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School of Nursing naming honors Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry

ckearney — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:40:19 +0000

School of Nursing naming honors Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry ckearney Mon, 10/26/2026 - 11:40

In recognition of a transformative $15 million gift from Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry, ��ɫ��Ƶ’s School of Nursing will be renamed the Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry School of Nursing. The naming was approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, effective November 15, 2026.

Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry. Photo provided

“Arlene and Barry's generosity will help advance the school’s mission, create greater opportunities for students, and strengthen the preparation of the next generation of nursing professionals,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “The gift also recognizes the dedication and expertise of the faculty and staff who have built the School of Nursing’s reputation and who continue to move it forward.”

This investment positions the school and its graduates to meet growing workforce demands and address increasingly complex patient needs.

“The Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry School of Nursing honors the school's remarkable history while investing in the people who will shape its future,” said College of Public Health Inaugural Dean Melissa Perry. “The generosity of the Evans Dewberry family will help expand possibilities for students and working nurses, advance academic and clinical preparation, support faculty excellence, and enhance the technologies and learning environments long into the future.”

The gift comes as nurses are called upon to strengthen the health workforce, improve access to care, lead interprofessional teams, embrace emerging technologies, and respond to increasingly complex health needs. This investment positions George Mason to accelerate what comes next.

“Nurses are essential to the strength and future of our health care system,” Evans said. “They are highly skilled professionals who provide critical care, improve patient outcomes, and help expand access to health care. As a former operating department nurse, I have seen firsthand the knowledge, compassion, and leadership nurses bring to patients and families every day. Barry and I are proud to support the education of future nurses and the dedicated faculty who prepare them to serve, innovate, and lead.”

For the college, this gift also affirms nursing’s essential place within its broader mission. The strongest solutions to today’s health challenges emerge when nursing, public health, social work, nutrition, health policy, informatics, and community partners work together. This gift will enable the college to lead integrated, innovative, and community-centered approaches to education, health, and care.

Students working in the College of Public Health's Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Founded in 1976, George Mason’s School of Nursing is one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing programs in Virginia. As part of the College of Public Health, it is among a small number of nursing schools nationally embedded within a public health-focused college, giving students a broader understanding of population health, prevention, and community-based care.

“The naming of the School of Nursing honors Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry’s remarkable commitment to nursing education and health care,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the ��ɫ��Ƶ Foundation. “Their philanthropy will leave a lasting legacy, empowering future nurses and supporting the continued excellence of a school that plays a vital role in meeting the health needs of our communities.”

Evans and Dewberry are among the region's leading supporters of health care and nursing-focused philanthropy, with a longstanding commitment to advancing health and education in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area. Dewberry is executive chairman of a planning, design, and construction company. Evans is a former operating department nurse at VHC Health in Northern Virginia.

The school enrolls nearly 1,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs and prepares nurses to serve in clinical, leadership, research, and community health settings throughout the region and beyond. Its master of science and doctor of nursing practice degree programs are ranked #1 in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

At the forefront of nursing technology and simulation-based education, the school provides hands-on training through the College of Public Health's Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, where students learn using advanced simulation, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and standardized patient encounters that mirror real-world clinical practice.

With nearly 11,000 alumni, many of whom work in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, George Mason graduates make up nearly one-third of the region's nursing workforce.

A special event will take place on November 10 to celebrate the naming, hosted by the College of Public Health, with guests including Evans, Dewberry, university leaders, faculty, students, alumni, and partners. The celebration will recognize the Evans Dewberry family's investment in nursing education and the future of the profession.

The naming of the Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry School of Nursing at George Mason is part of the Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic $1 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. Designed to enhance the university’s capacity and broaden its impact, Mason Now focuses on expanding access to education, driving innovation, and deepening the university’s influence across the region and beyond.

