Office of the Provost

George �鶹��Ƶ recognized 74 Provost Scholar-Athletes this year

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:58:07 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ recognized 74 Provost Scholar-Athletes this year Katarina Benson Fri, 02/27/2026 - 13:58

For just the second time, more than 70 �鶹��Ƶ student-athletes have earned the Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar-Athlete Award for their outstanding academic achievements. Following a record-breaking 78 honorees last year, 74 student-athletes were recognized during a ceremony held in February.

The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award was established in 2009 by then-Provost Peter N. Stearns to recognize student athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher with at least 38 credit hours.

Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete Award Ceremony 2026. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The reception, hosted by Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, celebrated this year's Provost Scholar-Athletes and was attended by parents, deans and professors, and senior athletics administrators.

Interim provost and executive vice president Ajay Vinzé congratulated the group. Jack Chapman, a senior member of the swimming and diving team and a three-time recipient of the award, spoke on behalf of his fellow student athletes.

Marvin Lewis, George �鶹��Ƶ assistant vice president and director of athletics, also congratulated the honorees during the ceremony. "This award represents the very best of what it means to be a George �鶹��Ƶ student-athlete," he said. "Tonight is not just about athletic talent— it's about discipline, curiosity, leadership, and the mindset required to bring your best in every arena. Keep working hard. Keep pushing forward. And keep inspiring the people around you—because you are the standard."

Among this year's honorees, 31 are first-time recipients, 29 have earned the award twice, and 14 have been named Provost Scholar-Athletes three or more times.

First-Time Recipients

Lucas Alberti, Baseball, Business

Bryson Barnett, Cross Country & Track, Kinesiology

Regan Bestick, Lacrosse, Biology

Kaitlyn Bronowicz, Softball, Community Health

Charles Bunting, Wrestling, Business

Davian Burke, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Mechanical Engineering

Owen Clyne, Baseball, Integrated Studies

Riley Ellis, Lacrosse, Neuroscience

Shivaani Ganesh, Women's Tennis, Cyber Security Engineering

Jack Graham, Women's Swimming & Diving, Business

Tess Altevers Harris, Softball, Economics

David Hill, Men's Volleyball, Business

Pierce Hokenson, Golf, Business

Julia Howe, Rowing, Criminal Justice

Kaitlyn Kutz, Rowing, Chemistry

Marta Kux, Rowing, Business

Alexander Lillie, Men's Volleyball, Criminology, Law and Society

Sabrina Liu, Rowing, Nursing

Jordan Lucas, Women's Volleyball, Neuroscience

Michael Madigan, Baseball, Business

Adelline Oliveira, Women's Swimming & Diving, Physics

Helena Santacana, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Mechanical Engineering

Aleigha Scherber, Women's Swimming & Diving, Biology

Ryan Serbia, Men's Swimming & Diving, Electrical Engineering

Madison Sobota, Softball, English

Thomas Stofka, Wrestling, Kinesiology

Noelle Talarek, Women's Tennis, Integrated Studies

Giselle Torain, Lacrosse, Psychology

Kailynn Tyson, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Elementary Education

