “Kenny has become an invaluable asset at Mason Square,” said Frank Strike, vice president of Facilities. “He provides excellent customer service, and his attention to detail allows him to seamlessly integrate multiple complex tasks to deliver an exceptional experience to all stakeholders. His dedication and commitment to excellence is an inspiration to his colleagues and enhances Mason's reputation.”

How did you come to Mason:

I was hired as an event coordinator to help support events on the Arlington Campus. They were looking for a talented individual that had event experience and A/V knowledge, so I applied.

Best day on the job:

Every day is a good day on the job, but the best day was when I got hired.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The people I work with and those I collaborate with. This community is very close, and I appreciate each of the relationships that I have built.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

That's a hard question. I enjoy quiet time. My days are busy when I'm at work and when I'm not at work, so the quiet times are the best times for me.

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Mason Square

Christopher M. Ackerman Sr. named George Mason’s Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

Colleen Rich — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:01:29 +0000

Christopher M. Ackerman Sr. named George Mason’s Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer Colleen Rich Mon, 02/03/2025 - 10:01

�� has selected Christopher M. Ackerman Sr. as its new vice president of human resources and chief human resource officer. He begins his new role Feb. 24.

Christopher M. Ackerman Sr. Photo provided

Ackerman joins George Mason, the largest public research university in Virginia, from Stanford University, where for the past three-and-a-half years he was the head of HR Client Services at SLAC National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy facility formerly known as the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and operated by Stanford.

At SLAC, Ackerman led an HR team that serves a workforce of about 2,000 across 22 business units, overseeing HR client services, compensation, and HR business partners. He played a key role in shaping enterprise-level HR strategy, collaborating closely with the SLAC Board of Oversight, executive leadership, and university administrators. Among his notable achievements at SLAC were aligning compensation frameworks, enhancing performance management systems, and integrating strategic workforce planning to meet organizational objectives.

Stanford is one of four universities at which Ackerman has served in HR roles, along with positions at the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, San Francisco; and Howard University. Before joining SLAC, he served as the managing director of people operations at the Stanford Cancer Institute within the School of Medicine.

From 2015 to 2020, Ackerman was vice president of human resources at HCA Healthcare, a multicampus hospital and health care system in Northern Virginia. In this role, he served as the chief HR officer, significantly enhancing the attraction and retention of employees, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing initiatives that improved organizational efficiency.

“Chris brings to George Mason extensive executive leadership in all aspects of human resources management and a proven track record of collaboration and achieving excellence in HR practices in environments that demand precision and innovation,” said Ken Walsh, George Mason’s executive vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff. “He specializes in envisioning, designing, and implementing modernized people programs and strategic HR frameworks to meet the evolving needs of the workforce of high-growth organizations like George Mason.”

According to the Washington Business Journal, George Mason is the 24th-largest employer in greater Washington, D.C., area, and the 13th-largest in Northern Virginia.

Ackerman earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and is pursuing a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University.

“Joining �� as the vice president of human resources and chief human resource officer is both a professional honor and a deeply personal milestone,” Ackerman said. “As a Washington, D.C., native, leading HR at Virginia's largest public research university feels like coming home. I am proud to be part of Mason Nation and excited to collaborate with the George Mason community to create a people-first culture that empowers our diverse workforce and fosters an environment where talent thrives and innovation flourishes.”

Start your own career at George Mason

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Campus News

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:23:42 +0000

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:23

Maria Wilkins, coordinator of Health Professions Advising in the Office of Undergraduate Education, is known for her success as “a one-woman department.” In their letters of support nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her expertise, dedication, and student-centered approach.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

As the only pre-health advisor at ��, Wilkins is solely responsible for the advising and programming for all students. A large part of her role is helping students with their graduate school applications in the health care field, including medical, dental, and veterinary school, occupational and physical therapy degrees, and pharmacy school.

“Maria is one of George Mason’s many unsung heroes, and is very deserving of this recognition,” said Ryan Braun, director of undergraduate academic success in the Office of Undergraduate Education.

“Maria might be the best collaborator I have ever worked with. In addition to building excellent relationships within the Office of Undergraduate Education, she has cultivated tremendous collaboration with various colleges and units at George Mason as well as many colleagues outside of Mason,” he added.

