Lauren Reuscher

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:05:20 +0000

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/15/2025 - 10:05

Rachel Spence

Job: Academic Manager, International Enrollment Partnerships, Global Education Office, and Chair of the Staff Senate

As the academic manager in �鶹��Ƶ’s Global Education Office, Rachel Spence helps international students from partner universities worldwide with the transfer of classes, registration, and advising.

In addition to helping students navigate their experiences in the United States and complete their George �鶹��Ƶ degrees, Spence is also the chair of the Staff Senate, which represents the interests of all classified and non-student wage employees to the administration and Board of Visitors.

Rachel Spence, Global Education Office, and chair of the Staff Senate. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Learning at home and abroad: A career in education felt inevitable for Spence. “My dad taught elementary special education, and my mom taught freshman composition classes at colleges and universities,” said Spence. “Education is in my blood—but I always knew I didn’t want to teach.”

As an undergrad, Spence studied abroad for a semester in Denmark. “It was my first time leaving the United States and was truly transformative,” said Spence. “Especially for developing my sense of independence and my quest to understand different cultures.”

Passport to possibilities: That experience led her to pursue a master’s degree in international and intercultural communication. After graduating, she landed her dream job as a study-abroad advisor at Old Dominion University. “I loved helping students plan their own international experiences and working with them to make it happen,” said Spence.

Global pathways: Since arriving at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2017, she has shifted from helping domestic students plan their time abroad to also helping international students during their time in the United States. She assists students in the China 1+2+1 program, in which undergraduate students earn degrees from both their Chinese and American universities.

“I help students adapt to academic life in the U.S. and build pathways for students from other countries to earn a George �鶹��Ƶ degree,” said Spence.

Even though she does not travel as much and she would like, she said her job lets her have an international experience every day.

Serving all staff: In addition to her job in the Global Education Office, Spence serves as the chair of the Staff Senate, representing the interests of staff across the university.

A time of uncertainty inspired Spence to join the senate. Spence is a military spouse—her husband is in the Navy. When he received a new assignment across the country, Spence received approval from the university to work remotely from California.

“However, just six months after we moved 2,600 miles away from campus, there was a state-level change in policy for remote work,” Spence said. “I thought that my approval might be revoked, and I’d be forced to leave my job.”

Navigating changes: When remote and hybrid work policy for state employees changed in 2022, Spence saw the Staff Senate as an important resource for employees navigating the quickly changing requirements.

“I appreciated how the Staff Senate was advocating and positioning itself as the voice of all classified staff on this issue,” said Spence. “I was so thankful for the special sessions they held that spring, I decided to give back and serve as a senator.”

Spence’s remote work agreement was ultimately approved, and she continued working in California for the duration of her husband’s military assignment. She has since returned to the Northern Virginia area and works on the Fairfax Campus.

Leading the way: Spence was nominated and accepted the role of Staff Senate Chair in spring 2025, after the previous chair left their role at George �鶹��Ƶ. She agreed to cover the remainder of the term, and this summer, she was elected to serve as chair for another two years.

“I’m thankful to my colleagues on the senate for the vote of confidence and their encouragement to keep leading the group,” said Spence.

A seat at the table: Spence also serves as the Staff Liaison to the university’s Board of Visitors (BOV). The Staff Senate advocated for the addition of a staff representative as a nonvoting member in 2020. At the time, nonvoting faculty and student representatives were already part of the board’s membership. The Board of Visitors unanimously approved the change.

“I don’t take for granted that I am often the only staff voice in the room, or that staff only recently earned that seat at the table,” said Spence. “I hope that I can make sure that staff voices are not only heard but are valued and recognized as important members of the team.”

Connecting the dots: To Spence, one of the biggest challenges at a university as large as George �鶹��Ƶ is keeping staff informed of the many changes and updates affecting their work.

“I’m hoping to build a larger network and connect the Staff Senate with other groups on campus,” said Spence. “We already collaborate with Faculty Senate and Student Government, but I’ve also started reaching out to staff councils in the colleges. I think we’ll be even stronger together and can really expand our advocacy and communication efforts.”

Campus outreach: The senate is also bringing its meetings to the regional campuses. The November Staff Senate meeting will take place at the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus, and the senate is hoping to host a meeting at �鶹��Ƶ Square in spring 2026. “This will give our constituents on those campuses an opportunity to attend in person and connect with the senate on a more personal level,” said Spence.