Key Takeaways

A transformational $15 million gift from Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry, the largest in College of Public Health history, will rename George Mason’s School of Nursing and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and practicing nurses.
The investment will strengthen nursing education through advanced technologies, simulation-based training, faculty support, and enhanced learning environments while helping meet growing health care workforce needs.
One of Virginia’s largest nursing programs, the newly named Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry School of Nursing prepares nearly 1,000 students annually and is home to Virginia’s top-ranked Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

Learn more about MasonNOW

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Skills-focused academic minor programs prepare George Mason students for the workforce

Susan Martonik — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:33:19 +0000

Skills-focused academic minor programs prepare George Mason students for the workforce Susan Martonik Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:33

In today’s competitive job market, students are increasingly looking for ways to distinguish themselves in the eyes of potential employers. To help its graduates gain a competitive edge, ��ɫ��Ƶ is strengthening students’ career readiness through its specialized workforce-ready minor programs. To date, 34 programs are available—and more are on the way.

“These programs provide students with an opportunity to enter the workforce equipped with the practical skills and experiences that employers seek,” said Elizabeth Loun, program manager for university internships in the Undergraduate Education. “They are also highly accessible. In many cases, students can earn a workforce-ready minor by completing only a few additional courses before graduation.”

George Mason’s workforce-ready minor programs currently span seven schools and colleges. They are designed to complement any major, and all programs include internship-based courses and career-relevant assignments, giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience and ensuring career readiness. Available minors include environmental consulting, government contracting, nonprofit studies, renewable energy, leadership, arts management, and more. These programs are designated in the course catalog for the first time this fall, making them easier for students to identify and explore.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The workforce-ready minors are strategically aligned with high-demand occupations identified by the Virginia Career and Technical Education Resource Center, a Virginia Department of Education-funded initiative that helps ensure that academic programs remain connected to the needs of employers across the commonwealth. These occupations are grouped into 17 career clusters—including energy, health sciences, information technology, and government and public administration—and represent 83 distinct career pathways.

“In the years ahead, we anticipate significant growth within these career clusters,” said Loun. “By helping students develop in-demand skills, our workforce-ready minor programs prepare George Mason students to pursue opportunities in these fields and contribute as future leaders.”

To expand access to career-focused learning opportunities across the curriculum, George Mason launched the Workforce-Ready Minors initiative earlier this year. Through the initiative, faculty members received stipends to modify programs, enhance courses, or create internship courses.

In the School of Art, Professor John von Bergen used the grant to redesign AVT 462 Advanced Sculpture, an upper-level course that teaches students advanced 3D fabrication techniques used in contemporary creative industries. With the Workforce-Ready Minors program, von Bergen enhanced the course to have a career-relevant focus each week. Throughout the semester, students create presentation materials tailored to careers in art, design, fabrication, and creative technology, participate in resume workshops, and engage with industry professionals to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. This course is scheduled to be offered in fall 2027.

“We received a tremendous response to our call for proposals this spring and summer,” said Loun. “The strong interest from faculty enabled us to double the number of workforce-ready minor programs in just a few months. In some cases, existing programs already met the workforce-ready minor criteria and required no additional funding.”

She continued, “With a final round of grants being distributed this fall, we look forward to building on this momentum and broadening our portfolio of offerings even further.”

Browse workforce-ready minors

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George Mason career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment

ckearney — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:04:30 +0000

George Mason career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment ckearney Thu, 07/09/2026 - 14:04

Many of ��ɫ��Ƶ’s career fairs are large multi-day events, hosting hundreds of employers and capping the number of students in attendance each day. On a Friday in April, there was a smaller version of a career fair, hosted in the Johnson Center Bistro, for participants in the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) and the Executive Functioning Program (EFP). Both fee-based programs are offered through Disability Services for degree-seeking students.

Fairfax County Government was among the employers meeting with students at the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

The MASI/EFP Career Fair is intentionally small—no more than 15 employers, said EFP’s Assistant Director Sharon Toda, who started the event. It is designed to create a more accessible, lower-pressure environment for neurodivergent students who may encounter barriers (e.g., social interaction, new environments) when accessing traditional career fairs.

Prior to the event, students participated in a career readiness workshop conducted in partnership with University Career Services. The workshop helped students build confidence, prepare questions, and develop strategies for navigating and communicating with employers during the fair.

