Campus News

�鶹��Ƶ Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development

Katarina Benson — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 00:42:48 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development Katarina Benson Fri, 06/06/2025 - 20:42

�鶹��Ƶ Korea recently hosted the inaugural iDesign Seminar: K-Content in collaboration with Incheon City. The event brought together academic, government, and industry leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Korea’s cultural content sector. It was supported by Incheon Metropolitan City, Incheon Tourism Organization, Hanwha Corporation, and SM C&C.

During the seminar, �鶹��Ƶ Korea announced plans to establish a K-Content Research Center, which will provide academic and policy support for “K-con-land,” a new Korean-content hub initiative led by the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ).

K-Content Seminar panelists. Photo provided

The event opened with a congratulatory address from Joshua Park, campus dean of �鶹��Ƶ Korea. The first session, under the theme “Decode,” featured K-pop expert Gyu Tag Lee, an associate professor of global affairs at �鶹��Ƶ Korea who presented on the growth of K-content from a discourse analysis perspective.

This was followed by the “Deploy” session, which included case presentations by four industry practitioners—Bomin Seo (Incheon City), Song Jae Lee (SM C&C), Taehyun Kim (Incheon Tourism Organization), and Beom-seok Moon (Hanwha)—who shared real-world insights on policy, branding, tourism, and content innovation.

The experts shared their thoughts on the global potential of K-content, best practice case studies, and concrete policy ideas to help position Incheon as a global content hub.

In the final session, Lee moderated a panel discussion on how Incheon can drive K-content creation. �鶹��Ƶ Korea students also contributed thoughtful questions during the Q&A session, sparking further dialogue.

“The Korean Wave, or Hallyu—which refers to the globalization of K-culture and K-content—has already spanned nearly 30 years,” said Lee. “It began with the popularity of Korean dramas in Chinese-speaking regions and has since expanded to K-pop and the broader realm of Korean media and culture. Now is the time to envision the future of K-culture and K-content. This requires not only strong central government support but also regional efforts to develop K-content.”

“�鶹��Ƶ Korea has long engaged in research and education on Hallyu, the K-pop music industry, K-games, and public diplomacy, involving experts from various fields,” said Park. “The K-Content Research Center, to be launched this year, will work closely with Incheon City to develop local content discourse, advance academic research, promote programs, and nurture future talent.”

He added, “This seminar serves as a model of university-industry-government cooperation and a meaningful starting point for shaping the future of K-content. �鶹��Ƶ Korea will continue to expand research and education collaborations with domestic institutions, businesses, and universities to play a trusted role as a global gateway contributing to the development of Korea’s K-content industry.”

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Cowen named to inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List

Colleen Rich — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:51:41 +0000

Cowen named to inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List Colleen Rich Fri, 06/06/2025 - 10:51

�鶹��Ƶ economics professor and alumnus Tyler Cowen, BS Economics ’83, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in philanthropy.

Cowen is being recognized for his leadership of Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program, housed at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Mercatus Center, that backs entrepreneurial thinkers and doers with extraordinary potential. Since its launch, Emergent Ventures has funded more than 1,000 individuals around the world who are advancing work across a wide array of fields, including science, policy, and journalism.

“I’ve focused on trying to mobilize talent that otherwise is not discovered or inspired,” Cowen told TIME, explaining that he screens most of the applications himself.

Emergent Ventures’ successes include funding one of the first COVID-19 saliva tests via its Fast Grants program and a prison reform startup that used data analysis to identify more than 150,000 safe candidates for early release.

“Tyler's vision for Emergent Ventures is to do philanthropy differently,” said Economics Department chair Daniel Houser. “He created a highly effective and influential approach to broad-based giving that includes rapid decisions and taking an occasional risk. Tyler supports leading established scholars and also helps to develop prodigies at earlier stages of their career, sometimes as early as high school.”

Cowen, who has led Emergent Ventures since 2018, is the director of the Mercatus Center and a faculty member of the Economics Department’s The Center for Study of Public Choice. A nationally renowned economist, he is a columnist for The Free Press and contributes daily to the Marginal Revolution blog.