Maxwell Vom Saal, Cross Country & Track, Kinesiology

Camryn Weldon, Women's Volleyball, Business

Aidan Weltin, Men's Volleyball, Business

Angelina Zeidan, Women's Swimming & Diving, Kinesiology

Two-Time Recipients

Lauren Bailey, Co-ed Cheerleading, Sport and Recreation Studies

Victoria Bates, Women's Lacrosse, Special Education

Kara Becker, Women's Rowing, Anthropology

Julia Bike, Women's Soccer, Business

Alayna Brooker, Women's Swimming & Diving, Bioengineering

Luke Brown, Cross Country/Indoor Track, Economics

Caitlin Cardin, Co-ed Cheerleading, Government and International Politics

Mia Casciani, Women's Soccer, Sports Management

Haleigh Dellow, Softball, Psychology

Makenna Diaz, Co-ed Cheerleading, Education

Brant Ertel, Baseball, Business

Robert Evangelista, Men's Volleyball, Business

Amalia Florou Dimitriadou, Women's Indoor Track, Psychology

Marie Franjicic, Women's Soccer, Kinesiology

Kaleigh Friend, Softball, Special Education

Sarah "Midori" Galligan, Women's Rowing, Kinesiology

Page Greenburg, Women's Basketball, Psychology

Kristen Ivey, Women's Swimming & Diving, Criminology, Law and Society

June Johnson, Women's Rowing, International Security and Law

Elene Meurmishvili, Women's Rowing, Economics

Harlowe Nigh, Softball, Psychology

Carly Passaro, Women's Soccer, Government and International Politics

Isabella Puentes, Women's Rowing, Electrical Engineering

Clare Smith, Women's Swimming & Diving, Psychology

Casey Tingen, Women's Swimming & Diving, Business

Madyson Taylor, Women's Soccer, Community Health

Jazmine Vasquez, Women's Rowing, Business

Three-Year Recipients

Megan Baird, Women's Indoor Track, Computer Engineering

Kaitlyn Bestick, Women's Lacrosse, Political Science

Evan Blanchard, Baseball, Sports Management

Selamawit Caldart, Women's Soccer, Integrated Studies

Pilar Cerritos Gatto, Women's Rowing, Psychology

Jack Chapman, Men's Swimming & Diving, Criminology, Law and Society

Rachel Eberly, Women's Soccer, Sports Management

Peyton Farley, Women's Lacrosse, Psychology

Alexandra Hooks, Women's Soccer, Biology

Kamryn Inman, Softball, Community Health

Sierra Matheson, Women's Indoor Track, English

Ella ("Marley") Oare, Women's Indoor Track, Global Affairs

Allyson Yeary, Women's Swimming & Diving, Business

Georgi Zahariev, Men's Volleyball, Cyber Security

"Tonight is not just about athletic talent—it's about discipline, curiosity, leadership, and the mindset required to bring your best in every arena."

—Marvin Lewis, Assistant VP and Director of Athletics

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

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

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

�鶹��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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ. 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ’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 �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ

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Office of the Provost

Military

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Graduate Success Fellows program empowers students to support peers

Katarina Benson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:38:32 +0000

Graduate Success Fellows program empowers students to support peers Katarina Benson Fri, 01/09/2026 - 15:38

Being a graduate student isn’t easy—it can be difficult to balance an academic workload, teaching, and a job, all while adapting to a new environment. Rather than facing these challenges alone, graduate students now have a new resource to help them navigate the graduate school experience: Graduate Success Fellows.

Graduate Success Fellows with their supervisors. Photo provided

The Graduate Success Fellows program was established in the fall semester by �鶹��Ƶ’s Graduate Division based on feedback from the 2024 �鶹��Ƶ Graduate Experience Survey, which showed that graduate students typically turn to their peers—rather than faculty or staff—for guidance about the graduate education journey.

“The survey results made it clear that the channels that we typically use to communicate with graduate students weren’t the ones they preferred,” said Alyssa Bivins, senior graduate professional development coordinator for the Graduate Division. “With this insight, we saw an opportunity to train graduate students who could serve as trusted sources of information on all aspects of graduate education—everything from funding opportunities, exploring internships, and flexible job options to connecting with others who share similar interests.”

To launch the program, the Graduate Division asked schools and colleges to nominate graduate students to serve in the inaugural cohort of fellows. Throughout the fall semester, 12 fellows received extensive training to learn about the support and services available to graduate students at George �鶹��Ƶ, and met with their individual academic units and with offices across campus, including Graduate Student Life, the Office of Fellowships, and others.

Bivins and Stephanie Bluth, associate director for graduate professional and career development in the Graduate Division, lead a a mentorship training session for the fellows. Both received training from the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The session focused on peer leader and mentorship techniques to support diverse graduate students.

“The training was really eye-opening,” said Harris Davis, a second-year student in the School Psychology Program in the College of Education and Human Development. “I wish I had known about these resources when I started my master’s program.”

For Davis, the information about financial assistance and employment stood out the most. “So many graduate students have questions about funding opportunities, and George �鶹��Ƶ’s graduate financial support services can really help,” he said. “They do more than just scholarships and traditional aid. They cover all areas of graduate education, from finding a job that fits your schedule to obtaining funding for travel to present at a conference.”

Sara Almadani, a second-year PhD student in the Climate Dynamics Program in the College of Science, was impressed with the social resources that are available for graduate students at George �鶹��Ƶ. “Coming into a university as a graduate student can be lonely,” she said. “Being able to talk to someone to find out what to do for fun or where to meet other people in the program makes it easier to adjust to graduate life.”