Statewide explorer: Outside work and her senate activities, Spence enjoys spending time outdoors. “I completed the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest by visiting all the Virginia State Parks,” she said. That is no small quest—40 different parks participate in the program.

No place like home: Spence’s husband is an engineer, and many of their weekends are spent working on house projects. “For the first time ever, we are starting to realize our current house might be ours for more than a couple of years,” said Spence. “We are working on improving it and making it our own.”

More about the Staff Senate

Global Education Office

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Faculty and Staff News

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Military

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �鶹��Ƶ empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George �鶹��Ƶ’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George �鶹��Ƶ to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George �鶹��Ƶ, and share career resources with students.

“Campus partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George �鶹��Ƶ’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George �鶹��Ƶ students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. �鶹��Ƶ 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

University Career Services

Join the Career Influencers Network

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career-ready graduates

workforce

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Campus News

Costello College of Business

In This Story

Larry Guerin

Yali Pan is October Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:14:22 +0000

Yali Pan is October Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 09/26/2025 - 17:14

Yali Pan, associate director for engagement and assessment in �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS), started at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2020. For her contributions to supporting international students, dedication to fostering an inclusive campus culture, and commitment to student well-being, Pan is recognized as the October Employee of the Month.

Yali Pan, October Employee of the Month, and George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Pan leads the engagement team in OIPS, managing programs such as International Student Graduation, the International Buddy Program, the International Advisory Board, and International Education Week. Pan also helped create a Lunar New Year event for the campus community.

“Yali has done outstanding work welcoming new international students to George �鶹��Ƶ," said Krista Uhrig, director of international enrollment partnerships. “She contributes to programs and initiatives that support the well-being, morale, and engagement of international students.”

Jonathan Carmona, assistant director for international engagement in OIPS, said that Pan has made meaningful contributions through her facilitation of the “Working with International Students” and “Name Pronunciation” workshops for university faculty, staff, and students.

"It is crucial that we foster an environment of inclusivity and respect, and Yali’s commitment to ensuring that names from diverse languages and cultures are pronounced correctly is a testament to her dedication to this mission,” said Carmona.

Pan’s colleagues also praised her exceptional commitment to supporting students from �鶹��Ƶ Korea. Last fall, she helped plan a celebration for Chuseok, a Korean holiday that is similar to Thanksgiving.

“Yali and I had a chance to collaborate on an event celebrating Chuseok at the local home of �鶹��Ƶ Korea’s former dean,” said Grace H. Lee, �鶹��Ƶ Korea coordinator in the Office of the Provost. “�鶹��Ƶ Korea students, Fairfax students who studied abroad at �鶹��Ƶ Korea, faculty, and staff all joined to celebrate this important Korean holiday together."

Pan operates with professionalism and a genuine ethic of care for the well-being of every student, according to Lori Cohen Scher, senior assistant dean of University Life. “This has been evident to me in her interactions with our �鶹��Ƶ Korea Student Ambassadors,” said Scher. “Yali works closely with this student leadership team, empowering them to play an active role in program development, peer communication, and outreach.”

Pan also demonstrates exemplary leadership within her team, according to Christina Lee, an associate director in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning.

“She leads a team of eight staff members, providing guidance and mentorship while managing daily operations,” Lee said. “She thoughtfully considers her colleagues’ contributions and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the product is of the highest quality.”

Melissa Thierry, director of regional campuses in University Life, commended Pan’s contributions toward creating a welcoming environment for all.

“Her innovative programs and initiatives have enhanced cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity, making the university a more connected and supportive environment for all,” Thierry said.

How did you come to George �鶹��Ƶ?

I came to �鶹��Ƶ following my family’s relocation back to the area. What truly impressed me was George �鶹��Ƶ’s strong commitment to its international community. As a former international student myself, I deeply relate to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with that experience. That’s why I wanted to join—to contribute meaningfully and help make a positive difference in the lives of international students. 

Best day on the job: 

When international students share with me how much our engagement efforts have positively impacted them, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What do you like best about working at George �鶹��Ƶ?

I really appreciate the energy and inclusiveness at George �鶹��Ƶ, where we’re encouraged to share our ideas and continuously explore new ways to support student success.