Responding to the honor, Cowen wrote on the blog, “It is the Emergent Ventures winners who deserve the real credit, thanks to them!”

The inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list recognizes 100 individuals who are reimagining the ways giving can drive meaningful change. Philanthropists from 28 countries made the list, including Warren Buffet, Michael Bloomberg, and Oprah Winfrey. Cowen was recognized in the innovators category along with Catherine, Princess of Wales; skateboarder Tony Hawk; and actor Michael Sheen.

The full list is available at here. Read more about Cowen’s work with Emergent Ventures here.

Tyler Cowen joined University President Gregory Washington on the Access to Excellence podcast to discuss Emergent Ventures. Listen to the episode.

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George �鶹��Ƶ launches Grand Challenge Initiative to secure sustainable, prosperous future

Katarina Benson — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:45:23 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ launches Grand Challenge Initiative to secure sustainable, prosperous future Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 14:45

�鶹��Ƶ has launched its Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI), a comprehensive research framework backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment. The initiative will align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas addressing what George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington describes as “humanity’s ultimate grand challenge”—securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future.

“Our world is at a crossroads,” he said. “It is time to either brace for global decline and a future that none of us want, or seize control of our destiny and work to reverse course. It will take all of us working together on all these solutions at once to alter the trajectory of our future.”

The initiative, developed through a faculty-driven task force led by Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, focuses on six grand solutions:

Advancing 21st-century education for all
Building a climate-resilient society
Driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure
Improving human health, well-being, and preparedness
Pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration
Strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy

In the latest episode of the Access to Excellence podcast, Marshall discusses this new initiative and how it will shape the future of our university.

“George �鶹��Ƶ is driven by discovery,” said Marshall. “This means unleashing our bold ideas from their theoretical and laboratory boundaries, thoughtfully cultivating them as they take shape, and fearlessly deploying them as innovations that will transform our lives.”

GCI will enhance educational opportunities, increase faculty talent and expertise, align current research projects, seed new proposals, and build essential infrastructure across George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses. Working in conjunction with the university’s billion-dollar �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible campaign, the initiative seeks partnerships with government, industry, and nongovernmental organizations.

Several pioneering projects already are underway, including:

A $5 million U.S. Department of Education grant to expand the number of counselors serving high-need schools
A $1 million Google-funded cybersecurity clinic partnership with Howard University
A $6 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to help local communities become climate-resilient
A $1.78 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to improve maternal and child health through a study on environmental impacts and health outcomes
The Landolt NASA Space Mission is George �鶹��Ƶ’s first space mission and will place an artificial “star” in orbit to enhance telescope calibration
The Carter School was named a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 Hub Chair, one of only two U.S. universities selected for peace and conflict resolution

As the most innovative public university in Virginia according to U.S. News & World Report rankings for two consecutive years, George �鶹��Ƶ continues to expand its research footprint and economic impact across the commonwealth.

A media tool kit for the George �鶹��Ƶ community is currently being developed. This will include graphics, Powerpoint slides, and email signatures, and it will be made available on the GCI website.

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NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room

Katarina Benson — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:59:12 +0000

NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 13:59

�鶹��Ƶ's College of Engineering and Computing announces the opening of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation at Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

The E2 Center, the largest of its kind in the United States, engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. The center was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, powered by the Virginia Department of Energy, a strategic investment in Virginia’s nuclear energy workforce development.

NuScale E2 Centers, including the one at George �鶹��Ƶ, feature a state-of-the-art simulator that replicates a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) control room. Students at George �鶹��Ƶ will have the unique opportunity to assume the role of a control room operator, engaging with real-life scenarios that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

NuScale control room. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“This cutting-edge SMR control room simulator will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George �鶹��Ƶ. “Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”

George �鶹��Ƶ is invested in solving humanity’s ultimate grand challenge: securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. As a part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, the simulator is part of George �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to advancing a 21st-century education for all as well as building a climate-resilient society.