More than just taking on an ambassador role for the university’s graduate student services, Graduate Success Fellows are also working on projects within their schools and colleges to better support graduate students. These projects include improving social media outreach, creating a professional development series, and deploying surveys to better understand graduate student needs, among others.

“I’ve been blown away by the initiative of the fellows,” said Bivins. “Our inaugural group had to do a lot of pioneering to figure out what this program will look like and how it will operate. They really have the best interests of their fellow graduate students at heart, and it shows.”

Graduate students who want to connect with a Graduate Success Fellow can get in touch with their academic unit’s representative. Contacting a Graduate Success Fellow is free—and can save hours of searching online for the right information.

“If you have a question, no matter how small, reach out and we can help you find a solution,” said Davis. “Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to study or just want to know where to grab some free popcorn, we’re here to help.”

Graduate Success Fellowships are paid full-time graduate professional assistant positions. Students are nominated by their school or college. Information about the selection process for the 2026-27 school year and information regarding requirements and responsibilities is available at graduate.gmu.edu.

Learn more about the Graduate Success Fellows

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Students

Peer mentors

Ajay Vinzé, Costello College of Business Dean, appointed interim provost

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:27:56 +0000

Ajay Vinzé, Costello College of Business Dean, appointed interim provost Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 16:27

Costello College of Business dean Ajay Vinzé has been named interim provost at �鶹��Ƶ, effective immediately, President Gregory Washington announced Wednesday.

Ajay Vinzé. Photo by Office of University Branding

This follows Provost Jim Antony’s recent announcement that he will become provost of the University of San Diego as of March 1. Vinzé will serve alongside Antony from now through February to ensure a collaborative transition.

“Ajay, a distinguished scholar, is a respected voice among our deans,” Washington said. “I look forward to working closely with him during his time as interim provost. I ask that you extend to him your support and good wishes as he steps into this important role for George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Since joining the university in 2022 as dean of the School of Business, Vinzé has overseen its rapid transformation to a named college, positioning the Costello College of Business as a nationally recognized leader in business education. Under his leadership the college has established a signature interdisciplinary and modular approach to workforce-ready degree delivery; championed student experiences with programs like Costello on Wall Street, Patriot Pitch, and the Camp Costello initiative for incoming first-year students; and a maintained a commitment to cross-campus research and curricular collaborations.

“While my heart remains firmly with the Costello College of Business—and I fully intend to return once a permanent provost is named—this interim role offers an important opportunity to support the broader university community that has championed our college’s growth and success over the past three years,” Vinzé said.

Cheryl Druehl, Costello’s senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, will serve as interim dean during this time. 

James Anthony. Photo by Office of University Branding

Washington also offered appreciation for Antony’s work as provost, noting that he moved quickly to advance significant initiatives from the Provost’s Office, including implementing the new academic budget model, improving communication across senior teams, and establishing task forces and working groups focusing on several key university initiatives. He also hired Cody Edwards as dean for the College of Science and has put into motion the search for a new Scalia Law School dean, and worked with the Board of Visitors to advance important academic matters.

“I want to thank Jim for serving with such distinction in his time here. While I will miss Jim’s thought partnership, I know his appointment as provost of USD is the fulfillment of a significant life and career aspiration, and I am thrilled for him,” Washington said.

The process to conduct a national search for a permanent provost will be announced after the winter break.

“Please join me in congratulating Jim, Ajay, and Cheryl in their respective leadership roles,” Washington said.

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Provost Antony announces new role as University of San Diego's provost, effective March 1, 2026

ckearney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:40:04 +0000

Provost Antony announces new role as University of San Diego's provost, effective March 1, 2026 ckearney Mon, 11/17/2025 - 17:40

James (Jim) Antony, PhD, will become the next vice president of academic affairs and provost at the University of San Diego, effective March 1, 2026. Jim became provost and executive vice president at �鶹��Ƶ on July 1, 2024, coming from the University of California San Diego where he had served as dean of graduate education and postdoctoral affairs.

James Antony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

An interim provost will be announced soon, followed by details and a timeline of a national search process.

