Costello College of Business

Early Identification Program (EIP)

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity

Katarina Benson — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:08 +0000

The power of showing up: How this Honors College student built a career by seizing every opportunity Katarina Benson Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:30

For Honors College student and University Scholar Monica Amaya, the journey to a degree isn’t just about the final walk across the stage—it’s about a promise she made to her family and herself years ago.

Monica Amaya is an Honors College student and a University Scholar.

Amaya first got involved with George Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) as an eighth-grader. When she graduated from Manassas Park High School in 2022, she knew she had the skills to succeed in college, and she credits EIP with giving her the support and the road map to get there.

"The program pushed me and motivated me so I could set an example for my younger siblings," she said in 2022. "We can do anything if we work hard."

When she arrived at George Mason, Amaya dove into the innovation and technology of the Northern Virginia and D.C. area. Immersed in an environment that aligned with her passion for data and national security, she pursued a BS in business with a concentration in management information systems.

She also took advantage of a wide range of other opportunities at George Mason. After attending an Honors College roundtable in 2024, she networked with leaders in her industry. That event was part of the Honors College Professional Development Fellows program, a series of workshops that help students in the program craft their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles, practice interviewing, and otherwise prepare for internship and career opportunities.

“Showing up is only the first step,” Amaya said. “The most impactful step is really what you make out of the opportunity, who you get to meet, and making those connections.” 

As a recipient of scholarships from the Costello College of Business, she was able to meet and network with industry leaders at donor appreciation events. A data analytics internship at CACI International through the CACI Scholars Program in summer 2024 paved the way for the full-time role as a software developer she will begin after graduation in May.

In a full-circle moment, Amaya served as a peer mentor with EIP during her time at George Mason, becoming a guide for freshmen and sophomores, helping them navigate the same academic hurdles she had once faced.

Amaya speaking at the Board of Visitors meeting. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Truly, what I’m most proud of is what I’ve made out of my experiences," Amaya said.

Her leadership also led her to the podium as a student speaker for the EIP at the recent Board of Visitors meeting, where she shared her story of resilience with the next generation of dreamers.

“For me, EIP was not just a program, it was a foundation that made my journey to and through George Mason possible,” she said. “EIP is not just about access—it helps students build confidence and the mindset to succeed, not only in college but beyond.”

For Amaya, graduation isn't the end—it’s the ultimate proof that with the right support and a relentless work ethic, any dream is within reach.

2026 Spring Graduation Information

Learn about George Mason's Early Identification Program

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Honors College

Mason Now: Power the Possible

Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:50 +0000

Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting Katarina Benson Mon, 05/11/2026 - 14:52

At its final meeting of the academic year, the 91�� Board of Visitors saluted graduates from the Early Identification Program, received an update on the men’s basketball program from Coach Tony Skinn, and passed a six-year capital plan, among other actions, including approval of a tuition and fees increase for 2026-27.

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, reported that 41 proposals (16 large, 25 small) had been submitted for the Grand Challenge Initiative. The initial funding recipients were announced in The George on May 6.

Faculty from all colleges and schools, including Mason Korea, submitted applications. Marshall noted that 38 of the proposals included more than one George Mason college or school and six proposals involved five or more colleges and schools.

“This initiative strengthens George Mason's competitiveness for large interdisciplinary awards,” Marshall said. “It also reshapes how we organize our institutional research. Finally, most importantly, it positions us to lead solutions to some of our most urgent societal needs, living up to our responsibility as a top-tier research university.”

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, shared successes from his department and brought along a special guest—men’s basketball coach Tony Skinn. Women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis will be a guest at a future Athletic Committee meeting.

Lewis reported significant increases in corporate sponsorships, fundraising (including $2 million on Giving Day, doubling last year’s total), ticket sales, and men’s basketball attendance.

To improve student turnout at athletic events, the university is creating the position of assistant director of student involvement for student fan engagement. According to the job posting, the role “focuses on fostering connections between students, student organizations, and athletic programs to build a vibrant, spirited campus culture.”