What started as a small project collaborating with local employers who had neurodiversity programs has evolved into a larger event. The MASI/EFP Career Fair now brings various partner organizations to campus, enhancing student engagement and networking opportunities. Prominent organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Fairfax County government are among the participants.

At the spring 2026 career fair, for the first time, participating students were provided with the opportunity to have headshots taken for professional purposes. Additionally, Fairfax County’s Community Services Board and Supported Employment program, which assists county residents with disabilities, participated by offering information and resources on health and wellness. They also provided support in accessing resources to navigate employment opportunities and job coaching support.

USGS geologist Mercer Parker talks with a student. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This year 10 employers participated either in-person or virtually. One employer that has been involved from the beginning is Melwood. Elizabeth A. Foster, Melwood’s director of career exploration and development, said this event is a perfect fit for the organization. “My big thing is to try to get people who are neurodivergent, jobs or training or whatever supports they need to be successful,” said Foster. “I love that I have seen amazing growth [at George Mason]. I just saw a fantastic resume. It's the kind of resume that I would expect from somebody who's been out in the field for years.”

The USGS had a table to promote its work transition program, Secondary Transition to Employment Program (STEP-UP). “What we do is we find their skill sets and their passions, and we figure out how they fit into the USGS,” said geologist Mercer Parker. “I tell students: Whether you are a creative designer, an economist, or a musician, there's a place for you in the federal government.”

Christann Chanell, a visitor experience coordinator at the National Postal Museum who is neurodivergent herself, said participating in the career fair is a way for her to give back to this community. “It's a way to let people know that companies and organizations are aware and will support their journey and their career. For me, that’s the main inspiration.”

Her colleague MaryBeth Wagner, adult programs manager for the National Postal Museum, concurs. “The Smithsonian Institution is very passionate about accessibility,” said Wagner. “We have staff members who need a little bit more support in their roles and letting more students know that these opportunities are available is very rewarding.”

The Johnson Center Bistro was the setting for the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This was the second MASI/EFP career fair that computer game design major Danish Parvez has attended. Parvez has been involved in MASI since his sophomore year. He came with a list of questions he planned to ask the employers, such as, “What makes someone a good candidate for a job with their company?” He also said he practiced how to present himself and his experience—these skills have already served him well when looking for a summer job.

“MASI’s really helped me navigate [the university environment],” Parvez said. “It's given me more skills to adapt. I feel like I was a bit lost my first year. I've come a long way since then.”

According to Toda, the career fair is one of the initiatives that MASI/EFP aims to support and prepare students for post-graduation and their transitions into the workforce. The goal in creating a smaller scaled career fair is to provide students in the programs with a platform to build confidence and practice in networking and expand their understanding of various career opportunities.

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George Mason’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer

sbrown79 — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:28:37 +0000

George Mason’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer sbrown79 Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:28

A new high-resolution mass spectrometer is coming to ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Center for Molecular Engineering (CME) this fall, thanks to $1 million Community Project Funding.

Mikell Paige. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The federal funding was by sponsored by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (10th District) and emphasizes George Mason’s place as one of only six Virginia universities with Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s R1 designation. 

The spectrometer, which will be housed at George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, will be instrumental in expanding regional research capacity and workforce training. Curricula utilizing the spectrometer is currently in development.

“I want to thank Congressman Subramanyam and his staff for securing this federal funding. With the mass spectrometer, we can train students in data acquisition and analysis tools,” said Mikell Paige, director of CME and chair of George Mason’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science. “Our center has also been working with local biotechs, government agencies, and other universities. Researchers in these partner facilities rely on us for data analysis, and George Mason students will be able to go into these local industries that require these skillsets after they graduate.”

Through the center, Paige has built a robust group of collaborators including institutions, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Capital Biosciences, and Amerimmune, and universities, such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, Georgetown, and the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany.