“Jim has accomplished a great deal in his time at George �鶹��Ƶ,” said President Gregory Washington. “Among his many accomplishments, he led collaborative efforts to develop a new budget model, to strengthen enrollment management, and to advance the implementation of Patriot Connect."

"This unanticipated opportunity to lead the academic enterprise at one of the nation’s top private Catholic universities fulfills a calling for me,” Provost Antony said. "In the meantime, we have much important work to do together. I look forward to making our remaining months productive and joyful.”

"Jim has been a thoughtful partner in all of the university’s work and the impact of his work will be long lasting,” Washington added.

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Office of the Provost

New Academic Standards Code brings clarity and uniformity to academic expectations

Katarina Benson — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:34:17 +0000

New Academic Standards Code brings clarity and uniformity to academic expectations Katarina Benson Fri, 08/22/2025 - 14:34

Artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving technologies are rapidly reshaping the landscape of higher education and conversations around academic integrity. �鶹��Ƶ has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new Academic Standards Code, replacing the long-standing Honor Code with a standards-based approach. In addition, a new centralized Academic Standards Office will implement and uphold the policies through a clearer and more consistent framework for academic expectations.

“We want to ensure a culture of academic honesty with clearly aligned standards, processes, and policies at George �鶹��Ƶ,” said Janette Muir, vice provost of academic affairs. “We’ve worked hard to ensure these changes reflect the needs of our community and provide greater clarity and effectiveness.”

The Academic Standards Code introduces a streamlined set of values—honesty, acknowledgement, and uniqueness of work that reflect the university’s academic culture. The code aims to create a shared understanding and more clarity in processes for both students and faculty, while addressing common and new concerns around fairness, and transparency.

In addition to the new code, faculty will have access to university-provided resources to guide appropriate use of generative AI and other technologies within their courses. Students will find clearer expectations regarding academic integrity in todays’ digital learning environment.
The university is also introducing a new sanctions matrix to bring transparency to the process of addressing academic violations. The matrix offers an objective decision-making framework to ensure fairness and equity across all schools and colleges.

“We wanted to create a system that still promotes learning and excellence while holding students accountable,” said LaShonda Anthony, director for the Office of Academic Standards, now located under Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost. “The new matrix helps align understanding and expectations between students and faculty.”

Both students and faculty will serve on adjudication panels to hear and decide on matters related to violations of academic standards to help uphold academic values and support fairness and clarity in the process. To be considered for a panel, faculty, staff, and students should submit an application online.

The new Academic Standards Office will serve as the central hub for reporting, training and support, and educational outreach for faculty and student guidance and processes for academic excellence. A new standing university committee with cross-campus representation has also been formed to ensure the policy remains responsive, flexible, and relevant in the years ahead.

Training modules on the new Academic Standards Code are now available for both students and faculty. As the fall semester begins, the Office of Academic Standards encourages students and faculty to complete this training to ensure depth in understanding and consistency in application. Students will have access to the training through Canvas, and faculty members through the �鶹��ƵLEAPS training platform.

More details are available at academicstandards.gmu.edu.

View George �鶹��Ƶ's Academic Standards online

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Office of the Provost

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month

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

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

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

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

Best day on the job:

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

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

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

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

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

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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Getting to Know Provost James Antony

ckearney — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:31:26 +0000

Getting to Know Provost James Antony ckearney Wed, 08/28/2024 - 14:31

James Antony became provost and executive vice president at �鶹��Ƶ on July 1. He comes to George �鶹��Ƶ from the University of California San Diego where he served as Dean of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. Prior to that he was a faculty member and administrator at the University of Washington, Yale University, and Harvard University.

What attracted you to George �鶹��Ƶ?

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

I wanted to be at an institution that was developing the potential of the people who they were accepting and taking them to heights that maybe they, and others around them, might not have thought possible. George �鶹��Ƶ, to me, fit that bill. We accept on the order of the 90 percent of the undergraduates who apply and, unlike other places that have a similar broad-access orientation, our students graduate at a very high rate. George �鶹��Ƶ’s admissions process attracts amazing students without being exclusionary—we open opportunities here. We also do incredible work with our graduate and professional students. Overall, this place is very student centered.

