George Mason University leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings Colleen Rich Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:53 Body George Mason University continues to distinguish itself as a top academic institution and a top 50 public university. Today, U.S. News & World Report released their 2025 Best Online Programs rankings, highlighting the university’s exceptional offerings across several disciplines, especially for veterans. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding George Mason advanced its rankings in nearly every online master’s degree program where it was included. The university is one of just five institutions in Virginia ranked in at least nine of the 13 categories where it is included, earning No. 1 rankings in four of those categories, more than any other university in the state for these categories. “These rankings affirm that George Mason is a leader in Virginia in producing graduates for high-demand industries critical to the growth and prosperity of the commonwealth,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “We achieve these outcomes by partnering with industry leaders to develop academic programs that prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.” A Leader for Military-Affiliated Students With more than 4,700 students identifying as active-duty service members, veterans, or dependents, George Mason remains a vital resource for Virginia’s largest military-connected community. This year, approximately 20% of the university’s incoming freshman, transfer, and graduate cohorts have military connections, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a top destination for military-affiliated students. George Mason earned the top spot in Virginia and nationally among public universities for its MBA program for veterans, and was first in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for its master’s in nursing for veterans. In September 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked George Mason as one of the state’s best colleges for veterans. The university was also recognized with “Gold” status as a top Military Friendly University, underscoring its commitment to supporting those who have served. “We are proud to serve a region that is home to a significant number of military members, veterans, and their families,” said Jennifer Connors, George Mason’s director of Office of Military Services. “At George Mason, we are committed to providing resources to support their unique needs. It is our duty to honor their service to our nation by empowering them to excel academically and professionally.” Strong Performances Across Disciplines In addition to its programs for veterans, George Mason’s online master’s programs excelled in several other areas: education, nursing, business, and engineering. Northern Virginia boasts some of the nation’s top public school systems, and George Mason playing a significant role in that success. Approximately half of the region’s K-12 school administrators and an estimated one third of its teachers hold degrees or certificates from George Mason. In the face of a national shortage of special education teachers, the university’s master’s in special education program stands out, ranking No. 1 in both Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and 5th nationally. “We are thrilled to see our special education program recognized among the top five in the country,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “This achievement is a reflection of our faculty’s remarkable expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches to preparing graduates to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.” The School of Nursing within George Mason’s College of Public Health saw significant advancements in its rankings. The master’s in nursing program ranked No. 1 in Virginia, climbing up eight spots to 41st nationally (34th among public universities). Additionally, the Master’s in Nursing for Veterans program rose to 14th nationally (up from 18th), and 9th among public universities (up from 11th). “Through hands-on clinical training and cutting-edge simulation technologies, our students are equipped with unmatched knowledge and cultural competencies,” said College of Public Health dean Melissa J. Perry. “Our graduates are among the most well-prepared nurses in the country.” The Costello College of Business earned significant accolades, with its MBA for veterans program climbing to 30th (up from 41st) among public universities and 34th nationally (up from 50th). The MBA program also rose to 41st among public universities (up from 54th), 55th nationally (up from 74th), while its non-MBA program ranked 39th among public universities (up from 44th) and 56th nationally (up from 62nd). George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing saw two of its newest programs make strong debuts. The master’s in industrial engineering is best in Virginia and 10th nationally. The master’s in engineering for veterans’ program ranked 29th nationally. The master’s in engineering program climbed 22 spots to 45th nationally, and 38th among public universities (up from 51st). The new master’s in IT for veterans program also made a strong first impression, ranking 21st nationally and 13th among public universities. A Commitment to Excellence in Online Education The strong performance of George Mason’s online programs aligns with the university’s mission to support students where they are. The flexible class offerings are a welcome boon to the university’s large number of post-traditional students, many of whom are professionals who continue to work full-time jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing academic goals to enhance their careers. Check out the full list of George Mason rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.See more of George Mason's rankings Related News George Mason University leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings January 21, 2025 George Mason in the Rankings January 21, 2025 George Mason University ranks #1 in Virginia for best value, internships, and upward mobility September 24, 2024 George Mason’s vital role in advancing Virginia as America’s top state in business July 15, 2024 Student Health Services’ designation for LGBTQ+ health care practices is the latest recognition of George Mason’s inclusive campus environment May 31, 2024Topics Topics Campus News Rankings College of Public Health College of Engineering and Computing Costello College of Business Veterans Office of Military Services Strategic Direction