George Mason's Center for Molecular Engineering team. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Paige has a background in synthetic chemistry and works in drug discovery, meaning he can synthesize novel, small molecules and design drug molecules as potential medicine. His work has centered on antibacterial and antiviral efforts, and areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis—areas where small molecules are necessary for the research process. 

When Paige came to George Mason, he wanted to build a program where he could conduct and expand this research alongside his students. Their work on mass spectrometry prompted their need for the high-resolution component for small molecules. 

“We will also have a continuing education component where local industries could send their companies to come train with our faculty and students to learn how to do the data analysis on their own, as well as provide the core services where they can do a fee-for-service running of samples,” said Paige.

“This opportunity makes our center an amazing place for us all to meet other academics and collaborate.”

“There is tremendous research and discovery happening right here in our region,” said Subramanyam. “I can’t wait to see what the mass spectrometer will allow Professor Paige and George Mason students to accomplish as they work toward improving our understanding of medicine.”

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ACCESS Academy students refurbish computers to serve their community

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:44:57 +0000

ACCESS Academy students refurbish computers to serve their community Katarina Benson Tue, 06/16/2026 - 09:44

When Raihan Mahmood joined ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy, he was looking for more than a traditional high school experience. Drawn to the opportunity to earn college credit, collaborate with industry professionals, and engage in authentic learning experiences, Mahmood quickly found himself making a real difference.

ACCESS Academy students setting up laptops for Loudoun County Public Schools. Photo provided

This spring, a computer refurbishment project challenged ACCESS Academy students to prepare 100 used laptops for distribution to Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) graduating seniors and other learners in need. Mahmood jumped on the project, excited to have an opportunity to combine his technical skills with helping others.

Mahmood and the other students installed operating systems, reimaged devices, and ensured the computers were functioning properly so they could be distributed.

The work required careful attention to detail. Every device had to be tested and verified, making quality control one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Along the way, students gained valuable technical skills.

The project also reflected the core mission of ACCESS Academy, which emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. The academy is an innovative partnership between George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development, LCPS, and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) based in Northern Virginia for students in grades 9-12. This program is designed to give students a no-cost alternative educational pathway that expands access to information technology (IT) education and skills essential for IT careers.

The opportunity allowed students to help their community while learning technical skills. Photo provided

“For ACCESS Academy students, opportunities like these provide meaningful exposure to professional environments and help build the technical, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for future careers," said Jeremy Shughart, ACCESS Academy coordinator for LCPS. “This was an incredible opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while supporting and connecting with local Loudoun County students.”

Unlike traditional classroom assignments, the refurbishment project allowed students to see the direct impact of their work while gaining experience that is already shaping their future interests and career goals.

Mahmood said one of the biggest surprises about ACCESS Academy has been how quickly students become immersed in real-world projects and college-level coursework. The experience reinforced an important lesson about the role technology plays in education and everyday life. Mahmood believes access to technology is essential for learning, communication, and collaboration, and he hopes the students who receive the computers will be able to use them to pursue their educational goals and opportunities.

Hands-on learning is a key tenet of ACCESS Academy. Photo provided

"Seeing the laptops being distributed was probably the moment I felt most proud," Mahmood said. "We were able to take something we worked on and put it directly into the hands of people who could benefit from it."

More than anything, he hopes his experience demonstrates what students can accomplish when they are trusted with meaningful opportunities.

"Even high school students can make a difference if they are given the right opportunity," he said.

For Mahmood and his ACCESS Academy classmates, the project was more than simply repairing laptops. It was discovering the power of applying their skills to solve real problems, support their communities, and create opportunities for others.

Learn more about ACCESS Academy

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Skills-focused academic minor programs prepare George Mason students for the workforce
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October 9, 2026
George Mason helps teachers bring quantum science into K-12 classrooms
October 8, 2026
Twenty George Mason researchers receive 4-VA funding for collaborative research
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Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it

ckearney — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:16 +0000

Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it ckearney Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:05

Today during a naming event in Manassas, Virginia, ��ɫ��Ƶ, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas officially unveiled Nexus234 Innovation District, marking a milestone that has been decades in the making.