The establishment of NuScale’s E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ also marks a significant advancement for Virginia's educational landscape, preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals to engage with the evolving energy industry.

"A reliable and increasingly clean energy future is what the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is all about," said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy. "With this investment alongside world-class higher-education partners at George �鶹��Ƶ and cutting-edge industry leaders at NuScale, we're ensuring Virginia has the energy to power our thriving economy and the expertise to continue leading the nation in innovation, education, and opportunity."

“The opening of NuScale’s E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ reinforces our mission to drive innovation in nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Together, we are shaping a skilled nuclear-ready workforce and fostering a more informed public, providing a strong foundation for the future of clean, reliable energy in Virginia and around the world.”

User in the lab. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square is a 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The E2 Center, which opened at the end of May, offers opportunities outside the college curriculum, including practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students, to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy.

In addition to the E2 Center at George �鶹��Ƶ, NuScale has centers at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Seoul National University. Learn more about NuScale E2 Centers here.

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Carter School dean leads peacebuilding workshop in Hiroshima

Katarina Benson — Fri, 30 May 2025 17:51:01 +0000

Carter School dean leads peacebuilding workshop in Hiroshima Katarina Benson Fri, 05/30/2025 - 13:51

In This Story

Alpaslan Özerdem

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at �鶹��Ƶ, opened the 2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan Young Trilateral Leaders Regional Workshop Series, held in May at the Hiroshima Bunka Koryu Kaikan.

The opening ceremony featured a welcome from Özerdem, as well as remarks by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, U.S. Consul General for Osaka/Kobe Jason Cubas, and Republic of Korea Consul General for Hiroshima Hojeung Kang.

Dean Özerdem. Photo provided

Özerdem also led a workshop session that focused on the opportunities new technologies offer for peacebuilding, designed to help the 26 young leaders from Japan, South Korea, and the United States deepen their understanding of conflict resolution, inter-group reconciliation, and international relations from historical and cultural perspectives.

The young leaders have been working in four multi-national teams to develop plans that will utilize emerging technologies to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate and address the complex challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on big data and artificial intelligence, the challenges of mis/disinformation, the future of cybersecurity, the transformative power of peace-oriented technology, and technological platforms for social reconciliation activities between Japan and Korea.

“We believe that empowering young people with the tools and skills of peacebuilding—especially through the innovative use of technology—unlocks tremendous potential for transformative change across societies,” Özerdem said. “I am especially honored that this workshop is taking place in Hiroshima, a city whose history powerfully reminds us of the critical need for peace and reconciliation. We view this U.S. Department of State-funded project as a timely and valuable opportunity to build lasting partnerships with local peacebuilders in Hiroshima and beyond.”

The workshop series comprises four phases. The Hiroshima session was the third phase. Phase one began with four weeks of online pre-learning, conducted from March 10 to April 4. The second phase featured the first in-person workshop, held in Incheon, South Korea, from May 11 to 14. The series will conclude with a fourth and final session, an online evaluation scheduled for early June.

YTL workshop participants. Photo provided

Özerdem’s outreach work ties to George �鶹��Ƶ’s recently launched Grand Challenge Initiative and the work being done across the university to strengthen trust and engagement in democratic institutions and foster global stability by bridging economic divides and advancing strategic alliances and diplomacy.

The Carter School was also recently named a United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Hub Chair for Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. As chair, Özerdem and his team will be responsible for education and training, research, community engagement, developing partnerships, and working with other SDG hubs to strengthen and further the United Nations’ mission of peace and justice.

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George �鶹��Ƶ professor teaches Pre-K-12 teachers how to make their lessons more accessible

Sarah Holland — Thu, 29 May 2025 17:18:12 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ professor teaches Pre-K-12 teachers how to make their lessons more accessible Sarah Holland Thu, 05/29/2025 - 13:18

Ten years ago, navigating the intersection of Roanoke River Road and Braddock Road by �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus was a challenge. The busy intersection, with five lanes of traffic, was difficult to cross even during off hours. Now, accessible, audio, and haptic cues make crossing much safer for everyone.

