Faculty and Staff News

Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:50:14 +0000

Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator Lauren Reuscher Tue, 07/29/2025 - 13:50

Two members of George �鶹��Ƶ's academic advising community were honored with regional awards from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) this spring. These awards recognize excellence in academic advising in NACADA Region 2, which includes Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Barbara Snyder, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the NACADA award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Barbara Snyder, BS Psychology ’08, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Joshua Fletcher, undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department, was honored with the award for Excellence in Advising—Primary Role Advisor. Read more about him.

Fletcher and Snyder were formally recognized at the NACADA Region 1 and 2 conference in April in Buffalo, New York.

Snyder will be a George �鶹��Ƶ student once again this fall, when she starts the doctoral program in Education with a concentration in Higher Education. Snyder earned a master’s in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida.

We asked Snyder to share some insights her experiences in academic advising and what it means to be recognized for her work.

How long have you worked at George �鶹��Ƶ? How has your job changed over the years?

I began as an academic advisor in the Costello College of Business in 2011, then spent a few years at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where I helped launch their first centralized advising center. I returned to George �鶹��Ƶ in 2017, and since then, I’ve become the director of student success and academic advising for the Costello College of Business.

Over the years, my roles have evolved from individual advising, to shaping strategy, training, and student success initiatives at the college level. Each phase of my career has reinforced my belief that academic advising is one of the most essential components of student success.

What are your main responsibilities in your role?

I work alongside a team of directors to oversee undergraduate academic advising for more than 4,500 business majors. I co-lead the strategic vision for the office and serve as the main coordinator of onboarding and training for all new advisors.

I also oversee pre-orientation advising, orientation programming, and student-centered initiatives like the Global Engagement Scholars Program and first-generation student programming. Additionally, I serve as Costello’s undergraduate advising liaison to the university’s Academic Advising Leadership Council, working with advising leaders from each college to create a consistent and collaborative advising experience across the university.

What do you like best about your job?

I love that my work allows me to impact both students and staff. Supporting advisors in their growth, watching students achieve milestones they once doubted were possible, and designing programs that help people feel a sense of belonging—those are the moments that keep me going.

Joshua Fletcher and Barbara Snyder were recognized for excellence in academic advising at the NACADA conference in April. Photo provided

You were recognized at the recent NACADA regional conference with their Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator award. What are your biggest takeaways from their conferences?

I’ve attended both regional and annual NACADA conferences over the years. What I appreciate most is the sense of community and shared purpose. You are surrounded by professionals who deeply care about student success and who are generous in sharing tools, ideas, and lessons learned.

I enjoy catching up with colleagues I’ve worked with through the years and connecting with new advisors entering the field. I find a lot of value in both mentoring and being mentored; those relationships and exchanges of experience are some of the most energizing parts of the conference. Every time I attend, I come back inspired.

Do any memorable moments stand out in your academic advising experience?

One that stands out was leading a full virtual orientation and advising experience for more than 1,500 students during the pandemic. We had to pivot quickly, redesign everything, and still make students feel seen and supported. It was one of the most exhausting, yet rewarding, moments of my career.

I also carry with me the many memories of supporting academic advisors throughout their professional journeys, especially those who have gone on to become leaders across campus or at other institutions. Being part of their growth is incredibly meaningful and a big part of what keeps me passionate about this work.

Academic advising at George �鶹��Ƶ

Topics

Costello College of Business

Academic Advising

computer science

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 29, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:11:38 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 29, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 07/25/2025 - 14:11

Faculty and Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day 2025: Call for Proposals

Save the date for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. This year’s theme is “The Future We Choose: Courage, Community, Commitment.”

Human Resources invites faculty and staff to submit workshop proposals that inspire growth, collaboration, and resilience. Suggested topics include leadership, community building, innovation, well-being, and mission-driven work.

Sessions should be 30 to 60 minutes and include clear objectives and engagement strategies. Submit a proposal by Friday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m. For questions, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.

Join the Career Influencers Network

The George �鶹��Ƶ Career Influencers Network is a nationally recognized model for providing career development support to students through their connections with advisors, professors, instructors, supervisors, mentors, and others at the university. Career Influencers contribute critical career readiness guidance and feedback to students.