The nearly 6,000-acre destination, named for the Route 234 corridor that runs through its heart, is Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District and positions the region as a national destination for research-driven industry. Centered around Innovation Park alongside George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, Nexus234 connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology companies ranging from startups to global firms across sectors including life sciences, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, data centers, and AI infrastructure.

Designed to accelerate the path from discovery to deployment, Nexus234 provides an environment where research, workforce training, and industry collaboration intersect to support economic growth and commercialization.

From left, Sumeet Shrivastava, vice rector of the George Mason Board of Visitors; Amy Adams, executive director of the SciTech Innovation District, and George Mason President Gregory Washington at the launch of Nexus234 Innovation District on Friday, April 24. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

"None of this happened all of a sudden. It was years in the making,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. "You have the right community, you have the right components, you have the right leadership. You mix all that together and throw in Virginia’s largest R1 institution. You want an education system that produces a pipeline of high paying jobs, that partners with the business community and provides accountability to the public. That’s what we’ve been putting in place at George Mason."

The naming event coincided with the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) conference, bringing visitors from across the country to tour Nexus234 and engage with researchers, students, and anchor companies including Micron, General Dynamics’ Progeny Systems, and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Attendees got a firsthand look at workforce training programs, an international soft-landing initiative, the NOVA LIVE dynamic campus, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Leaders emphasized Nexus234’s competitive advantage for development that includes tech-flex industrial space, incubator and accelerator programs, and sites for commercial and mixed-use expansion.

“Prince William County is building a destination for discovery,” said Chair-at-Large Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “Nexus234 reflects our long-term strategy to attract high-value industries, support groundbreaking research, and ensure companies have the space, talent, and infrastructure they need to grow.”

Nexus234 builds on 30 years of public–private collaboration, formalized through a $2.6M GO Virginia grant to create Northern Virginia’s first innovation district in June 2025 and matched by $1.3M in local investments from founding partners: ATCC, Didlake, ECU Communications, Dominion Energy, Employment Enterprises Inc., I-66 Express Mobility Partners, Garcia Family Foundation, Micron Technology Inc., Northern Virginia Community College, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).

“Nexus234 serves as a front door for companies like ours,” said CEO Ross Dunlap, Ceres Nanosciences. "As the first Endeavor incubator graduate, we have continued to grow within the innovation district and now operate more than 12,000 square feet of wet‑lab and manufacturing space, supporting the global distribution of our products. We’ve benefited from collaboration with local scientists, access to shared university facilities and equipment, hiring local talent, and regular opportunities to engage.”

Nexus234 includes approximately 330 acres available for laboratory, R&D, manufacturing, and office development, with a portion of land publicly controlled to support coordinated public-private growth.

President Gregory Washington (third from left) at Nexus234 Innovation District naming event. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Beyond economic metrics, Nexus234 represents a community investment—creating high-quality jobs, generating a new tax base, and reinforcing Manassas as a place where historic charm and forward-looking innovation come together,” said Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, City of Manassas. “As new companies are generated, and local and existing firms expand, the district is poised to become a nationally recognized destination for research and advanced industry.”

Conveniently located with access to Interstate 66, major rail corridors, and Manassas Regional Airport, and proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport, Nexus234 offers the connectivity to support both business growth and regional accessibility. With its proximity to federal agencies and one of the nation's largest data center ecosystems, Nexus234 positions the region to attract and support companies operating at the forefront of technology and applied research.

Learn more about Research at George Mason

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College of Education and Human Development launches initiative to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce

Katarina Benson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:04:24 +0000

College of Education and Human Development launches initiative to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce Katarina Benson Mon, 02/23/2026 - 11:04

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at ��ɫ��Ƶ is kicking off Future Ready Teachers, a new initiative designed to strengthen Virginia’s educator workforce by removing financial barriers, innovating and elevating teacher preparation, and supporting teachers from entry through their early years in the classroom.