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

I enjoy running, practicing yoga, cooking, and traveling.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

Topics

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Faculty and Staff News

Office of International Programs and Services

George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: May to August 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:55:53 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: May to August 2025 Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:55

Congratulations to the �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff retirees from May to August 2025. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

May 2025

Daniel Brown, Center for Collision Safety and Analysis, 11 years, 8 months

Catherine Leach, Admissions, 12 years, 4 months

Monica Michaud, Fiscal Services, 13 years

Jane Moore, Financial Aid, 24 years, 5 months

Lorrie Neumeister, Office of the University Registrar, 20 years, 1 month

Henry Tenenbaum, Campus Access Security Office, 13 years, 4 months

Kathy Zimmerman, Office of Enrollment Management, 19 years, 3 months

June 2025

Eva Marie Alis, Center for the Arts, 9 years, 9 months

Pam Baker, Special Education, 19 years, 9 months

Rick Brigham, Special Education, 19 years, 9 months

Stephen Brown, Health Administration and Policy, 10 years, 4 months

Jim Chen, Computer Science, 29 years, 8 months

Henry Coffman, Cyber Security Engineering, 20 years, 9 months

Nada Dabbagh, College of Education and Human Development, 16 years, 4 months

Penny Deans, Information Systems and Operations Management, 10 years, 9 months

Mary Del Popolo, School of Art, 19 years, 9 months

Anthony Diaz, Facilities and Campus Operations, 29 years, 9 months

Edward Douthett, Accounting, 22 years, 9 months

Lois Doyle, Student Health Services, 13 years, 7 months

Heba El-Shazli, Schar School of Policy and Government, 10 years, 9 months

Jane Flinn, Psychology, 55 years, 8 months

Gwendolyne Fondufe, Biology, 19 years, 9 months

Edward Gero, School of Theater, 33 years, 8 months

Annie Green, Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, 6 years

Beverly Heberer, College of Education and Human Development, 23 years, 9 months

Susan Hirsch, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, 20 years, 9 months

Gary Kreps, Department of Communication, 20 years, 9 months

Linda Krout, College of Education and Human Development, 15 years, 9 months

S. Robert Lichter, Department of Communication, 20 years, 9 months

PJ Maddox, Health Administration and Policy, 30 years, 4 months

Edward Maibach, Department of Communication, 17 years, 9 months

Lorraine Pierce, College of Education and Human Development, 32 years, 8 months

Lucy Reybold, College of Education and Human Development, 18 years, 9 months

Young Ro, Religious Studies, 43 years, 8 months

Robert Sachs, Mathematical Sciences, 35 years, 8 months

Joel Schnur, College of Science, 17 years, 1 month

John Shiver, Health Administration and Policy, 17 years, 9 months

Jagadish Shukla, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, 31 years, 3 months

Robert Simon, Computer Science, 28 years, 8 months

Debra Sprague , College of Education and Human Development, 29 years, 8 months

June Tangney, Psychology, 36 years, 8 months

Ramona Torres, Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, 7 years, 3 months

Lawrence White, Economics, 15 years, 9 months

James Witte, Sociology and Anthropology, 15 years, 9 months

Sue Wrbican, School of Art, 19 years, 9 months

July 2025

Brian Davern, Student Accounts, 27 years, 7 months

Ann Moran, Parking and Transportation, 20 years, 11 months

James Russell, Purchasing, 35 years, 9 months

Diane Saunder , Finance, 18 years, 10 months

Linda Sheridan, Computer Science, 27 years, 4 months

Laura Winkler, University Career Services, 20 years, 4 months

August 2025

Kerri Cardoza, Office of Government and Community Relations, 16 years, 7 months

Matthew Hicks, College of Public Health, 5 years, 11 months

Lay Lim, University Libraries, 42 years, 11 months

Julia Nord, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, 29 years, 10 months

Margaret Rodan, School of Nursing, 15 years, 2 months

Additional retiree from past date:

June 2024

Janet Walker, Parking and Transportation, 21 years, 8 months

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Retirement

Human Resources

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:42:10 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/04/2025 - 10:42

Matthew Dalton joined �鶹��Ƶ as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in May, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity leader at R1 institutions. In his new role with Information Technology Services, he will provide vision and strategy for information security at Virginia’s largest public research university.

We sat down with Dalton to learn more about today’s cybersecurity environment and how students, faculty, and staff can make sure they’re staying “cyber smart.”

Matthew Dalton, chief information security officer, �鶹��Ƶ. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

What does information security entail, particularly in a higher education setting?

One of the main responsibilities of my role is to help set the cybersecurity strategy for the university, allowing the flexibility and freedom necessary for creative, educational, and research endeavors, while preventing the negative impacts of cybersecurity events.