Mason Arts Amplified Releases New Content, including performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cirque Kalabanté, and more!  Laura Mertens Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:57 Body Rising star British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason performs Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Center for the Arts on January 28, 2024. New content will launch throughout January 2025 on Mason Arts Amplified, Mason Arts’s digital venue that features live and on-demand performances, lectures, behind-the-scenes talks, and more from George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and College of Visual and Performing Arts. The limited-release recording of the London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), featuring “phenom” (San Francisco Chronicle) British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, will is available to watch through February 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Center for the Arts under the direction of Maestro Vasily Petrenko on January 28, 2024, the program featured Kanneh-Mason’s powerful performance of Prokofiev’s popular Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26, “a dazzling kaleidoscope of a piece” (The Times). Repertoire also included Debussy’s Danse (orch. by Ravel) and Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved Scheherazade, Op. 35, culminating in a standing ovation from the crowd. The concert was described by an attendee as “one of the best concerts we ever experienced at the center.” Another audience member declared, “This performance has to rank among the 25 best I have ever seen.” “Notable for the beauty of the orchestral sound” (The Guardian), the RPO made its triumphant return to the Center for the Arts—having performed there previously in 2022—with rising star Kanneh-Mason, who served as the RPO’s 2022/2023 Artist-in-Residence and has been hailed by BBC Music Magazine as “a pianist who makes lines sing beautifully and virtuosic passages dance, finding intimacy and eloquence at telling moments.” The eldest of a famous family of seven musically gifted siblings who have been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, Kanneh-Mason performed with Sir Elton John in Los Angeles in 2013, inspiring the pop icon to pay her tuition at the Royal Academy of Music. She has since performed as guest soloist also with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, and Stockholm Philharmonic, among others; and recorded four solo albums for the Decca Classics label. She recently performed an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that aired Jauary 7, 2025. Read Isata Kanneh-Mason’s advance Q&A with WETA Classical about the Prokofiev and her performance at the Center for the Arts. The performance, which was sponsored by the Tom and Evelyn Kiley Fund, is available on Mason Arts Amplified for $15. Cirque Kalabanté performs Afrique en Cirque, which was recorded at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in November 2024. Also available on January 16, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET is the limited release performance by Cirque Kalabanté, recorded in front of a live audience on November 16 and 17, 2024 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Merchant Hall in Manassas, Virginia, on George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus. This performance is also available to watch through February 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Cirque Kalabanté’s multisensory extravaganza, Afrique en Cirque, delivers a unique fusion of African arts and European circus traditions. Daring acrobats and dancers perform gravity-defying feats accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of a live Afro jazz ensemble. Inspired by life in his native Guinea, the founder of Cirque Kalabanté Yamoussa Bangoura created Afrique en Cirque to celebrate the vitality, joy, and beauty of African culture. “Explosive drumming and dance routines, the group delivered mind-blowing acrobatic sequences with extraordinary precision” (Vice Magazine). The performance is available for $15. Accessibility as Inclusion participants from left: Moderator Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative at George Mason, and panelists Amanda Loerch, captioner with c2 and director of patron services at Sixth & I; Betty Siegel, director of the Office of Accessibility and VSA at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Ermyn King, audio describer, consultant, and arts educator; and Rachael Abbott, actor, theater artist, and advocate. Additional College of Visual and Performing Arts events released in January will include the Accessibility as Inclusion: Panel Conversation, exploring strategies and practices arts spaces can utilize to provide fully accessible arts programming, and how these techniques impact the audience’s sense of inclusion and belonging. Available on January 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET for free, this discussion was recorded live on November 13, 2024, at the Center for the Arts, moderated by Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative at George Mason. Panelists included Amanda Loerch, captioner with c2 and director of patron services at Sixth & I; Betty Siegel, director of the Office of Accessibility and VSA at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Ermyn King, audio describer, consultant, and arts educator; and Rachael Abbott, actor, theater artist, and advocate. Then on