Future Ready Teachers responds to a growing challenge in Virginia and across the nation: Too many aspiring educators step away from the profession—or leave it early—due to cost, limited early-career support, and salaries that often do not align with the cost of living. The result is a teacher shortage that disproportionately affects high-poverty, rural, and high-need schools, limiting PK–12 students’ access to stable, high-quality learning environments. With deep regional partnerships and a strong track record of preparing effective educators, George Mason is positioned to deliver a scalable, high-impact solution.

Future Ready Teachers supports future educators. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“At ��ɫ��Ƶ, we believe every aspiring educator deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial barriers or the realities of sustaining a career in teaching today,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of CEHD. “Future Ready Teachers reflects our responsibility to address the nation’s teacher shortage by investing not only in access, but in forward-looking innovative preparation, sustained support, and long-term success in the profession.”

The urgency is clear. Eighty-six percent of U.S. public schools report hiring challenges due to a lack of qualified applicants, with Virginia reporting more than 3,600 teacher vacancies in 2024-25. Each Future Ready Teachers scholar represents a stable classroom and hundreds of students reached over a career, strengthening schools and communities across the commonwealth.

“Teacher preparation is the cornerstone of educational excellence,” said Audra Parker, director of CEHD’s Office of Teacher Preparation. “When we invest in teachers and teacher preparation, we’re investing in the lives of students who will shape tomorrow’s future.”

The initiative focuses on three priorities: removing financial barriers, advancing teacher preparation for evolving classrooms demands, and supporting educators beyond graduation. Funds raised will provide full-ride and cost-of-living scholarships and sustain a rigorous model that integrates structured mentorship, a three-year induction program, and preparation for technology-enabled, data-rich learning environments, positioning teaching as a rigorous, future-ready profession designed to attract and retain top talent.

This comprehensive approach positions Future Ready Teachers as more than a scholarship effort; It is a workforce strategy designed to increase teacher retention, reduce preventable turnover, and strengthen long-term classroom stability.

“Future Ready Teachers represents a bold commitment to every child, every classroom, and every future,” said Guerra-López. “It is an investment in people and in the long-term strength and stability of our education system.”

This initiative supports the Advancing 21st-Century Education for All solution of George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

Future Ready Teachers is part of the Mason Now campaign.

��ɫ��Ƶ will build an accounting and financial management academy for the U.S. Navy

Katarina Benson — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:37:19 +0000

��ɫ��Ƶ will build an accounting and financial management academy for the U.S. Navy Katarina Benson Fri, 02/20/2026 - 15:37

��ɫ��Ƶ’s Learning Initiatives Network (LINK), through the Office of Continuing and Professional Education, will lead the creation and delivery of a new financial management academy for the U.S. Navy, drawing on expertise from the Costello College of Business.

The academy will deliver targeted, tailored training to strengthen financial management capabilities across the service and support the Navy’s goal of full audit readiness by 2028, a strategic priority of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

As one of the few universities in the country with a federal accounting focus and located in the National Capital Region, George Mason is uniquely positioned for this work. Through a five-year $48.7-million ceiling IDIQ contract ($53.5 million with options), the academy will equip 10,000 Navy financial management personnel worldwide with the skills needed to manage budgets, support audit requirements, and operate effectively within the Navy’s financial enterprise. The training will emphasize workforce readiness, helping professionals apply financial concepts within the Navy’s real systems, processes, and mission needs.

The effort also creates a pathway to degree completion for undergraduate and graduate programs at George Mason. In addition to workforce training, Navy students will be able to pursue degrees such as a BS in Business with an accounting concentration, an MS in Accounting, or a Master of Business Administration, and even earn a Graduate Certificate in Government Accounting as they progress through their graduate studies—helping fulfill an Office of Management and Budget requirement that financial management personnel complete 24 credit hours of accounting coursework.

“Our support of this effort is another example of how Costello is working to expand academic programs and lifelong learning opportunities for members of our military through workforce development programs and innovative collaborations with the U.S. Navy and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education,” said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business.