The network includes more than 500 George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff. Faculty and staff are invited to join the network by completing an interactive, 4.5-hour training, which includes modules focused on defining career readiness, understanding how employers recruit students in all degree programs, and supporting students at various stages in their career development.

The next virtual training is on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. The next in-person training will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Register today.

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, Aug. 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New and returning adjunct faculty are invited to attend the workshop to help with the transition into their new role at George �鶹��Ƶ. The workshop includes professional development support, resources, and introductions to friendly faces on campus.

Human Resources Liaisons should send the workshop details to any new adjunct faculty as they are hired. For more information, visit the Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop webpage. For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu.

Resources for You

Alumni-Owned Business Directory

Discover your new favorite small business, independent maker or entrepreneur, and access exclusive discounts and offers just for the George �鶹��Ƶ community through the Alumni-Owned Business Directory. Consider supporting alumni-owned businesses, or refer a friend to check out the directory.

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit: Now Rebranded

Human Resources announces a fresh new look for the Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit. The rebrand includes newly designed printable PDF cards and Zoom virtual backgrounds—perfect for celebrating your colleagues in thoughtful, creative ways.

Whether you're recognizing a birthday, graduation, new team member, or simply saying “thank you,” these updated tools make it easier than ever to share appreciation across the George �鶹��Ƶ community.

Take a moment to explore the new designs and consider using them in your next recognition effort. For questions about the toolkit or other recognition opportunities, contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement team at awards@gmu.edu.

Thursday Night Live: Summer Concert Series at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Unwind after work with live music on the �鶹��Ƶ Square Plaza every Thursday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Each week features a different local band or artist, plus treats and a great summer atmosphere. Bring dinner, bring a friend, and enjoy the show. Get more information about plaza events.

Roadmap to Retirement Seminar

The Human Resources Benefits team is delighted to present "Roadmap to Retirement," an in-person seminar designed to help faculty and staff navigate their retirement journey with confidence. This year, invitations to the seminar are expanding to include employees who are 55 and older—whether nearing retirement or just starting to think about long-term financial well-being.

The session on Monday, Sept. 8, will offer insights into key retirement topics such as financial planning, health care in retirement, and social security. Eligible employees will receive invitations with full registration details via email this August. Space is limited, so don’t miss out—be sure to register as soon as possible.

Can't make it to this session? The Benefits team will host a virtual seminar in spring 2026 to ensure everyone has an opportunity to plan for a secure future.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “We've Been Here Before” on Friday, Aug. 1, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Gian Marco en Concierto
Saturday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Composer, performer, and producer Gian Marco is one of the most renowned singer-songwriters in Latin American music. Marco’s career spans more than 30 years and his compositions include hundreds of unforgettable hits for renowned Spanish-speaking artists like Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, and Alejandro Fernández. At this concert, Gian Marco presents the album Aún me sigo encontrando.

Arts Alive! 2025
Sunday, Sept. 14, at noon
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center
Co-produced by the Prince William County Arts Council and the Hylton Performing Arts Center, this annual family-friendly arts festival features arts council members, community performers, and fine artists. Enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances, food and craft vendors, and more. Celebrate the local arts community. Free, no tickets required.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns for his Keyboard Conversations® concerts with commentary. In Beethoven—The Young Genius, Siegel presents the passionate, popular Sonata Pathetique in C Minor; the high-spirited “Rage Over a Lost Penny,” and the deeply moving “Largo e mesto” from the early Sonata in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3. “A musical bridge-builder in action...Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be” (Toronto Star). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

Grand Piano Celebration 2025
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Grand Piano Celebration honors George �鶹��Ƶ's All-Steinway School and the 20th Anniversary of the Friends of Music at �鶹��Ƶ. Outstanding student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music will be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Additional piano faculty artists include Anna Balakerskaia, John Healey, and Eunae Ko Han. Jennifer Casey Cabot, soprano, and guest artist Kris Monson, bassist, will also perform. George �鶹��Ƶ's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.