January 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET, the Legends and Legacies event presented by The LIVE Center (The Center for Live Interactive Virtual Education) and George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. In this first installment of the LIVE Center’s new Legends and Legacies series, which celebrates the leading artists of our time, Tony Award-nominated performers and husband-wife duo Terrence Mann and Charlotte d'Amboise participated in a virtual discussion (streamed in real time from the National Dance Institute in New York and projected onstage at the Harris Theatre on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, moderated live by George Mason's School of Theater Professor Edward Gero. The Mason Arts Amplified platform—formerly known as Mason Arts at Home, launched in April 2020 during the pandemic—gives digital audiences the opportunity to experience the work that takes place across our campuses. Digital programs include pre-performance discussions with world renowned artists like choreographer Mark Morris; the “Silkroad and the American Railroad” course, produced in collaboration with the Silkroad Ensemble and the 92nd Street Y; performances by Mason Jazz, Mason Opera, Mason School of Theater, and much more. Create a free account and explore enriching Mason Arts content from anywhere.View January 2025 releases on Mason Arts Amplified Explore our digital venue Related Stories Mason Arts Amplified Releases New Content, including performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cirque Kalabanté, and more!  January 16, 2025 Metro’s Art in Transit Program showcases George Mason students' work December 4, 2024 Virginia House of Delegates Honors Acting for Young People and Mason Community Arts Academy March 28, 2024 A Contemporary Composer Fuels a New Mason Collaboration March 7, 2023 Topics Topics Mason Arts Mason Arts at Home Center for the Arts Hylton Center College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Campus News

How Visiting International Scholars Contribute to the Academic Community: Meet Maurizio Geri Andrew J Schappert Wed, 01/15/2025 - 13:04 Body Maurizio Geri has wasted no time in exploring opportunities at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. The voluble Italian is a distinctive presence in the classroom, at panel discussions, and at various social events held throughout the semester at the school. Visiting international scholar Maurizio Geri: ‘I had great interactions with interested and passionate students.’ Photos provided. But Geri, it should be noted, is not a student, nor is he a member of the faculty. He is one of about a dozen Schar School visiting international scholars who spend a predetermined amount of time at the university. The scholars, many of them professors elsewhere, come to the Schar School to use George Mason resources in accomplishing their research and contributing to relevant classroom discussions. In Geri’s case, the senior strategic international security analyst is capitalizing on his more than 20 years of experience with nongovernmental organizations, think tanks, and international institutions to develop “a better strategy for NATO and European Union cooperation to combat hybrid warfare from Russia and China,” he said. “The work studies the technology and energy sectors in particular,” he said, with hopes to “improve cooperation in dual-use emerging disruptive technologies.” Geri, an Italian Navy Lieutenant Reservist-POLAD (a political advisor), was awarded the 2023 EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoc Fellowship’s Horizon Europe, a prestigious and competitive flagship program for doctoral and postdoctoral training through a fellowship from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice. The practice of universities hosting visiting international scholars began in ancient Greece, with cross-border scholarly exchanges, notably Plato’s Academy of Athens and the Library of Alexandria, where scholars from different regions shared knowledge. In modern times, the practice was institutionalized in the late 19th century, beginning in Germany and spreading across Europe and into the United States. While the scholars benefit from research resources, the schools—including students and faculty—gain new viewpoints and fresh insights. Maurizio Geri: ‘Maurizio is eager to work with students and colleagues. He is a wonderful addition to the school.’—Professor of Public Policy Desmond Dinan “Visiting international scholars such as Dr. Geri enrich the academic climate of the Schar School,” said Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell. “They bring diverse perspectives on public policy issues and help build research and academic program collaborations for our faculty and students.” Desmond Dinan, the Schar School professor of public policy who supervised Geri’s visit, has seen the effects of a visiting professor first-hand. “International scholars bring different perspectives, experience, and insights to the classroom and, more broadly, to the intellectual life of the school. Maurizio Geri is a great example,” he said, citing Geri’s credentials and activities on campus. “He also happens to be a reservist in the Italian navy, which made his participation in my European Security class in the fall of 2024 even more interesting. On top of all that, Maurizio is eager to work with students and colleagues. He is a wonderful addition to the school.” Among the visiting international scholars at the Schar School is Tetiana Khutor, founder of the Institute of Legislative Ideas, a Ukraine-based think tank that devises legislative strategies and policies to combat corruption, assist asset recovery, and encourage good governance. She also teaches anticorruption policy as a professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Khutor came to George Mason as an academic participating in the New School’s New University in Exile Consortium, made up of a global group of colleges dedicated to supporting scholars facing threats at home that force