Brett Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives and associate professor. Photo provided

“It is an opportunity for us to come in and really help the Navy fulfill a major workforce training need,” said project lead Brett Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives for the university and associate professor of marketing in the Costello College of Business. “They identified a gap that needs to be filled to meet the department’s strategic priorities, and we are well-qualified to help them meet that need.”

At its core, the academy delivers customized instruction that aligns with the actual processes, challenges, and software used by the Navy, ensuring that learning is directly relevant and immediately applicable. Much of the instruction is delivered virtually, allowing personnel stationed internationally, from ship deployments to shore commands, to participate without interrupting their operational duties.

George Mason is also partnering with leading firms in the government accounting space, including Deloitte and Kearney & Company, to strengthen course design, instructional delivery, and applied learning components of the program.

The Navy’s selection of George Mason reflects the university’s established reputation for translating academic rigor into mission-focused training and for collaborating closely with federal partners to develop solutions that matter. The Navy had a need for a partner who could meet stringent technical requirements while bringing insight into adult learning and workforce development, strengths that the university has demonstrated across both public and private sectors.

“What they need isn’t just information. It is structured, applicable training that can be integrated with what their teams are already doing every day,” Josephson explained. “We are ready to meet them there and help build something impactful.”

Financial transparency and accountability are at the heart of institutional credibility, especially for an organization as large as the Navy. As financial systems grow in complexity, the ability to analyze, report, and defend fiscal decisions becomes more critical. The training delivered by George Mason aims to make those capabilities standard across the Navy workforce.

Participants in the program will leave with a deeper understanding of financial reporting standards, budgeting procedures, audit frameworks, and data interpretation techniques, all grounded in real scenarios reflective of Navy operations. This approach enhances individual competence and strengthens collective readiness, enabling the Navy to achieve its audit goals while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The partnership between George Mason and the Navy serves as a compelling example of how universities can support government missions beyond traditional research contracts. By focusing on customized education that yields practical benefits, the university is expanding the role of academic institutions as strategic partners, shaping skilled workforces capable of navigating 21st-century challenges.

This initiative highlights a broader trend in George Mason’s engagement with government and industry, leveraging university expertise to solve complex operational problems, particularly where knowledge gaps intersect with national priorities. In doing so, George Mason continues to embody its mission of advancing solutions for a changing world, aligning academic resources with the urgent needs of communities, organizations, and government partners.

“We have a long history of partnering with the Navy to support their workforce needs, including a custom internship program we launched in 2022 that brought cohorts of Costello students onto real Navy projects,” Josephson said. “We built that program as a service to the nation and to our students, and we’ve been honored to see this partnership deepen as we work together to support national security and help the Navy become more effective and efficient.”

Continuing and Professional Education at George Mason

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George Mason researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather

Katarina Benson — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:34:49 +0000

George Mason researcher leads $1 million NOAA project to improve seasonal forecasts of extreme weather Katarina Benson Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:34

When it comes to predicting extreme weather events, most people think of short-term forecasts such as flash floods or sudden storms. For farmers, water managers, and policymakers, however, the greater challenge often lies in anticipating seasonal extremes, including prolonged droughts or flooding. These events can have devastating economic and environmental impacts, particularly in states like Virginia, where drought ranks as the second costliest natural disaster after tropical cyclones.

Benjamin Cash, research professor in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences, is leading a $1 million project funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve seasonal precipitation forecasts in Virginia.

Cash is working extreme weather predictions. Photo by Laura Powers/College of Science

“We are trying to improve predictions of extremes and precipitation on the time scale of the season; something water managers need to know,” Cash said.

Historically, NOAA has employed specialized forecasting models tailored to different hazards and time scales. While this approach enabled advances in some areas, it also limited the ability to efficiently share improvements across forecasting models.

Cash’s research seeks to advance this framework through the Unified Forecast System (UFS), a single, open-source code base accessible to the research community. By consolidating modeling efforts, UFS streamlines maintenance and allows scientific innovations to benefit forecasts across short-range, medium-range, and seasonal scales.

This shift also reflects NOAA’s move toward a community-driven model, inviting researchers nationwide to use and improve the system. “More eyes on the model are more opportunities to improve it,” Cash said.