Information security is about managing the risk to the community, their data, and the systems they rely on, as well as the risks that are presented to the university from everyday events, malicious actors, and nation-state threats. Depending on the kind of information that a person possesses or accesses online, the threats can be very different across the university.

You have led information security at several different institutions. What drew you to a career in higher education, and specifically to �鶹��Ƶ?

You could say that higher education is in my blood. Many of my family members have worked in education. There are family stories that my great-grandparents on one side met because they taught at the same college. In my immediate family and closer generations, many of them met at the same college and went on to careers that stressed the value of education.

For me, the brightest possible future comes through education, learning about others' experiences, and using our combined experiences to find a better path forward. I think that �鶹��Ƶ is one of the best examples of that in action.

What are the biggest changes in cybersecurity in higher education since you first entered the field?

I have seen two big changes. The first is the change from believing that individual researchers or departments at a large institution should manage information security requirements on their own. These days, it takes a coordinated effort across many different parts of the university to protect the information assets effectively.

The second change is the need to bring information security closer to the individual person, rather than just the device or network that they are using. Early on, the computers were massive, and protecting the room that they were in may have been sufficient. Today, user credentials are the keys to the kingdom, and getting access to those unlocks the data that is everywhere, thanks to the cloud.

How do you work across other departments to reduce risks to the university?

With information technology embedded in everything across the university, it is essential that the security program works across the university as well. It’s more than just helping people not to click on that suspicious email; it’s about learning what they do in their role, so that the protections we put in place can complement, rather than compete with, their activities.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) factor into your role as chief information security officer?

Just like technology in general, AI is a force multiplier. You need to consider how AI can be used by people who are meaning ill intent just as effectively as it can be used by those who are trying to protect.

It is important that AI be adopted into our strategy both from a threat-modeling perspective and how to deploy better protections for the university, so that we can respond effectively and quickly against whatever attacks come our way.

How can we better protect our personal information online? What are some important things for students, faculty, and staff to do in their daily lives?

Probably the most effective way to protect yourself online is to be aware of the hectic pace of the world we live in today. Be thoughtful in your approach, especially when it comes to emails, texts, social media messages, or any other way that some entity might interact with you.

You need to stop, take time to breathe, and don't let the message dictate how frenetic a response you give. Think about whether this is a legitimate email or message, whether it's either too good to be true, or if it is trying to make you act with urgency.

Almost every scam or phishing attempt has three things in common:

The message tries to assert an authority that it may or may not have, posing as a tax collector, police, or even something like IT support.
The message offers you something of value, like winning the lottery or an unclaimed prize—or a chance to avoid pain, such as past due taxes, and threats that your account is about to be suspended.
The message holds a sense of urgency, telling you to act now, or telling you that you are actively in danger.

If it seems strange, don’t engage. Instead, report it to Information Technology Services.

Check out these other cybersecurity resources from George �鶹��Ƶ:

Security Best Practices—Information Technology Services

Strong passwords add security

Information Technology Services (ITS) News—IT Security

ITS news

Cybersecurity best practices

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Faculty and Staff News

Information Technology Services

Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence

GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Powering Progress

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:57:12 +0000

Powering Progress Katarina Benson Mon, 08/11/2025 - 12:57

When �鶹��Ƶ opened the doors to its highly anticipated Life Sciences and Engineering Building in Manassas, Virginia, it was more than the unveiling of a new academic space—it was the beginning of a new transformative era for the university and the region.

Situated at the heart of the university’s Science and Technology Campus, this state-of-the-art facility will empower students across a wide range of disciplines to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of science and engineering.

Designed to meet the growing demand for highly specialized instructional labs, smart classrooms, and support spaces, the building is already enabling greater hands-on learning in disciplines like athletic training and kinesiology, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, forensic science, robotics and autonomous vehicles, and more.

“The Life Sciences and Engineering Building marks a major state investment in our outstanding George �鶹��Ƶ faculty to educate and inspire our students—Virginia’s next generation of inspirational leaders, researchers, innovators, and problem solvers,” says George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington.

This addition also provides increased university access for students in Prince William and Fauquier Counties, the western part of Fairfax County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and beyond, which is why the General Assembly and the Prince William County delegation, led by Delegate Luke Torian, were eager to help make this building a reality. Torian, who is chair of the Virginia House Appropriations Committee, and the delegation were instrumental in helping to secure strategic support and state funding for the building.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Mechanical engineering major Andrea Dortch is working with Narly, a lighter-than-air vehicle, in the multistory aviary. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Encompassing 132,000 square feet of space, the building is designed to promote collaboration and engagement among students and faculty. The ground-level engineering labs and student design competition bays open directly onto the campus’s exterior pathways, allowing visibility for the work happening inside.