“Most schools don't have that,” Lewis said. “But it shows the shared commitment in engaging our students, creating a community for our students, and our investment at the university level to make that happen.”

Under Skinn, the Patriots have posted three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in program history and amid a challenging recruiting environment. The team was co-regular season champion of the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2024-25 and has reached the NIT the past two postseasons. George Mason will enter the 2026-27 season seeking its first NCAA men’s basketball berth since 2011.

Skinn said the Basketball and Academic Performance Center for the men’s and women’s teams set to open in 2027 will be “transformational” for the program because it combines the team’s athletic and academic resources. The BAPC is a 27,870 square-foot addition and 14,341 square-foot renovation to the existing Recreation and Athletic Complex and will include a modern academic advising center for all George Mason student-athletes.

“Through men's basketball, I believe a return on investment reaches far beyond the game itself, driving enrollment, strengthening alumni engagement, fueling fundraising, elevating national relevance and deepening George Mason pride,” Skinn told the board. “That is what a successful basketball program can do for this university.”

Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 91�� Foundation, reported that the university has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion Mason Now: Power the Possible goal. That includes $2.95 million raised from Giving Day on April 2, topping the $1.5 million collected last year for Giving Day.

Athletics, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Costello College of Business each had a record number of donors this year.

Bowden said that 237 faculty and staff made donations on Giving Day, and the day included 500 first-time donors.

The board congratulated 19 members of the Early Identification Program (EIP) who are graduating this month. Among them was Monica Amaya, an Honors College student and University Scholar who is earning a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management information systems.

EIP provides academic preparation, leadership training, and college process guidance for first-generation students starting in the eighth grade. EIP is marking its 40th anniversary this year. More than 200 EIP alumni are currently enrolled at the university.

“When I arrived here at George Mason, I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch,” said Amaya, who is from Manassas Park, Virginia. “It felt like I was continuing a journey. One I had already been prepared for. I felt supported, and most importantly, I felt like I belonged.

“I carry with me everything that EIP and George Mason have given me: Resilience, a drive to learn, and a strong sense of community. My success didn't happen by chance. It started with access, it started with support. It started with EIP.”

Amaya, an EIP peer mentor, has a job lined up at CACI as a software developer.

Leaders from three of the university’s schools and colleges made pitches to the board for new or upgraded facilities.

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, presented a plan to turn Point of View into a retreat and conflict center that could accommodate overnight visitors. Özerdem envisions a “civilian Camp David.”

Point of View, located in Lorton, Virginia, about 18 miles from the Fairfax Campus, is a retreat and research center guided by Carter School faculty. The facility, on 120 wooded acres on Belmont Bay, provides space and support for groups to resolve conflict, heal, and reconcile, and is also a community event space.

Özerdem said that the most effective conflict resolution programs enable participants to spend extended time together in common living and gathering spaces.

“When people share the dinner table, if they sleep under the same roof, they start to think about peace in a different way,” Özerdem said. “Live, think, negotiate together is what we want to achieve.”

Ozerdem said the university has secured $4 million from the state and needs another $10 million to upgrade the facility. He said a public–private partnership is one option.

Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, made a presentation to the board about CVPA fundraising activities and a proposed $104 million project for a new Center for the Arts. The current center opened in 1990.

“When the arts programs of 1990 are all counted up, we had 250 students and we now have 1,800 students majoring in all of our arts disciplines,” Davis said. "The building that we designed in the 1980s was designed for a whole different universe.”

Davis mentioned other potential projects, including a planning study for a new facility for the film and video studies program and game design program to share. Those programs currently are based in the Art and Design Building. Davis also discussed an “arts district vision” that would include a sculpture garden and campus museum.

Patrick Soleymani, associate dean of the Costello College of Business, presented a plan for a new business school building, an initiative that began in 2018. The proposed $165 million project is part of the university’s six-year capital plan (see below).