Jeremy Jordan in Concert
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Most recently playing the title role in Floyd Collins, Jeremy Jordan has wowed audiences on Broadway as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Jack Kelly in Newsies—a performance that earned him Tony, Grammy, and Drama Desk Award nominations—and Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde, for which he received a Theatre World Award. A familiar face on screen, his television credits include NBC’s Smash, CW’s Supergirl, Disney’s Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, and Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel. Jordan’s Hylton Center debut promises to deliver an electrifying mix of vocal styles across all genres of Broadway and pop music.

20th ARTS by George! Headlining Performance: An Evening with Darren Criss
Saturday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox TV's hit show Glee, Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre. For this concert, Criss will perform well-known songs featured throughout his wildly eclectic career as both a songwriter and performer, including those from Glee, StarKid Productions, and the Broadway shows in which he has starred. Criss is currently starring in and received the 2025 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for the critically acclaimed Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending. Tickets to the 8:30 p.m. concert of An Evening with Darren Criss go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. ET. Learn more about ARTS by George!

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Today@�鶹��Ƶ calendar

Topics

Stacey Ellis honored with CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:49:00 +0000

Stacey Ellis honored with CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/23/2025 - 12:49

Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager in �鶹��Ƶ’s Human Resources, has received the 2025 Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). This national award recognizes early-career professionals who are making a significant impact in higher ed human resources.

Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager, Human Resources. Photo provided

Since joining George �鶹��Ƶ in 2022, Ellis has demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to collaboration and engagement. Ellis led major updates to the university’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, which recognize the contributions of faculty and staff. She introduced new award categories to recognize part-time workers, early-career professionals, and those who help foster a positive campus culture.

“I’m inspired every day by the relationships I get to build with colleagues who are passionate, collaborative, and deeply committed to making a difference,” said Ellis. “There’s a real sense of community here at George �鶹��Ƶ, and it’s a privilege to support and grow alongside our incredible faculty and staff.”

Ellis has also launched a monthly human resources article series to spotlight faculty and staff engagement activities, expanded access to professional development, and co-founded �鶹��Ƶ Throughout the Nation, an employee resource group for hybrid and remote faculty and staff.

“Through these efforts, Stacey has not only strengthened institutional connections but has also been a source of inspiration, leading by example in service, leadership and collaboration across George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses,” said Andrew Lane, director of performance management and employee engagement.

Ellis also volunteers as a well-being mentor with the university’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, contributes to events like the 9/11 Day of Service, and serves on several university-wide committees focused on well-being, service, and professional development.

CUPA-HR will recognize awardees in a virtual ceremony later this summer.

More about faculty and staff engagement

Topics

Human Resources

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 22, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:58:01 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 22, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Mon, 07/21/2025 - 11:58

Faculty and Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

New AI Guidelines and Tools for �鶹��Ƶ Students, Faculty, and Staff

�鶹��Ƶ has released comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines. These resources provide framework and guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI across the academic community.

George �鶹��Ƶ’s enterprise AI platform, PatriotAI, represents the first major outcome of the university’s strategic partnership with Microsoft and Cloudforce to start a meaningful and thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence capabilities into university operations.

Through a suite of six specialized AI tools, called agents, PatriotAI offers secure, university-managed access to large language models that aid academic work, studies, and student life. Each agent was co-developed with members of the George �鶹��Ƶ community, including the AI Visioning Task Force, and they represent our first lineup of AI tools designed to enhance learning, instruction, research, and administration across campus. For complete details about this vision, visit ai.gmu.edu.

Training and Professional Development

Join the Career Influencers Network

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, August 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Branded Products Educational Seminar

Join the Office of University Branding for a Branded Products Educational Seminar on Thursday, July 31, located in George's at the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. Two 90-minute sessions will be facilitated in partnership with licensed vendor Pat Dome. Register by July 28. Anyone who purchases George �鶹��Ƶ-branded products should attend.

Participants will learn about the following:

Proper use of the university logo on products
Selecting products that are “on brand” with George �鶹��Ƶ’s colors
Navigating the limitations of printing the logo on small products
The licensing process cycle and the production process
Different uses of the brand across the university
Different embellishment options of the logo
Requesting a two-color version of a unit logo

Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing, with questions.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New and returning adjunct faculty are invited to attend the workshop to help with the transition into their new role at George �鶹��Ƶ. The workshop includes professional development support, resources, and introductions to friendly faces on campus.