One of the first groups to take up residence was Patriot Motorsports, a club for students who want to explore the inner workings of automotive vehicles. Over the course of the spring semester, seniors in mechanical engineering revved it up a notch with their capstone project—designing a control system for the club’s Formula SAE race car.

And race cars aren’t the only vehicles in the building. This new space boasts a multistory aviary lab where students can test blimps, drones, and anything else that needs extra airspace to move around. One capstone project taking advantage of the lab is an autonomous flapping wing lighter-than-air vehicle, developed by mechanical engineering Professor Daigo Shishika’s students.

This spring, engineering capstone teams were also using the prototyping space on the second floor to collaborate on projects. “Once the first-floor machine shop is complete, this space will also be used for staging and constructing physical prototypes,” says George �鶹��Ƶ mechanical engineering professor Charles White.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

One of the building’s special features is the blending of laboratory and teaching spaces. All the mechanical engineering labs, including the first-floor advanced manufacturing and wind tunnel labs, contain student desks and IT lecture setups so that seminars can turn into hands-on demonstrations where students can practice in real time.

And these areas barely scratch the surface of what the building has to offer. For mechanical engineers, in addition to the wind tunnel and advanced manufacturing labs, machine shop, robotics lab, and prototype studio, there is a 3D print studio, a materials characterization lab, a sustainable energy and photonics area, and a thermofluids lab.

For civil engineers, there is a dedicated space for the American Society of Civil Engineers concrete canoe competitions. Bioengineers have access to cutting-edge studios as well, including a tissue engineering lab.

Anchoring Prince William’s Innovation District

As an epicenter of innovation, creativity, and opportunity, the Science and Technology Campus plays a critical role in helping George �鶹��Ƶ generate solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. Strategically located in the technology and innovation corridor that runs from Washington, D.C., to Richmond and encompasses the George �鶹��Ƶ ecosystem of campuses, Small Business Development Centers, and community college partnerships, the SciTech Campus is also an anchor for Prince William’s growing Innovation District, which includes the development of two residential and commercial town centers directly connected to campus.

“This facility, and the advancements it will produce, further establishes the Science and Technology Campus, and this Innovation District, as an anchor of the economic corridor that runs from �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington to the Fairfax Campus to here in Manassas, further entrenching George �鶹��Ƶ as a major driver of the prosperity of our region and state,” says President Washington.

The SciTech Campus opened in 1997 thanks to a university partnership with the City of Manassas and Prince William County, and it has far exceeded its initial goal of fostering groundbreaking research across disciplines. The campus is also home to the Virginia Serious Game Institute; the Biomedical Research Laboratory, one of 13 regional biocontainment laboratories established through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and the Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory, one of only eight human donor forensic science labs in the United States.

In June, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the commonwealth will invest $2.6 million in the Innovation District, which is jointly led by George �鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas and anchored by the Science and Technology Campus.

“The planned town centers will create a stronger link between the campus and the surrounding community,” says Colby Grant, BS Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources ’05, director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus. “Combined with the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building, these developments further establish the campus as a dynamic hub for science, technology, the arts, entertainment, and recreation.”

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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

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Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising

Costello College of Business

computer science

George �鶹��Ƶ provides soft interview room to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:55:26 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ provides soft interview room to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:55

The �鶹��Ƶ Police Department recently installed a soft interview room on campus to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. With support from Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission, a nonprofit organization, the soft interview room provides a critical component of trauma informed care to the campus community.

Unlike a typical police interview room, a soft interview room incorporates gentle lighting, comfortable furniture, and calming decor to help interviewees feel safe and at ease.

Soft interview room. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“This room will allow us to better understand and recognize the signs of trauma and how that may show up in individuals,” said Chelsey Ellard, director of threat assessment and intelligence analysis with �鶹��Ƶ Police. “Soft interview rooms really do make a difference for these types of investigations and can give officers a better opportunity to find justice.”

Trauma informed care is an approach used across a range of settings, including health care, social services, law enforcement, and education. The soft interview room will provide a more comfortable setting for interviewees to recall and share traumatic experiences.

The George �鶹��Ƶ Police Department was in the early stages of planning to implement a soft interview room when Ellard came upon the opportunity to collaborate with Project Beloved. Ellard learned about the nonprofit while attending training with the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Project Beloved partners with law enforcement agencies across the United States to install soft interview rooms.