We have Kimberly Avila, associate professor of special education: blindness and visual impairments, to thank for that.

Not only is Avila working to create a more accessible campus—working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to upgrade and improve intersections and promoting dismount zones for pedestrian safety—Avila has been a service provider and teacher of the visually impaired, as well as an advocate for accessibility, for more than 25 years.

“It’s a fascinating field,” she said. “We have so much going on: the technology, the innovation. Things have progressed so rapidly.”

But the field is facing one critical shortage: teachers for elementary and secondary schools.

Students in the consortium program visit Fairfax Campus for the weekend workshop in June. Photo provided.

The Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Blindness and Vision Impairment is a long-running, state-funded program to recruit, train, and retain teachers for students who are blind and visually impaired. At George �鶹��Ƶ, the lead university on the grant, that training comes in multiple levels and forms: an undergraduate major and minor, master’s concentration, and graduate certificate. Old Dominion University and Radford University serve as co-collaborators.

Avila serves as the lead coordinator, and she teaches most of the classes that are blindness specific. Courses are mostly synchronous online, so students throughout Virginia can participate while maintaining teaching positions.

Vision impairment can be either ocular or neurological: stemming from either the eyes themselves or from how the brain processes what is seen. Because of this, it’s not always obvious when a student has a vision impairment. Avila notes that about 90% of the students with low vision show symptoms that are only obvious to those with training.

And without the ability to see or perceive visual content, access to education in the classroom is impacted. Being unable to see or read what’s written on a presentation, smart board, or chalkboard, missing important demonstrations, and being unable to understand instructions on worksheets or homework all can cause students to rapidly fall behind.

“It is extremely important that general education and special education administrators are aware of the cues that could signify learning is being impacted by a student’s eyesight,” explained Avila, “and to know how to adapt the classroom environment to support that student’s learning ability.”

Photo provided

Throughout the various degree paths, students learn foundational knowledge on how to spot signs of possible vision impairment, how to develop and implement accessible classroom designs and lesson plans, and how to read braille. And, as with most degrees in education, they are required to complete field experience hours. In this case, their experiences are often teaching braille to a child with vision impairment, or working with mentors and teachers to design solutions to support a child’s success in their classroom through various adaptive and assistive technologies. They even spend a weekend on the Fairfax Campus during the summer to be trained in using a white cane and learning guiding techniques, so they can better understand the nuances of safely and effectively guiding someone who may need assistance.

“When George �鶹��Ƶ first took over the program in 2007, it had the ingenuity and innovation to redevelop the program through incorporating the available technologies,” said Avila. “And George �鶹��Ƶ continues to show that it’s committed to supporting our program because it serves a critical need.”

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Lewis appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee

Katarina Benson — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:38:57 +0000

Lewis appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee Katarina Benson Wed, 05/28/2025 - 15:38

Marvin Lewis, �鶹��Ƶ's assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has been appointed by the Atlantic 10 to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, marking a historic moment for George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics. Lewis is the program's inaugural representative on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee.

He succeeds Saint Joseph's vice president and director of Athletics, Jill Bodensteiner, who is stepping down after three years of service on the committee.

Marvin Lewis. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Marvin is the perfect choice to serve on the committee moving forward," said Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "His support, passion, and knowledge of women's basketball will be of great service to the Division I membership."

"It is an honor to serve on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee and to represent �鶹��Ƶ and the Atlantic 10," said Lewis. "This is an exciting and transformative time for women's basketball, marked by unprecedented growth in attendance, media reach, and national interest. I experienced this momentum firsthand while supporting George �鶹��Ƶ's women's basketball during its historic first NCAA Tournament appearance this past season—and it deepened my passion and commitment to advancing the women's game. I'm eager to work alongside my fellow committee members to help shape a competitive and compelling NCAA Tournament that continues to elevate the sport on a national stage."

Previously, former George �鶹��Ƶ Athletic Director Tom O'Connor made history when he joined the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee in 2004—the first representative from the Colonial Athletic Association to the committee. O'Connor served a five-year term and was named chair for the 2007–08 season.