�鶹��Ƶ Career Academy

�鶹��Ƶ has launched �鶹��Ƶ Career Academy, a new online learning resource that is free for current students, faculty, and staff to develop new skills. �鶹��Ƶ Career Academy is also available to displaced workers, including federal workers and contractors in the region, for a small registration fee.

�鶹��Ƶ Career Academy offers access to more than 90 online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and information technology support. Read more.

Resources for You

University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service 2025

Registration is open for the 2025 University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service on Wednesday, July 23. Faculty and staff across the university are invited to participate in a variety of service projects. Immediately following all service projects, participants are invited to attend the University Life Gives Back Social from 1–2:30 p.m. Register.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “Dear Colleague” on Friday, July 25, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Internationally-acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns for his Keyboard Conversations® concerts with commentary. In Beethoven—The Young Genius, Siegel presents the passionate, popular Sonata Pathetique in C minor; the high-spirited “Rage Over a Lost Penny,” and the deeply moving “Largo e mesto” from the early Sonata in D major, Op. 10, No. 3. “A musical bridge-builder in action...Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be” (Toronto Star). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

Grand Piano Celebration 2025
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Grand Piano Celebration honors George �鶹��Ƶ's All-Steinway School and the 20th Anniversary of the Friends of Music at �鶹��Ƶ. Outstanding student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music will be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Additional piano faculty artists include Anna Balakerskaia, John Healey, and Eunae Ko Han. Jennifer Casey Cabot, soprano, and guest artist Kris Monson, bassist, will also perform. George �鶹��Ƶ's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Today@�鶹��Ƶ calendar

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Engineering and Computing mourns the passing of Mark Pullen

Martha Bushong — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:51:30 +0000

College of Engineering and Computing mourns the passing of Mark Pullen Martha Bushong Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:51

In This Story

J. Mark Pullen

The College of Engineering and Computing community is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor J. Mark Pullen, Director Emeritus of �鶹��Ƶ’s C5I Center. Mark served as director of the C5I Center from 2005 until his retirement in 2020 and was also a beloved professor of computer science at �鶹��Ƶ. Under his leadership, Mark maintained the center's growth and recognition as a leading institution for national and global research in C5I. Mark was also recognized as a pioneer in distance education, personally developing open-source synchronous Internet software to deliver online MS degree programs in computer science long before online learning became ubiquitous. This work demonstrated his forward-thinking approach and commitment to making high-quality education accessible to the right students in the right place at the right time.

Mark’s contributions are highlighted by his strong academic expertise, practical engineering skills, and internationally recognized operational and strategic insights. He skillfully balanced developing the nation’s security future workforce, teaching leading-edge courses in computer networking and networked virtual environments with knowledge and strong mentorship, while simultaneously leading developmental solutions for complex defense and cybersecurity problems.

Mark Pullen. Photo by Ron Aira, Creative Services.

His direct contributions significantly enhanced the interoperability of command-and-control systems through leading-edge modeling and simulation, personally leading efforts such as the “Extensible Modeling and Simulation Framework” (XMSF) and the “Command and Control – Simulation Interoperation” (C2SIM) initiatives, which have significantly influenced NATO and SISO standards still used worldwide. After retiring from George �鶹��Ƶ, Mark continued to “pay it forward” to the future of our nation’s security, as he was personally recruited to participate in advancing interoperability standards through his efforts working with NATO’s “Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination, eXercise” (CWIX) events.

Beyond his recognized technical expertise, Mark was a dedicated teacher, respected mentor, and valued colleague. His sustained commitment to problem-solving and supporting students and peers alike helped create the collaborative environment the C5I Center still benefits from today. Professor J. Mark Pullen, Director Emeritus, will be greatly missed, and his impact will continue through the focused efforts he started, the standards he helped develop, and the many people he guided throughout his career.