“Maria is a wonderful colleague and an amazing professional who brings a wealth of knowledge,” said Assad Khan, director for undergraduate student affairs in the College of Science.

Keith D. Renshaw, associate provost for undergraduate education, said, “It is hard for me to imagine someone better suited for this recognition—she has my absolute, unqualified, enthusiastic support!”

Her colleagues also highlighted her outstanding work coordinating the Health Professions Program Fair during Health Professions Week, which she pioneered in 2023. This past year, she doubled the size of the fair and added a field trip to the George Washington Medical School for 30 George Mason pre-medicine students.

She also coordinates George Mason’s Early Selection Medical School partnerships with George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Maria manages to fit in Mason's core values not only with her students but with faculty as well. She ensures students meet the skills needed for tomorrow and the future,” said Alexandra Masterson, an associate professor in the Biology Department of the College of Science.

Wilkins is so beloved by students that they have “created a group that has become known in our office as the ‘Maria Fan Club.’ At several events, I have even seen some of these students arguing among themselves who is the ‘president’ of the Maria Fan Club,” shared Braun.

How did you come to Mason:

I was finishing up working at the Fairfax County Health Department on the COVID-19 Response Team when I came across this position. As a first-generation student without any initial connections to the health care world, I remembered how challenging and lost I felt applying to pharmacy school in undergrad. I would have loved to have an advisor with firsthand experience navigating this process and being there just to support me. That’s what makes me feel so connected to this role, and so far, I have absolutely loved getting to know students—shoutout to my fan club!—and learning more about their motivations for pursuing health care. I’m very passionate about this role and hope to continue growing the department in the years to come.

Best day on the job:

It’s really any day I can celebrate with students. It could be getting accepted into health professional school, being the first one in their family to graduate, hearing back about a shadowing opportunity, or even getting a good grade on an exam! Whatever it is, their accomplishments always bring a smile to my face!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The best part about this role is that I’ve been able to make it my own. I’ve always been a creative individual, and I love to think outside of the box when it comes to planning events that will resonate with students. Health Professions Week was a new initiative I started in 2023, and it has grown tremendously over just one year. Hundreds of students participated and were able to gain new skills, learn more about the application process, tour a medical school, and connect with others along the way. I am also very grateful for the support from those in Undergraduate Education, as well as other campus partners who are always open to collaborating!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love spending time with my husband, binge watching Netflix, playing with my kids, and cuddling with my two cats. I also find myself driving oddly long distances in search of delicious food!

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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Office of the Provost

Hillary Hamm is December Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:45:30 +0000

Hillary Hamm is December Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 12/03/2024 - 14:45

Hillary Hamm has been an integral part of George Mason University operations since 2008. As the fiscal and HR technician in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS), Hamm is known for her efficiency and dedication. Her skill and knowledge were especially apparent as she smoothly provided procurement services for three departments in the College of Science at once.

President Gregory Washington with December Employee of the Month Hillary Hamm. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

When nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her efficiency and hard work to meet deadlines while managing procurement for these academic units. She also manages the employment of about 40 student teachers and research assistants as part of her role.

“Hillary has been performing duties in multiple departments and for the College of Science. These extra duties are well beyond her contractual commitments. Her performance during this period has been superb. She [has] kept a very positive attitude and encouraged an enjoyable working environment,” said Anamaria Berea, associate professor in computational and data sciences.

“CDS owes the management of its growth to its staff, of which Hillary is a major component. We wouldn't be where we are today without her, and two other academic units [she helped] would agree,” said Jason Kinser, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science.

He also emphasized her ability to work well under pressure, stating that her “overload was always met with a smile and a positive attitude to accomplish that which needed to be done.”

Sharmin Abdullah, assistant professor of computational and data sciences, agreed. “Ms. Hamm's responsiveness to issues is noteworthy. She tackles challenges with a sense of urgency and a remarkable ability to devise effective solutions promptly,” Abdullah said. “This proactive approach has not only mitigated potential problems but has also fostered a positive and productive working environment within our department.”

How did you come to Mason:

My journey at George Mason began in 2008, when I started as a part-time front desk receptionist at the Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities within the College of Education and Human Development. During my interview, my soon-to-be supervisor, Kim Kalthoff, asked me why I wanted to work at George Mason. Honestly, I had applied to every job I thought I was qualified for—just to get my foot in the door. I’d heard George Mason was a fantastic place to work, with great benefits, and the bonus of tuition assistance if I ever decided to go back to school once I became a classified employee. I remember being nervous that my honest answer might hurt my chances, but to my surprise, it didn’t!