There's a whole host of things that I'm learning now that reinforces my decision to come here as being a good one. The faculty I've met are incredibly student-oriented. They care about teaching and about what they're doing in the classroom. They care about the kinds of experiences they're constructing for our students. And, they care about doing all that while continuing to elevate this place as a research university—you might not find that same balance at other places. So, I keep finding more and more evidence that coming here was a great choice.

What are you looking to do in your first year?

I think there's nothing more important right now for a new provost than to come in and just hear the perspectives of faculty, of various kinds of leaders, to understand what's going on with our staff, to learn about our students, and to appreciate the cultures and the histories that embody this place. Over time, this listening will enable me to develop an agenda in terms of strategy and goals. I'm reading everything I can, and interrogating my own thinking about everything I believe I am learning so I can have what I hope are smart questions for folks when I ask them to explain things to me.

You were a first-generation college student, as are many George �鶹��Ƶ students. How does that affect how you carry out your role?

The hallmark of my own first-gen experience was not really understanding how things worked. I was a slow starter, and it took me a lot of time to really learn how to navigate the university’s culture. At the same time, given my background, I knew how to be resilient in many ways. And I think this is true for many of our students here, as well. My sense is that first-gen students know how to get stuff done. A first-generation college student is somebody who has figured out how to navigate life’s complexities, and still get to our university’s doorstep. They are not coming here lacking in abilities or resourcefulness. Sure, they may not have family members or others in their immediate sphere who know how to help them navigate the university. And, they may lack financial resources. But in terms of personal commitment, smarts, and what we might call a “can-do” attitude, they're not lacking. Even so, we shouldn’t assume that they will readily navigate our institution in a seamless fashion. We have to make sure we create an educational environment that is supportive, and that allows them to reach their full potential.

One of President Gregory Washington’s goals is greater emphasis on grand challenge issues. How are George �鶹��Ƶ faculty positioned for impact?

The George �鶹��Ƶ faculty are positioned to have impact on grand challenges because they've already been having impact in ways that prepare us, as a university, to think about addressing big ideas. This is one of the youngest rising research universities in the country. This faculty as a collective has been steadily building its prominence as a research-based faculty with, frankly, a fraction of the resources that other universities enjoy. They are definitely getting noticed all over the country for the impact they're already having.

Provost James Antony welcome first-year students and their families during Move In. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What if, while supporting them to do the work they are already excelling at, we were also able to strategically align our incredibly creative people around a set of issues that most could agree are so compelling that they will define the human condition for not just the next five or 10 years, but for generations to come? To me, that is the kind of question the framework of a grand challenge allows us to ask. It gives everybody a possible compass to direct some of what we do. It's not saying we only do the grand challenges—we still do the broad scholarship and creative work that represents the larger array of our interests. But, when possible, let’s imagine enabling the alignment of some of our folks’ work to tackle challenges that are bigger than George �鶹��Ƶ.

What are your views on artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, and why is it important for George �鶹��Ƶ graduates to be fluent in AI?

Research into artificial intelligence can provide opportunities for our scholars to define the future of AI, independent of its application. I’m talking about basic research that helps us understand AI and helps us shape AI and its associated technologies and possibilities. There are so many questions of a technical nature. But there are also questions of application and impact, not the least of which all-important considerations of the ethics and moralities around AI. I am excited by the possibilities of pure scholarship in all these areas, enabling our talented faculty and students to study AI in all of its instantiations and to do really good work helping society understand, and use, AI.

Another opportunity is for our university to figure out where partnerships might exist with industry. We obviously have to think about partnerships that make sense, where the university can leverage its expertise to bring something to bear that advances scholarship, the development of our students, and service to humanity. But we may also be able to learn from the way in which industry is approaching this work. And we can certainly explore creating partnership opportunities and programs that benefit our students and faculty. We have an ethical obligation to teach our students about all this, and we have many exciting opportunities to explore with a variety of partners. The good news is that we are fortunate to have many smart, super talented, people at George �鶹��Ƶ who are leaders in this work. As provost, my job is to enable such people.

One of your many areas of expertise is graduate education. Any particular plans or thoughts about here at George �鶹��Ƶ?