Soleymani said that Northern Virginia has more than 130,000 open jobs, including 80% in tech-related field, many of which are affiliated with business school graduates.

“Our reputation has outgrown our infrastructure,” Soleymani said. “A new home for Costello directly enhances student success and strengthens the university's position as being in charge of the economic engine of this community and region.”

The six-year capital plan includes several proposed projects. It establishes the university’s capital requests to be submitted to the commonwealth for consideration. The plan is updated on an annual basis and approved by the Board of Visitors.

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB): Proposed as 150,000-square-foot building that will modernize and replicate the spaces within David King Hall and Planetary Hall to allow George Mason to repurpose or demolish the two antiquated facilities in accordance with the Master Plan.
Costello College of Business Building: The approximately 150,000-square-foot building is anticipated to collocate the Costello College of Business operations. A new building would allow for technology-rich, experiential business education while significantly improving visibility and competitiveness.
Baseball Stadium: Would address long-standing facility shortcomings and support the student-athlete experience and recruitment. The current facility has metal bleachers and no restrooms, lights, or concessions.
High-Performance Training Center: Envisioned in partnership with a potential private partner to leverage shared investment and expertise.
Field House: The current facility has exceeded its useful life and no longer meets current programmatic or building system standards.

The April 30 meeting documents can be accessed here. A video recording and transcript of the meeting is here.

More about the Board of Visitors

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For this Costello senior, good business is a win-win

sholla4 — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:44:03 +0000

For this Costello senior, good business is a win-win sholla4 Thu, 05/07/2026 - 15:44

Senior Khaled Alkurd is ending his undergraduate career on a high note.

Photo provided

In the past few months, the Costello College of Business student won the Future Founders track at the 2026 Patriot Pitch for his company DealFax, an operational readiness assessment platform that helps business owners prepare for sale through their trusted advisors; got first place in the AGA’s National Datathon; and landed second place in the Management Consulted’s Case Competition World Cup out of 1,100 applicants. It’s a testament to his drive and track record in business, speeding up instead of slowing down as he approaches graduation.

As Alkurd prepares to cross the stage and dive fully into an MS in accounting with a focus on analytics and forensic accounting through the Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway, he spoke about his undergraduate journey at George Mason and the importance of business as a force for good.

Choosing the Patriot path

George Mason is ranked highly for its internship availability and outcomes, and that was key for me. The connections that George Mason can afford students are very strong, with so many major companies: Amazon, Capital One, Deloitte, etc. Folks can sample from a few of them or build really deep relationships with one. The opportunity is unmatched.

As for why I chose accounting: a decade of operating my family’s home inspection business NextDay Inspect taught me that financials drive every meaningful decision in a business. I wanted to understand that language at depth, especially the analytical and forensic side. Beyond the technical work, I gravitate toward business as a force for good. Done well, business is win-win. People walk away better off than before they engaged.

A great place for internships

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Ryan and Wetmore, Baker Tilly, and will be with PwC’s Deals practice this summer in Financial Due Diligence as I bridge into the MS program through BAM. The Office of Career Services in Costello has been amazing in their support. They reviewed my resume and cordoned off a private room for me to conduct Zoom interviews.

Overall, the support at George Mason is tremendous. It’s a big university, but it feels like a family. And Costello College of Business is really well equipped to deliver results, so there’s no expectations that are set that are not met. I’m very thankful for all the support.

Alkurd after receiving the Patriot Pitch Future Founders track award. Photo by John Boal Photography

From classroom to community

I am particularly proud of the work we’ve done through Beta Alpha Psi Theta Alpha, the accounting honors organization, for which I served as president this past year. We’ve been able to engage with the community through volunteering with the Junior Achievement Finance Park, where we’ve reached 960 eighth-grade students through teaching early financial literacy. Not only have I seen our volunteers grow as leaders and take ownership of those trainings, but I think learning how to educate and craft the message of finance in a way that is tailored for the audience is an incredibly important skill we improve through this work.