Lewis will be part of the 12-member committee that will be chaired by Amanda Braun, director of athletics at Milwaukee. Other committee members include Vicky Chun of Yale; Liz Darger of Brigham Young; Amy Folan of Central Michigan; Josh Heird of Louisville; Jeff Konya of San Jose State; Jill Redmond of the Missouri Valley Conference; Colleen Sorem of Maryland; Candice Storey Lee of Vanderbilt; Lynn Tighe of Villanova; and newly appointed committee member Ashleigh Simmons of Western Carolina.

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�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 noted for record support from the George �鶹��Ƶ community

Colleen Rich — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:18:12 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 noted for record support from the George �鶹��Ƶ community Colleen Rich Wed, 05/28/2025 - 14:18

Each year, �鶹��Ƶ Nation unites for 24 hours to support the mission and vision of �鶹��Ƶ. �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 encouraged donors to support what means the most to them. They came forward in record numbers—with record-breaking results.

More than 1,900 donors participated in this year’s �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day, breaking last year’s record and raising $1.38 million.

By the Numbers

1,924 donors

322 new donors

43.5% alumni donors

26.1% community partner donors

17.5% faculty/staff donors

$1.38 million raised

207 funds supported

"It’s a wonderful showing from our community of alumni, faculty, staff, families, and friends, and I could not be more proud of that support,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation and George �鶹��Ƶ’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations.

Donors made more than 2,300 gifts during the 24-hour period from noon April 3 to noon April 4, supporting 207 distinct funds across the university. These included campus-wide programs like the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative, the Center for Community Mental Health, and the Patriot Pantry—programs that strongly impact the experience of hundreds of George �鶹��Ƶ students as well as members of our local community.

Several of George �鶹��Ƶ’s individual units saw exceptional support throughout the day, spurred by challenge gifts and matching opportunities that allowed individual gifts to work to create more meaningful impact. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Public Health, and the Honors College were among the areas that benefited from the enthusiastic generosity of donors.

Zofia Burr, dean of the Honors College, was very pleased with the generosity of donors to the college. “The Honors College walks in step with the important mission of �鶹��Ƶ: to offer exceptional access to an exceptional education,” she said. “Our students are leaders—in academics and everywhere on campus. We are proud of our program that brings such highly motivated students to the university community, and it means a great deal to know that our alumni recognize the value of the Honors College education and experience.”

The �鶹��Ƶ Nation of alumni, now 250,000 strong, was responsible for the bulk of the gifts made on �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day. “The generosity of our alumni community is particularly inspirational,” said Bowden. “They give to George �鶹��Ƶ in so many ways, through their time, talents, and in this case, their treasure. They are a living tribute to what this university experience means, and what it means to be a Patriot.”

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George �鶹��Ƶ receives key investments from state budget for affordability, operations, veterans’ support, business development and employee compensation

Katarina Benson — Wed, 28 May 2025 17:21:24 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ receives key investments from state budget for affordability, operations, veterans’ support, business development and employee compensation Katarina Benson Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:21

The state budget, signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on May 2, represents the Commonwealth of Virginia’s continued investment in �鶹��Ƶ as the state’s leading university for access, innovation and upward mobility. The funding goes into effect July 1, 2025.

Support for Students

The university received $7,432,000 to maintain affordability and $1,984,000 in financial aid assistance. On May 1, George �鶹��Ƶ’s Board of Visitors (BOV) voted to keep tuition costs flat for in-state students, in recognition of the university’s commitment to being an affordable option for students and families across the commonwealth. At the same meeting, the BOV approved a tuition increase for out-of-state students as well as an increase in mandatory student fees for all students.

The budget also includes an additional $3 million in operating support.

“[Senate] Chairwoman Louise Lucas, [House] Chairman Luke Torian, and the committee membership have many demands on their time and resources, and we work to ensure they see the return on investment coming from George �鶹��Ƶ back to the commonwealth,” said Lauren Posey.