“Unlike exploratory modeling, this project takes a hypothesis-driven approach, asking targeted questions about how misrepresentations of key climate features, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, affects seasonal predictions,” Cash explained.

Through a series of controlled experiments, including long-term baseline runs and progressively constrained simulations, the team aims to isolate sources of error and identify ways to improve accuracy.

George Mason will also play a key role in the UFS project by expanding education and training opportunities for future climate scientists. The grant includes a hands-on component designed to teach students how to use NOAA’s forecasting models. Faculty members will develop tutorials and conduct practical sessions; refining materials as challenges arise, such as adapting models to different computing environments.

“We want students to be able to use it as a research tool in their classwork or as part of a thesis,” Cash said. “One element of the proposal is hands-on training for students in the climate dynamics program.”

Beyond George Mason, these resources will be shared with other institutions, enabling students nationwide to engage with advanced climate modeling and contribute to improvements in seasonal forecasting. Broadening access and participation to strengthen the next generation of researchers and accelerate innovation in climate prediction supports George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative and the goal of building a climate-resilient society.

The work will unfold in phases through 2028, beginning with long-term model simulations, followed by experiments that progressively constrain the model to observed conditions. Success will include not only answering key scientific questions but also uncovering unexpected issues, such as bugs in model code, that lead to broader improvements.

“My hope is that at the end of this project we will have made measurable, tangible contributions toward improving seasonal forecasts for the United States, particularly precipitation extremes,” Cash said.

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of building a more climate-resilient society.

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Innovation District hosts industry-informed life science skills course to support Virginia’s growing workforce needs

Katarina Benson — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:08:46 +0000

Innovation District hosts industry-informed life science skills course to support Virginia’s growing workforce needs Katarina Benson Tue, 02/10/2026 - 11:08

Throughout Virginia, the life sciences sector is gaining momentum as major pharmaceutical companies invest billions in new facilities and operations. As a result, employers need to find people who can step into laboratory and manufacturing roles right away.

Businesses have been consistent in what they are looking for. Educational training is important, but on-the-job experience is harder to find. That gap inspired the week-long Life Science Skill Development Course held in January on ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus.

Hosted by the Innovation District, the session was led by Virginia Espina, a research professor in George Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, and Kimberly Clem, a high containment suite lab manager for George Mason’s Biomedical Research Laboratory, whose combined industry and academic backgrounds span GLP/GMP-certified and CAP/CLIA-accredited lab settings.

Students gain skills in the Biomedical Research Lab. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We built the curriculum around the common pain points we see most often in entry-level professionals, especially when it comes to hands-on competencies, lab math, and data recording,” said Espina.

Conversations with life science companies and workforce partners helped shape a program focused on bench-based learning rather than traditional classroom instruction.

“Employers across the life sciences consistently look for early‑career professionals with a solid foundation in practical lab skills, good documentation habits, and an understanding of quality expectations,” said Heather Branscome, a senior scientist at American Type Culture Collection. “Equally important are transferable qualities such as attention to detail, problem‑solving, and the ability to work effectively in a team.”

Attendees arrived with different backgrounds and goals. Some were early in their careers, others were transitioning to new ones, and many were looking for firsthand exposure to feel more comfortable in technical roles. They also had the opportunity to earn a digital skills badge tied to performance and meeting course requirements.

Northern Virginia Community College student Berkay Erdogan works with one of the microscopes. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We weren’t just following steps. We had to understand why each one mattered,” said course participant Berkay Erdogan, a student in the biotechnology program at Northern Virginia Community College. “Troubleshooting through challenges made it seem a lot more realistic."

The Innovation District is led jointly by George Mason, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George Mason’s SciTech Campus. The district and its workforce training programs are supported through funding from GO Virginia, a statewide initiative focused on growing Virginia’s economy by aligning talent development with the needs of industry. Grounded in employer input and professional standards, the Innovation District’s offerings help equip people with the capabilities companies value as the life sciences sector continues to scale in the commonwealth.

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