Fighting fires while forging skills

I joined Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company in 2008 when I was 16 and served for three and a half years. Now, I’m in the final stages of joining Sterling Volunteer Fire Company.

The job rewires how you think. Each scenario drops you into a chaotic situation and teaches you to stop reacting and start reading the room to figure out what is a priority and what can wait. On a call, you learn to gather information fast, communicate clearly, and trust the people next to you. Both those skills carry into how I approach client work.

Advice for the next generation of George Mason Patriots

Start early. There are experiences you can only get as freshmen and sophomores, like early pathway programs or externships. There’s so much you’ll miss by not engaging in student organizations; it’s an entirely different conversation than in the classroom, and it’s one you don’t want to miss out on because it’s helping with that connection to additional opportunity.

See why Costello Means Business

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Caitlin Horan is May Employee of the Month

ckearney — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:13:15 +0000

Caitlin Horan is May Employee of the Month ckearney Fri, 05/01/2026 - 10:13

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in 91��’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. She’s also a founding member of her department’s party planning team and has created team-building events such as chili cook-offs and trips to see the cherry blossoms. For all of this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

May Employee of the Month Caitlin Horan with President Gregory Washington. Photo by David Loughner/Office of University Branding

“Not only has Caitlin leveraged her strong interest in technology, efficiency, and providing quality service to students to improve the functioning of the graduate teams, she has also sought opportunities to lend her voice, time, and effort to university-level initiatives to implement new and better systems,” said Paige Wolf, associate dean of Costello graduate programs.

Graduate program manager Lauren Flynn said Horan is truly exemplary as both an employee and a colleague. “I don’t believe I have ever worked with anyone more thoughtful in her work and generous with her time, and I can think of no one more deserving.”

Saul Garcia, assistant director of MS in Management Program, emphasized Horan’s ability to recall and organize entire Costello schedules and programs with ease, which has been vital for their department. “She is the glue that holds our unit together,” he said.

May Abou Ghazaleh, assistant director of the Master’s in Real Estate Development Program, said, “Caitlin’s expertise, organization, and commitment has transformed the efficiency and accessibility of program operations, directly contributing to the success of faculty, staff, and students.”

“As a leader, Caitlin is not only dedicated to the success of our programs but also deeply empathetic to the needs of her staff. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to excel,” said Vanessa H. DeShane, director of specialized master’s programs at Costello.

“One of the things that truly stands out about Caitlin is her wealth of knowledge,” said Shabnam Rezai, assistant director of MSF and MSBA Programs. “She’s our go-to person for advice and guidance.”

How did you come to George Mason:

After completing a master’s degree in educational administration and policy at the University of Georgia, I was looking to move to the DMV—a term I only associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles before moving here! I completed my undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary, so I had a number of college friends who lived in the area, and I was looking for a change. I applied to many schools in D.C. and Northern Virginia, but George Mason’s commitment to access and inclusion resonated with me the most.

Best day on the job:

I have had the opportunity to join groups of students on their short-term study-abroad programs in Chile, Dubai, Estonia, and South Africa. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Watching the students learn about doing business in a foreign country firsthand while applying what they have learned in the classroom is such a cool experience!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

My answer is twofold: First, I love my colleagues! They are some of the hardest working, innovative, and passionate people I know. Second, I also love working with our students. Graduate students are such an interesting group because of the diversity of perspectives that they bring to the table. Our students range in age from 21 to 60+, so there’s always something to learn from them. I also absolutely love it when I hear them talk about how they have been able to apply what they learned in the classroom to their jobs, or how they have leveraged the network they gain by joining the program to find a new job.

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

I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, playing ultimate frisbee, and spending time with friends and family.

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Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

In both business and BMX courses, Cutter Williams' grit shines through

sholla4 — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:02:21 +0000

In both business and BMX courses, Cutter Williams' grit shines through sholla4 Tue, 04/28/2026 - 11:02

From business to BMX, 91�� student Cutter Williams has been carving his own path since his first race on the track.