Senators Barbara Favola, Dave Marsden, Jeremy McPike, Stella Pekarsky, Todd Pillion, and Bryce Reeves and Delegates David Bulova, Paul Krizek, David Reid, and Briana Sewell were instrumental as George �鶹��Ƶ budget patrons this session, said Posey, director of state government relations for the university.

Support for Veterans

George �鶹��Ƶ's Legislative and Alumni Reception in Richmond. Photo provided

The FY26 budget includes reoccurring funding for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. With more than 4,700 students identifying as active-duty service members, veterans, or dependents, George �鶹��Ƶ is a vital resource for Virginia’s largest military-connected community. The university earned the top spot in Virginia and nationally among public universities for its MBA program for veterans from U.S. News & World Report, and was ranked first in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for its master’s in nursing for veterans. In September 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked George �鶹��Ƶ as one of the state’s best colleges for veterans, and the university is continually recognized as a Military Friendly institution, earning a silver ranking for 2025-26.

Driving Virginia Business Development

The budget also included $700,000 in dedicated investment to sustain Virginia’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)—a network of 25 centers that has served more than 11,000 clients, providing no-cost counseling and training services to local entrepreneurs across the state. The centers are operated through a cooperative agreement with �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise. SBDCs are a key part of the �鶹��Ƶ Virginia Promise, which provides a pathway to a four-year degree for any Virginian who wants one, or help starting a business.

Faculty and Staff Compensation

At the A-10 men’s basketball playoff game, President Washington, Del. David Bulova, Del. Briana Sewell, Alumni Del. Bill Wiley, Del. Mark Sickles, Sen. Jeremy McPike, House Majority Leader Del. Charniele Herring, and Del. Michael Webert with his son, and Nicole Washington are pictured with Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and several members of the women’s basketball team. Photo provided

State employees employed on or before February 25 will receive a 1.5% one-time bonus under the new budget, to be paid on June 16. Classified staff hired on or before March 10, 2025, who received a performance rating of “contributor” or higher will receive a 3% across-the-board base salary increase. Instructional/research and administrative faculty will receive a 1.5% increase plus possible additional increases based on market, performance, or other considerations. Raises will be effective June 10 for July 1 paychecks for 12-month faculty and classified staff paid semi-monthly, and in September 16 paychecks for 9-month faculty.

With the budget approved, the state government relations team is preparing for George �鶹��Ƶ’s six-year plan with state agencies, coordinating tours and events with state legislators, and looking ahead to this year’s state elections in November.

Government Relations Team at Work

“We appreciate the commonwealth’s continued support. This historic investment into George �鶹��Ƶ allows us to deliver a high-quality education while providing an excellent value,” said Posey.

The government relations team, led by Vice President for Government and Community Relations Paul Liberty, works throughout the year to develop relationships with national and state leaders, including Congress and the General Assembly.

Liberty, Posey, and Tyler Javonillo, assistant director of state government relations, collaborate with university administrators to prepare for meetings with state leaders. During the session, George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington briefed the Northern Virginia delegation and met with a variety of legislators to discuss the university’s economic and workforce development impact, leadership in technology and public health, student success outcomes, and other topics.

“We like to showcase every aspect of �鶹��Ƶ—our students’ academic achievements, impactful research, community resources, economic impact and many other points of interest—to legislators,” Posey said, so that they get a full understanding of George �鶹��Ƶ’s impact and reach.

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George �鶹��Ƶ dean shares bold vision for K-12 education at Innovation Africa conference

Katarina Benson — Wed, 28 May 2025 15:02:01 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ dean shares bold vision for K-12 education at Innovation Africa conference Katarina Benson Wed, 05/28/2025 - 11:02

Before an audience of ministers, ambassadors, educators, and global innovation leaders, Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), delivered a keynote address that called for a bold, system-wide transformation of K–12 education to secure Africa’s workforce future—and the world’s.

“Africa’s future is already in motion,” she said. “It’s sitting in today’s classrooms. The one billion young people who will shape the continent’s future are learning—or trying to learn—right now. And what happens in those classrooms will determine the future of economies, democracies, and entire regions.”