The tribute and obituary from Mark’s family are available here.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church at the address below, or shepherdstownpresbyterian.org, or to Coalfield development.org/community-based-revitalization-projects/

Service Information

Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church
100 W. Washington Street
Shepherdstown WV 25443

Topics

School of Computing

computer science

Computer Science faculty

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 15, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:09:55 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 15, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Thu, 07/10/2025 - 13:09

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service 2025

George �鶹��Ƶ Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner

�鶹��Ƶ has selected Chartwells Higher Education, a national leader in campus dining, as its new dining services provider, following a comprehensive and competitive RFP process. George �鶹��Ƶ’s contract with Chartwells started July 1 and is expected to transform dining on campus. Further information will be shared in the coming months about the transition process, upcoming opportunities for community feedback, and ways for students to help shape the future of dining on campus. Read more.

New AI Guidelines and Tools for �鶹��Ƶ Students, Faculty, and Staff

Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the 2025–26 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship winners. Each awardee will receive $250 to use toward books and other educational materials from the �鶹��Ƶ bookstore, supporting their continued academic studies:

Tasneem Amrou, student outreach coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Amrou is pursuing a master of arts in global affairs.
Isela G. Caballero, communications coordinator, Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health. Caballero is pursuing a master of public health in global health.
Lee Friend, student success coach, Student Success Coaching. Friend is pursuing a master of social work.
Raven Green McCormick, assistant director for career advising, College of Public Health. McCormick is pursuing a doctorate in education leadership.

Training and Professional Development

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, August 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Branded Products Educational Seminar

Participants will learn about the following:

Proper use of the university logo on products
Selecting products that are “on brand” with George �鶹��Ƶ’s colors
Navigating the limitations of printing the logo on small products
The licensing process cycle and the production process
Different uses of the brand across the university
Different embellishment options of the logo
Requesting a two-color version of a unit logo

Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing, with questions.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

Human Resources Liaisons should send the registration link to any new adjunct faculty as they are hired. For more information, visit the Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop webpage. For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu.

�鶹��Ƶ Career Academy

Resources for You

Thrills and Chills with Cinema on the Plaza at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Beat the summer heat with a chilling movie at Cinema on the Plaza at �鶹��Ƶ Square on Friday, July 18. Social hour starts at 7:30 p.m., and Little Shop of Horrors starts at 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie. A food truck will offer items for sale. Some street parking is available, as well as paid parking in the Van Metre Garage. Kids are welcome, if supervised by their adult(s). Note: This movie is rated PG-13.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “Libraries and Librarians” on Friday, July 18, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Multiple performances through July 20
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and loveable teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire—to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
The Onyx Project presents The Soul of America: An Orchestral Celebration of Soul and R&B. Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic will celebrate soul and R&B classics with guess vocalists and a little help from the audience.

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Today@�鶹��Ƶ calendar

Topics

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: TJ Pegg

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

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

TJ Pegg

Job: Associate Director for Student Success Coaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First impressions: To connect with students and campus partners, Student Success Coaching hosts a “Kickoff to Success Resources Fair” during Welcome2�鶹��Ƶ at the start of the fall semester. More than 20 university offices host tables during the event. Students can have an initial conversation with their coaches and speak with representatives from other units on campus. Campus partners can also take the opportunity to collaborate with success coaches on the best ways to support students.

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about Student Success Coaching

Topics

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation

Student Success Coaching

University Life

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 8, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:04:51 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of July 8, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Mon, 07/07/2025 - 10:04

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Fairfax Campus Notice: Washington Mystics at EagleBank Arena

There will be increased traffic on and around George �鶹��Ƶ's Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10, during Washington Mystics WNBA games at EagleBank Arena. Drivers should allow additional travel time to and from campus. Some parking changes will be in effect. Get the details.

Tickets are still available for the Washington Mystics game at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m., vs. the Las Vegas Aces. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster or pay fewer fees by purchasing in person at the EagleBank Arena box office. Hours are Tuesday–Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Friday–Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

George �鶹��Ƶ Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner

New AI Guidelines and Tools for �鶹��Ƶ Students, Faculty, and Staff

Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners

Tasneem Amrou, student outreach coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Amrou is pursuing a master of arts in global affairs.
Isela G. Caballero, communications coordinator, Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health. Caballero is pursuing a master of public health in global health.
Lee Friend, student success coach, Student Success Coaching. Friend is pursuing a master of social work.
Raven Green McCormick, assistant director for career advising, College of Public Health. McCormick is pursuing a doctorate in education leadership.