Ellard immediately reached out to Project Beloved. The project was approved and placed on a one-year waiting list. The organization designed and provided everything in the space at no cost to the university, and this June, the soft interview room on George �鶹��Ƶ’s campus was completed.

Small touches in the design of the space are meant to remind survivors of their worth. Each room includes a mirror next to a small canvas sign, which says "You Are Beloved." The message encourages survivors to remember those words as they look at their reflections.

The soft interview room at �鶹��Ƶ is the 134th room to be installed by Project Beloved. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Project Beloved was founded by Tracy Matheson, a former Fairfax County Public Schools teacher, after her daughter, Molly Jane, was a victim of sexual assault and homicide at age 22. The mission of Project Beloved is to educate, advocate, and collaborate to change the conversation about sexual assault and empower survivors to find their voices.

The new soft interview room at George �鶹��Ƶ will help the campus police do that.

”Officers stay connected with victims throughout the investigation and court process,” said Ellard. “The soft interview room will allow officers and victims to immediately develop that bond and allow victims to feel empowered to find their voice.”

Project Beloved has also installed a soft interview room at Virginia Military Institute—the only other institution of higher education to offer one in Virginia—and at 10 law enforcement agencies throughout the commonwealth.

Overall, �鶹��Ƶ is the 134th room to be installed by the organization.

Patriots Thriving Together

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Department of Police and Public Safety

Police and Public Safety

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GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Well-Being

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

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Faculty and Staff News

Student Success Coaching

University Life

Advisors from George �鶹��Ƶ receive National Academic Advising Association honors

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:47:53 +0000

Advisors from George �鶹��Ƶ receive National Academic Advising Association honors Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/29/2025 - 08:47

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

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

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

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

Academic advisors serve as vital resources as students navigate their academic journeys at George �鶹��Ƶ. Delivering a distinctive and inclusive student experience is one of the university’s strategic priorities, and student advising is a critical part of the student services infrastructure.

Fletcher started working at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2019, after previously working as a school counselor at a Title I middle school in Pinellas Park, Florida. He earned a master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Florida. We asked him to share some insights into his experiences advising students at George �鶹��Ƶ and what it means to be recognized for his work.

What are your main responsibilities in your role? What types of students do you advise?

I advise approximately 2,600 undergraduate computer science and applied computer science students at all stages of their education journey. Academic advising has given me the opportunity to understand and evaluate students in difficult situations, develop a plan of action by utilizing the degree audit system, and take the lead in group advising sessions.

Joshua Fletcher is an undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department. Photo provided

I also process important documents such as substitutions, waivers, major declarations, re-enrollments, appeals, and many others. In addition, I help with several events throughout the year such as College of Engineering and Computing Visit Days, Fall/Spring Previews, orientations, Spotlight Days, and more.

What do you like best about your job?

I take an approach to meet students where they are. My philosophy on advising is to understand where the student is, but be real about the interworking of their major.

I have a dialogue with my students about their passion, hobbies, and goals. I use this information to help them build a support system for their career goals and encourage them to create alternative paths that will lead them to be successful in the future.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your role?

One of the challenges that advisors face is the caseload numbers. We see a lot of students every day, and it is not surprising that our appointments are booked.

Have you previously attended the NACADA conference? What do you enjoy most about the conference and the organization?

Last year, one of my colleagues and I attended the Regional 2 conference in New Jersey. One of the breakout sessions was called “How to Publish for NACADA,” and we discovered the opportunity to write for NACADA. Because we have so many personal experiences as advisors, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of our stories with other advisors.

To our surprise, our article was published in the September 2024 edition of Academic Advising Today. This is my first published article. Our article, “Academic Advisors' Mental Health Literacy and Experiences Working with Students Facing Emotional and Mental Health Issues,” encourages other advisors to gather information from research and colleagues to become more informed about how to effectively work with students who struggle with mental and emotional health issues.

What memorable moments stand out to you in your academic advising experiences?

The Degree Celebration for the College of Engineering and Computing. The Computer Science advising team always helps out with the event. One year, several of our students came up to us and thanked us for helping them through their journey at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Graduation is a time of celebrating the students’ success, but it also felt good to hear that we are appreciated by our students.

Academic advising at George �鶹��Ƶ

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Faculty and Staff News

Academic Advising

College of Engineering and Computing

computer science

Costello College of Business

Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)

Lauren Reuscher

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom

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