A world-class research university has thriving programs at the master's and doctoral levels, as well as professional degree programs that are top-notch. Graduate and professional education is something that, when done really well, provides an outcome to the student who's pursuing the advanced degree, but also provides faculty an additional dimension to do their core creative and scholarly work. Special things happen in an intellectual space that brings faculty and graduate or professional students into collaboration with one another. But there's also an impact on society. We need to make sure that we are putting together a robust array of graduate and professional programs that not only advance scholarship, but also have impact on the lives of the average person out there. Those with advanced graduate or professional degrees, like the students we are training at George �鶹��Ƶ, go on to have positive impacts on the daily lives of every person in our broader community. As provost, I will work with faculty and other leaders to think about what a vibrant future for graduate and professional education looks like for the George �鶹��Ƶ of the future.

You’ve referred to George �鶹��Ƶ being one of the most compelling institutions in the nation. How so?

What I see for George �鶹��Ƶ is a future that will be positively stunning. We've got so much talent and potential that, on those dimensions, it will be hard to limit our possibilities. But, like many large public research universities, we will have to be strategic and creative when thinking about our future. The good news is we have a lot going for us. Our campus locations are ripe for development, and for becoming the kinds of built environments that, generations from now, will be leaps beyond what our founders could have imagined when we first opened as a university.

We are in one of the most compelling economic environments in the nation, not to mention within proximity to the nation’s capital—we have to continue building upon our successes leveraging our location.

At George �鶹��Ƶ, we get to construct our own future. It's going to require lots of discussion, planning, and strategic thinking. It’s going to be a lot of work, and we will have to be bold. But I am so excited about being somewhere that has that kind of potential. For me, I like being in a place where the very best days lie ahead. I look forward to working with everyone to shape that amazing future.

Did you know...

The Office of the Provost has primary responsibility for George �鶹��Ƶ's academic mission, including supporting scholarly excellence among faculty members and fostering academic success for students on all four campuses.

Learn more about the Office of the Provost

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This content appears in the Fall 2024 print edition of the �鶹��Ƶ Spirit Magazine.

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�鶹��Ƶ announces James Soto Antony as new provost and executive vice president

jharve9 — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:01:37 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ announces James Soto Antony as new provost and executive vice president jharve9 Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:01

FAIRFAX, VA (April 29, 2024) – �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington today announced James Soto Antony as the next Provost and Executive Vice President. He is a nationally recognized higher education scholar and leader with substantial experience as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Washington, Yale University, Harvard University, and University of California San Diego. He will begin this new role on July 1, 2024.

James Soto Antony

“We searched the nation for the very best provost for �鶹��Ƶ, and James Antony was our number one choice,” Washington said. “He has the perfect mix of academic credentials, knowledge, and temperament to lead our academic enterprise as this university takes its place as one of America’s new leaders in higher education. I look forward to having Jim on the team.”

Antony is currently Dean of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs at UC San Diego, where he also serves as Professor of Education Studies with a secondary appointment in the Rady School of Management. At UC San Diego, he has led a transformation of graduate and professional student financial support, created infrastructure to advance student professional development, prioritized student access and opportunity, and launched grant-funded initiatives to improve mentoring.

As Provost and Executive Vice President, Antony will help cultivate a dynamic and forward-thinking academic environment. In collaboration with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and students, he will be instrumental in advancing academic excellence, research, and scholarly pursuits in alignment with �鶹��Ƶ’s core values and strategic direction. He will oversee all colleges, schools, and academic support units.

“�鶹��Ƶ is an inspiring students-first institution that prioritizes inclusive access and opportunity. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, this resonates deeply with me,” Antony said. “As a young top 50-ranked university with significant research investments, �鶹��Ƶ is on a fast track as one of the most compelling institutions in the nation. I look forward to being part of the �鶹��Ƶ Nation helping to advance student, faculty, and staff successes and collaborating to continue the university’s rise as a world-class research university.”

A national search was conducted from September through March, following the departure of Mark Ginsberg, now president at Towson University. Interim Provost Ken Walsh will return to his position as chief of staff on July 1, 2024. Megan Healy, interim chief of staff, will also return to her role as special advisor.

"James Antony shares our strong commitment to ensuring access to a world-class education, an engaging campus experience, and a culture of belonging,” added Professor and Faculty Senate President Melissa Broeckelman-Post, who chaired the 20-member search committee. “His nearly three decades of leadership experience make him an ideal provost to help �鶹��Ƶ navigate the many opportunities and challenges ahead.”