Best day on the job:

One of the most memorable days in my career at George Mason came just last year. A group of us from the College of Science had been working for over a year to establish the first College of Science Staff Advisory Committee. We connected with other staff advisory committees across the university, took our time to plan, and really wanted to do it right. In October, we finally presented it to the rest of the College of Science staff. It was one of the proudest moments of my professional life—I couldn’t have been prouder of what we accomplished together.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

What truly stands out for me after 16 years at George Mason is the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. The wonderful women in the Department of Special Education in CEHD mentored and guided me in ways I will forever be grateful for, shaping me into the “Patriot” I am today. More recently, the amazing people in the College of Science have helped me find my voice and believe in myself. I honestly wouldn’t be the woman I am today without their support, and I’ve been fortunate to form lifelong friendships and a true sense of family here at George Mason.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my husband, Josh, and my daughter, Zoey. When I’m not with my family, you can often find me crafting, curled up with a good book by the fire with my dog, or exploring new adventures with friends and loved ones.

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Katie Richards is November Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:44:39 +0000

Katie Richards is November Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Wed, 10/30/2024 - 10:44

When nominating Katherine (Katie) Richards for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her giving nature, positivity, and interpersonal strengths, in addition to her commitment to the program. A two-time George Mason alumna, Richards, the senior graduate program coordinator in ��’s Higher Education Program (HEP), is in her 10th year of working at George Mason.

Katie Richards and George Mason President Gregory Washington during the November Employee of the Month ceremony. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Every day, we witness the positive energy, willingness to help, sincerity, and vast knowledge of university operations that Katie brings to her work,” said Kelly Schrum, a professor in the Higher Education Program. “Katie is a model staff member and a proud Mason alum whose exemplary service to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and �� exemplifies the values honored through this award.”

In her role she serves as the academic advisor to all HEP's master’s students and is their main point person from the application phase to admissions and through coursework to graduation. She connects students with targeted resources like the Writing Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and emergency funds.

She also supports HEP faculty and is a key liaison throughout the college and university.

Richards has also worked to strengthen partnerships, such as with University Life, to support assistantships for incoming students and to honor student achievements and successes.

David Powers Corwin, assistant professor in the School of Integrative Studies, said, “Katie is always eager to lend a helping hand where needed and is such a positive presence in whatever space she is in.”

Chrystal Mwangi, associate professor in the Higher Education Program, agreed. “I have always known her to exemplify Mason’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion,” Mwangi said. “Katie is a joy to work with and I am grateful to call her a colleague. She definitely demonstrates that our students come first.”

“Katie is consistently sought out by students, faculty, and community members for her caring and wise counsel,” said Julie Owen, associate professor of leadership and integrative studies. “She has an uncanny ability to listen deeply and ask insightful questions. Though not part of her formal job description, Katie has been trusted by students with their personal stories and struggles and is always able to connect them with relevant campus resources and support.”

“Katie simply embodies the spirit and aims of our institution—in every wise word and important action, she represents the very best of Mason as an institution committed to community, inclusion, and a just, free, and prosperous world,” said Graziella McCarron, assistant professor in the School of Integrative Studies.

How did you come to Mason:

I received my undergraduate degree from George Mason in English and then went to work in the private sector. After about two years, I knew I wanted to come back to George Mason to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry). I knew about Mason’s great tuition benefit, so I started applying to staff roles and was hired by the Higher Education Program, where I have been for the last 10 years. I completed my MFA in 2020 and have my first book of poetry, Apple Mind, coming out Nov. 14 from Harbor Editions. George Mason has opened up a ton of opportunities for me as a staff member, student, and now alum.

Best day on the job:

I always love the end of spring semester when we do our Celebration of Achievements event. My favorite role is supporting our students, so it is very meaningful to me to be able to celebrate their successes with them.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

I enjoy working with our students and feeling that I have made a difference in their lives. It is exciting to feel that the work you do can have a positive impact on others’ lives.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I also like to knit and garden when there is downtime (which there’s not a lot of these days!). And, of course, I do my writing in the evenings.

More faculty and staff news

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