Cutter Williams. Photo by Nico van Dartel

BMX (bicycle motorcross) is a form of bicycle racing where competitors race simultaneously through a challenging course of banked turns, jumps, hills, and rollers (small hills that can’t be jumped). A lap around the track takes about 30-40 seconds, and, according to Williams, is “like a roller coaster.”

Williams, hailing from Great Falls, Virginia, got his first taste of that thrill when he was 7 and a friend invited him to a BMX track on a competition day. Williams already had plenty of miles under his mountain bike wheels by then. BMX, though, was “magic.” One of the managers saw him on the course before the competition and encouraged him to sign up for the race.

He won.

He’s been chasing that gold ever since.

“By first or second grade, I knew I wanted to be a professional athlete,” Williams said. “It was just one of those times when you just know it’s going to happen.”

He was right. In 2024, Williams won the national championship, pushing his way up from third place to take the race at the stripe. He won bronze at the 2026 national championship. Now, he’s got his eyes on the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Trophies and medals aren’t the only prizes on Williams’ mind. He’s also racing toward a degree in finance from Costello College of Business, taking online courses between training and competitions.

Photo provided

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in numbers and data,” he said. “Business 100, that first class in the curriculum, really just sealed the deal for me that this is what I wanted to do.”

Being a professional athlete is a full-time job. Williams puts in six days a week of training between conditioning and riding the track. But school, he says, always comes first.

“BMX will take you far, but you can only do BMX for so long," he said.

Williams is taking advantage of the breadth of courses offered at George Mason to support his career. He's taken nutrition courses to learn to optimize his diet for training and racing. After traveling to Argentina, Colombia, and Chile for races, he signed up for Spanish courses to be able to better experience the culture next time he races there.

“It’s easy to be integrated into school while also balancing a career,” Williams said. “The way the classes are set up, how easy it is to log in and check my Mason pathway: It’s so accessible. And my professors have been very welcoming and supportive of my career.”

Qualifications for the Olympics begin at the end of this year. Williams hopes to seal World Cup and World Championship wins to get one of the coveted Team USA spots. But like he said: School comes first. He’s hoping to spend the summer before the Olympics in an internship.

“George Mason has just been really great,” he said. “I’m thankful I can still do what I love while preparing for the future.”

Williams, right, after winning bronze at the 2026 national championship. Photo provided.

See why Costello Means Business

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When students compete to help local organizations solve problems, everybody wins

sholla4 — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:52:08 +0000

When students compete to help local organizations solve problems, everybody wins sholla4 Wed, 04/15/2026 - 11:52

Bright and early on a Saturday in February, every table in Fenwick Library’s Reading Room is packed. Some of 91��’s most driven students are about to begin a rigorous five-hour competition in partnership with local organizations. For them, it’s the perfect way to spend the weekend. And for the Honors College, it’s a chance to show what the honors learning experience is all about: engaging multidisciplinary perspectives, asking questions that matter, and making a difference through civic engagement.

Honors College Challenge Day brings teams of students together to solve strategic challenges for corporate and nonprofit partners. Challenge Day fits into the Honors College’s wider ecosystem of professional development opportunities, as a condensed version of their Honors College Connects and Honors College Consults courses. The quickfire nature of the challenge helps build critical thinking, research, presentation, and teamwork skills, as well as being a great networking opportunity for students.

Photo by Dan Luaces

“We wanted a high impact, low time-commitment experience beyond the curriculum for all George Mason students to gain valuable skills while contributing, connecting, and learning from the community,” said Melanie Fedri, assistant professor and experiential learning coordinator in the Honors College.

For each Challenge Day, the Honors College typically selects one corporate and one nonprofit partner to participate. They work with each organization to create a challenge statement: what their strategic challenge is and what the constraints are. On the day of the challenge, participating students select their track: corporate or nonprofit. They are then grouped into teams to tackle the selected partner’s challenge. Each team has half a day to come up with a solution and present their findings to a panel of George Mason alumni and leaders from the participating organizations. A winning solution is selected from each track.