them to leave or prevent them from performing meaningful work. George Mason is one of 12 in the United States participating in the program. Khutor and Geri participated together in a panel discussion on hybrid warfare with Russia’s economic sector hosted by the Schar School Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS) and they coauthored an op-ed in the influential political publication, The Hill. In addition to guest lecturing and auditing several classes, Geri published his initial studies on Russian hybrid warfare against Europe’s energy sector and on NATO-EU cooperation in technologies last year in the Journal of Strategic Security and the Security and Defense Journal published by the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. At the moment, Geri is continuing his work via the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium. He returns to the Schar School in the fall before finishing his fellowship in Venice in 2026. “I had great interactions with interested and passionate students” at the Schar School, Geri said. “The faculty is always kind and very prepared. I look forward to being back in the fall.”In This Story People Mentioned in This Story Mark J. Rozell Desmond DinanRequest Schar School program information Icon Icon Learn more about the Schar School Icon Icon Related News Rwanda Puts Global Commerce and Policy Alumnus Jean-Guy Afrika at Top of Economic Development January 27, 2025 Schar School Biodefense Students Selected for Distinguished Fellowship January 23, 2025 ODKM Graduate Melvin Brown II Appointed Chief Information Officer of Office of Personnel Management January 21, 2025 Using AI to uncover human smuggling networks  January 16, 2025 How Visiting International Scholars Contribute to the Academic Community: Meet Maurizio Geri January 15, 2025Topics Topics Visiting International Scholars Schar School of Policy and Government Schar School Featured Stories Schar School News for January 2025 Campus News Scholar in Exile international scholars

The Carter School named a United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal Hub Chair Katarina Benson Wed, 01/15/2025 - 12:51 Body The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution was named a United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal Hub Chair for (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. There are 17 SDGs, including “No Poverty,” “Clean Water and Sanitation,” and “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.” Currently, George Mason is one of only two universities in the United States to chair a Sustainable Development Goal Hub. Out of more than 330 applications, George Mason was selected to chair SDG 16 Hub, a position it will hold for the next three years. In a letter from the United Nations, it says George Mason “was selected based on its pioneering research and programs focused on promoting peace and conflict resolution” as well as the university’s educational policies. As Hub Chair, the Carter School will be responsible for education and training, research, community engagement, developing partnerships, and working with other SDG hubs to strengthen and further the United Nations’ mission of peace and justice. “This prestigious recognition highlights our school’s longstanding commitment and impactful contributions to the field of peace and conflict resolution,” said Carter School dean Alpaslan Özerdem. “As chair for SDG16, we will have the privilege and responsibility of generating, coordinating, and amplifying SDG16-related programs and activities on a global scale. This role represents not only a significant milestone for the Carter School but also an exciting new chapter in our journey toward advancing global peace, justice, and institutional resilience. It positions us to foster meaningful partnerships, drive innovative initiatives, and contribute thought leadership on critical global issues.” Andre Marshall, George Mason’s vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, highlighted that this new role aligns perfectly with Mason’s global challenges agenda, offering opportunities to amplify the university’s contributions to global peace and justice. “The Carter School’s successful bid to lead the United Nations Academic Impact SDG16 Hub not only elevates George Mason’s profile in the international community for sustainable development, it is also a well-deserved recognition of the Carter School and George Mason’s leadership in and commitment to producing research, scholarship, and impact that moves the needle on the world’s grand challenges,” Marshall said. In the coming months, Özerdem will engage with academic and research units across George Mason to identify collaboration opportunities, ensuring a transformative Mason stamp on all aspects of the SDG16 agenda over the next three years.Learn more about the Carter School In This Story People Mentioned in This Story Andre Marshall, PhD Alpaslan ÖzerdemRelated News Breaking down the composting process January 23, 2025 Mason Korea students conduct environmental research on Incheon stream January 21, 2025 The Carter School named a United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal Hub Chair January 15, 2025 Susan Allen joined WTOP’s Sarah Jacobs to discuss Jimmy Carter’s achievements, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. December 31, 2024 The Anti-Defamation League honors George Mason’s Charles Chavis Jr. for his work in civil rights education November 11, 2024Topics Topics Campus News Sustainability Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution Strategic Direction

Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:11 Body Mason Korea recently joined forces with General Motors (GM) Korea to revitalize a youth home in Incheon's Bupyeong area through a collaborative beautification project. The activity was organized by Mason Cares, which focuses on community engagement around George Mason University’s Incheon campus, and Mason Korea’s Office of Development and Strategic Partnership. Volunteers from Mason Korea painted a mural designed by students and staff. Photo by Mason Korea. Student, faculty, and staff volunteers, including Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park, worked diligently to bring a mural concept to life. The mural was designed by Mason Korea students and staff, and the volunteer artists received on-site support from the GM Korea team. Photo by Mason Korea“I was excited to participate in this project, because I have experience working in mural design from a similar volunteer project at the Smithsonian,” said Victoria Gehring, a sophomore business major. This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between Mason Korea and GM Korea's mural painting project, underscoring a shared commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Photo by Mason Korea Among the volunteers were four international students and eight participants from the MK Way program, Mason Korea’s conditional admission program offering intensive English instruction for students. Photo by Mason KoreaHyewon Lee, a freshman global affairs major, was grateful for the service opportunity. “I try to volunteer often, but it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities,” said Lee. “I was really happy to see this unique painting project organized by our school.” Photo by Mason KoreaLearn more about Mason Korea Read More Like This Mason Korea students conduct environmental research on Incheon stream January 21, 2025 Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project January 10, 2025 Mason Korea launches Korea Serious Game Institute December 2, 2024 Dean Park shares his vision for Mason Korea November 4, 2024 Mason Korea student promotes inclusivity through Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop October 7, 2024Topics Topics Mason Korea Campus News Faculty and Staff News Community Engagement Volunteerism

2024: A Transformative Year for Schar School’s Public-Private Partnerships Center Kristin Heydt Wed, 01/08/2025 - 14:18 Body The Center for Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership Policy at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government closed out 2024 with groundbreaking achievements that reflect its expanded mission to shape the future of infrastructure through research, education, and collaboration.  The center is led by founding Director Jonathan Gifford, a professor of policy and transportation in the Schar School. Founding Director Jonathan Gifford The center, which supports objective evaluations of public-private partnerships (P3s) for infrastructure development, broadened its scope this year, reaching new heights in addressing challenges across sectors. A New Name, A Broader Horizon This year marked a pivotal shift for the center as it redefined its mission to encompass infrastructure beyond transportation. “With a broader focus, the center now considers critical areas such as higher education, K-12 schools, energy, and communications,” said Gifford. “The change underscores a commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges that are increasingly interwoven into every facet of modern life.” A Forum for the Ages  September saw the 11th annual P3 Forum take place, called Inflection Point: New Capital, New Markets, and New Challenges. The event brought together leading voices from the public and private sectors to explore how P3s are adapting to evolving infrastructure needs. The keynote address, delivered by Beau Memory, North America president for global infrastructure giant Transurban, showcased major projects in Northern Virginia and across the United States. Panels examined new sources of capital, innovative technologies, and the expanding role of P3s in areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Leading Research, Building Talent The center’s academic initiatives flourished in 2024. Masters and PhD students produced pioneering research on P3 opportunities and challenges, contributing to a growing body of knowledge. Their work also addressed the urgent need to develop a robust talent pipeline to support the future of infrastructure development in both the public and private sectors. Bridging Communities The center’s faculty and students forged connections with stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and local communities. These partnerships aim to tackle the pressing challenges of creating infrastructure that can adapt to society’s changing demands. As 2024 draws to a close, the center stands at the forefront of shaping the next generation of infrastructure solutions. Its continued growth signals exciting possibilities for 2025 and beyond. AI and Cybersecurity: In 2025, the center will explore how artificial intelligence can both improve infrastructure development and introduce new vulnerabilities, such as cybersecurity risks, requiring careful analysis. Expanding Student Engagement: The research program will continue to support master’s and PhD students, as well as reintroducing undergraduate engagement through the Schar School’s Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP). 2025 P3 Forum: The next forum will take place in Van Metre Hall at Mason Square in Arlington, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Information will be announced soon.  In This Story People Mentioned in This Story Jonathan L. GiffordRequest Schar School program information Learn more about the Schar School Related Stories Rwanda Puts Global Commerce and Policy Alumnus Jean-Guy Afrika at Top of Economic Development January 27, 2025 Schar School Biodefense Students Selected for Distinguished Fellowship January 23, 2025 ODKM Graduate Melvin Brown II Appointed Chief Information Officer of Office of Personnel Management January 21, 2025 Using AI to uncover human smuggling networks  January 16, 2025 How Visiting International Scholars Contribute to the Academic Community: Meet Maurizio Geri January 15, 2025 Topics Topics Schar School of Policy and Government Schar School Featured Stories Schar School News for December 2024 Center for Infrastructure P3 Policy Campus News Strategic Direction