Guerra-López speaking at the summit. Photo provided

The “Innovation Africa 2025” summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, convened senior policymakers and international partners to tackle the most pressing challenges in education and skills development across the continent. Guerra-López emphasized that education is not simply one among many priorities in development—it is the foundation upon which all others rest.

With this sense of urgency and opportunity, Guerra-López proposed a six-pillar framework to guide education system transformation. She emphasized that meaningful and sustainable change requires a coherent, integrated response—one that bridges workforce development, teacher preparation, digital learning, access for all learners, and alignment with long-term economic opportunity.

“Too often we treat education reform as a series of disconnected efforts—fixing curriculum here, training teachers there, or piloting tech solutions in isolation. But the truth is, systems only improve when the elements are aligned and mutually reinforced,” Guerra-López said. “Strengthening teacher pipelines without modernizing curriculum, for example, won’t yield lasting gains. True transformation requires intervention at the system level.”

Her framework calls for action in six interconnected areas:

strengthening the education workforce,
transforming learning through technology and innovation,
expanding access and opportunity to all learners,
aligning education with economic opportunity,
equipping learners with future-ready skills, and
building global and regional partnerships to scale what works.

Each pillar supports the others, offering a roadmap for national leaders and development partners seeking to improve education outcomes in both the short and long term.

In discussing workforce development, Guerra-López acknowledged UNESCO estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa will need more than 17 million additional teachers by 2030 just to meet basic education goals. This, she said, presents both a challenge and a powerful opportunity—to professionalize teaching and create lifelong pathways of growth for educators. Similarly, she cautioned against overreliance on devices alone, arguing that educational technology must be embedded in broader digital ecosystems that include training, localized content, and robust infrastructure, in alignment with a clear national educational technology strategy.

One of the most resonant themes of her talk was the role of education in building more just, prosperous, and resilient societies, emphasizing that education systems must intentionally prepare learners for an uncertain future shaped by automation, climate change, and shifting labor markets.

“Future-ready skills aren’t just a buzzword—they are a necessity,” Guerra-López said. “The World Economic Forum and countless global studies make clear that skills such as critical thinking, creativity, digital fluency, and environmental stewardship are the currency of tomorrow’s workforce. These must be embedded early, across all learning pathways—not just as add-ons or electives.”

Innovation Africa summit. Photo provided

Equally critical is ensuring that education is accessible and effective for all learners. She called attention to the persistent disparities in access and outcomes between rural and urban learners, boys and girls, and students with and without disabilities.

“Education for all is about more than enrollment,” she said. “It’s about removing both visible and invisible barriers—so every learner, everywhere, has a genuine opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies.”

Dean Guerra-López’s systems-based approach resonated deeply with the summit’s focus on scalable and sustainable solutions. She stressed that while innovation and investment are essential, national leadership and community ownership must drive change.

It is in this spirit that CEHD engages with partners across government agencies, universities, and the private sector—co-creating education strategies that reflect local priorities while drawing on global expertise.

“Transformation doesn’t come from outside. It comes from within—when local leaders, educators, and communities shape solutions that reflect their vision and context. Our role, as education and research partners, is to listen, align, and bring evidenced-based tools and support that enable sustainable progress,” she said.

Guerra-López positioned CEHD and �鶹��Ƶ as not only a hub for innovation, but as a platform for consequential research that drives measurable progress and meaningful societal impact. She echoed George �鶹��Ƶ’s Grand Challenge Initiative, especially the university’s commitment to “advancing 21st-century education for all,” framing this work as both a critical component of sustainable development and a strategic investment in global stability and shared prosperity.

Guerra-López’s address made clear that global transformation begins with local action—and that George �鶹��Ƶ is committed to walking alongside the leaders shaping that future.

“Africa holds extraordinary promise—not just for the continent, but for the world. If we act boldly and collaboratively, we can unlock that potential—starting in the classroom, where the seeds of every future workforce are planted.”

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