From 2015 to 2019, Antony served as Faculty Director of the Graduate School of Education’s Higher Education Program at Harvard University, and Co-Director of the Management Development Program. From 2012 to 2015, he was an Associate Provost at Yale University, where he worked on issues ranging from faculty development to the promotion of undergraduate student leadership. From 1995 to 2012, he held faculty and leadership roles at the University of Washington, including Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy and Adjunct Professor in Sociology; Associate Vice Provost and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Graduate School; and Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Education. While at Washington, he also served as Director of the Graduate Program in Higher Education and was founding Executive Director of the Center for Leadership in Athletics, and its associated degree programs.

As a scholar, Antony’s research and teaching focus on the preparation of forward-thinking leaders in college or university settings, both domestically and globally. He has written about higher education faculty, the socialization and leadership development of future faculty and college leaders, and data-driven decision-making in higher education settings. He has taught courses in such topics as leadership theory, organizational change, assessment and evaluation, data-based decision making, introductory and advanced quantitative research methods, student affairs administration, leadership ethics, college athletics and athletic leadership, sociology of higher education, and the history of higher education.

Antony earned his baccalaureate degree in Psychology, and his master’s degree and PhD in Higher Education and Organizational Change, all from UCLA.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., �鶹��Ƶ enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. �鶹��Ƶ has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

Get to know Provost Antony

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This content appears in the Summer 2024 print edition of the �鶹��Ƶ Spirit Magazine with the title "George �鶹��Ƶ Welcomes New Provost."

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RAMP Project to Implement New Tools to Assist in Research

Pam Shepherd — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:48:18 +0000

RAMP Project to Implement New Tools to Assist in Research Pam Shepherd Mon, 02/19/2024 - 09:48

To better assist �鶹��Ƶ’s expanding research activities and provide enhanced support to faculty, the Research Administration Management Portal (RAMP) project will soon introduce a handful of new, easy-to-use tools. In the coming months, new “modules” will assist with managing research involving human subjects, streamlining payroll reporting, overseeing animal care, and adhering to export regulations.

During the next phase, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) module supporting human subjects research will be implemented. The IRB’s onboarding phase began in October 2023 and is anticipated to go live this July. RAMP IRB will replace IRBNet, which �鶹��Ƶ has used since 2013. This new module will allow for improved functionality and usability over the current system, and integration with the other RAMP modules. RAMP IRB will improve collaboration between principal investigators, IRB staff, and committee members through all IRB activities from new protocols to amendments.

The RAMP Payroll Certification (Effort Reporting) implementation will begin onboarding in April 2024. This module will streamline the effort and labor reporting process on sponsored projects, allowing for a standard workflow for payroll certifications routing through the electronic system for review and approval. RAMP Payroll Certification will replace the manual process currently in place for payroll certification allowing for greater efficiency, ease of access, improved functionality, and better reporting capabilities.

Future RAMP implementations include Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Export Control, with a phased roll out through March 2025. The Research Reporting Project continues in conjunction with the full RAMP implementation, with additional reports being made available throughout the duration of the project.

In addition, the current RAMP modules for Grants, Agreements, and Conflict of Interest (COI) will be upgraded to the newest Version 10.5, allowing end users to experience the most updated features of the system. Of note, the RAMP Safety module has already implemented on Version 10.5 and will not require the upgrade.

The overall timeline for the RAMP Project is below:

The RAMP Team will continue to share information regarding the project with the �鶹��Ƶ Community through the RAMP website. Email questions to ramp@gmu.edu.

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Best day on the job:

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Getting to Know Provost James Antony

What attracted you to George �鶹��Ƶ?

What are you looking to do in your first year?

You were a first-generation college student, as are many George �鶹��Ƶ students. How does that affect how you carry out your role?

One of President Gregory Washington’s goals is greater emphasis on grand challenge issues. How are George �鶹��Ƶ faculty positioned for impact?

What are your views on artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, and why is it important for George �鶹��Ƶ graduates to be fluent in AI?

One of your many areas of expertise is graduate education. Any particular plans or thoughts about here at George �鶹��Ƶ?

You’ve referred to George �鶹��Ƶ being one of the most compelling institutions in the nation. How so?

Did you know...

Related News

�鶹��Ƶ announces James Soto Antony as new provost and executive vice president

Did you know...

RAMP Project to Implement New Tools to Assist in Research

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