Training and Professional Development

Branded Products Educational Seminar

Participants will learn about the following:

Proper use of the university logo on products
Selecting products that are “on brand” with George �鶹��Ƶ’s colors
Navigating the limitations of printing the logo on small products
The licensing process cycle and the production process
Different uses of the brand across the university
Different embellishment options of the logo
Requesting a two-color version of a unit logo

Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing, with questions.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

Sign Up for �鶹��Ƶ 101 this Summer

�鶹��Ƶ 101 is an one-time workshop that covers information about the university’s history, organization, resources, and the future of the institution. Sign up for an upcoming session via �鶹��ƵLeaps:

Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon (in-person)
Friday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to noon (via Zoom)

To register for an upcoming session:

Go to masonleaps.gmu.edu and log in with your �鶹��Ƶ credentials
In the search bar in upper right corner of the page, search for “�鶹��Ƶ 101”
On the screen that opens, click “�鶹��Ƶ 101,” and available �鶹��Ƶ 101 dates will appear
Click on the “Request” button next to your preferred training date

�鶹��Ƶ Career Academy

Resources for You

Baroni Center Webinar: The Future of Federal Acquisition

Join the Baroni Center for Government Contracting for an upcoming webinar, "The Future of Federal Acquisition," on Wednesday, July 9, from 9–10:30 a.m. This webinar brings together experts in government, industry, and academia for a serious discussion about the current performance of and future prospects for the government contracting community.

The event will also feature the publication of the center’s inaugural Government Contracting Trends and Performance Index. The index is the first broad analysis of the $800 billion government contracting industrial base that supports the functioning of the U.S. federal government. Learn more and register.

Thrills and Chills with Cinema on the Plaza at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “The Great Blackout” on Friday, July 11, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
July 11–20, multiple performances
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and loveable teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire—to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

Arif Lohar Live
Saturday, July 12, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Join Arif Lohar for a night of Punjabi folk music. The Jugni King will perform live in this unforgettable night.

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Today@�鶹��Ƶ calendar

Topics

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty member helps NASA astrobiology task force shape future goals

Colleen Rich — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:40:55 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty member helps NASA astrobiology task force shape future goals Colleen Rich Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:40

�鶹��Ƶ researcher Anamaria Berea was selected to serve on NASA's Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) Task Force 1.

Anamaria Berea. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

This group of experts was charged with shaping the future of NASA’s astrobiology research over the following decade. As one of only 13 scientists chosen from across the United States, Berea contributed to identifying key research priorities, synthesizing community input, and guiding the development of NASA’s long-term strategy for exploring the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.

With an interdisciplinary background as a computational data scientist and artificial intelligence researcher, Berea, who is an associate professor in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences, brings a unique perspective to the task force. Most recently, she led the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record project, a digital time capsule that preserves Earth’s cultural and scientific heritage and offers future lunar visitors a glimpse of life on Earth in the early 2020s. In March, the payload made a successful moon landing, a historic milestone for NASA’s Artemis program.

The astrobiology task force worked through more than 120 community-submitted papers to recommend nine major themes for the project. These themes, which range from detecting life on other planets to workforce and career development in astrobiology, were discussed and shared with the public at a two-day workshop in May. Phase two of the initiative will invite another task force to take these themes and compose a formalized strategy to support and advance the evolving needs of the field.

“We have rovers on Mars. We had probes on Venus to sample its atmosphere. But in the next era of space, it looks like there will be a focus on human spaceflight. And if we have humans in space, then how will this change the landscape for astrobiology research?” Berea said.

Astrobiology research has the potential to tackle some of the most profound cosmological questions humanity faces. It deeply explores the origins of life, suggesting that discovering even simple microbial life on nearby planets like Mars would fundamentally change our understanding of how life began on Earth.

These big questions capture significant attention from both the scientific community and the general public, highlighting the broad impact and importance of astrobiology research.

Read about the ASPIRE ONE Lunar Record project

Listen to the episode

Anamaria Berea joined the Access to Excellence podcast to discuss her research on Mars settlements and Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon.

Topics

Alumni

Research