“I think it’s so enriching to participate in these types of extracurriculars that leverage what you’re learning in class in a way that impacts the community,” said Costello College of Business and Honors College senior Vidhi Pathak. Pathak works for the Honors College as the external partner experience officer. She has been instrumental in shaping the recent iterations of Challenge Day, from developing the corporate track to creating the competitive structure.

“In today’s competitive job market, students want real-world experiences and collaborations with real clients that they can put on their resumes to make them stand out among other applicants,” said Pathak. “And our partners want outside perspectives on their strategic challenges to find novel and innovative solutions. It’s a win-win.”

For nonprofit partners, who may be working under tighter budgeting and staffing constraints than their corporate counterparts, Challenge Day is an opportunity for consulting that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Due to an overwhelming response from nonprofit partners, Honors College Challenge Day for spring 2026 focused on nonprofits. Six organizations were selected and assigned one team each, with all six teams competing against one another for two prizes: the most innovative solution and the most actionable solution.

One of this semester’s winning teams worked with Britepaths, a local organization that provides food, financial assistance and education, and workforce development to Northern Virginia residents in economic crisis. Their challenge was how to further grow and promote their in-house library space for young readers.

“Participating in Honors College Challenge Day gave Britepaths valuable insight from the next generation of changemakers, as students brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that we look forward to implementing," said Cora Lundgren, food security and youth programs manager for Britepaths.

From left: Nora Rideg (Honors College student mentor), Zahra Hashemi, Neda Sellidji, and Naomi Fetene. Photo by Dan Luaces

Naomi Fetene, a freshman neuroscience major in the Honors College, and Zahra Hashemi, a freshman biology major in the Honors College, both participated in Challenge Day in fall 2025. They returned in spring as part of the Britepaths team, along with freshman neuroscience major Neda Sellidj.

“I wanted to participate because it felt like we’d be making a real difference for the organization,” said Sellidj.

Using skills learned in their courses like affinity mapping to define the problem and organize their ideas, the group developed high-, medium-, and low-effort solutions for Britepaths within their budgetary constraints: book donation drives, text message campaigns, incentivized summer reading challenges, and community events. Their thorough and creative planning won the prize for “most actionable recommendation.”

“Even more fulfilling than winning was when each sponsor stood up and said their thoughts on our presentation, and they told us that our solution would make an impact and be implemented,” said Hashemi.

“You leave the day having helped a community and refining your skills in communication, team building, and time management,” said Fetene, “and you can make new friends!”

“Events like this bring intellectually curious and passionate students from various backgrounds and majors together to make an impact,” said Pathak. “It’s really empowering.”

Learn more about the Honors College

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Mason Now: Power the Possible

College of Science

Community Engagement

A Legacy Reimagined: Nia Thompson finds her own path at George Mason

Katarina Benson — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:22:59 +0000

A Legacy Reimagined: Nia Thompson finds her own path at George Mason Katarina Benson Tue, 04/14/2026 - 16:22

Sometimes things just seem to fall into place. That’s what happened for 91�� women’s volleyball freshman player Nia Thompson.

Nia’s mother, Amy Boone Thompson, BS Physical Education '95, was a dual-sport athlete at George Mason in the 1990s, playing both volleyball and basketball. She was a member of the 1994 CAA Championship women’s volleyball team.

Amy said she was initially hesitant to bring up her own experiences at the university when Nia was going through the recruiting process because she wanted her daughter to make her own decisions.

“She really wants to make her own story, and I’m being respectful of that,” Amy said. “I want it to be her experience and let it unfold for her.”

Nia and her mother Amy. Photo provided

When Nia learned about George Mason’s interest in her, she said felt a strong connection to the program and its people. “I felt really supported by the coaches and players here,” she said. “They really wanted me, and it felt nice.”

Growing up, Nia played many different sports, with tennis being her main focus. However, when her family moved from Colorado to California when she was 13, she discovered a new passion.

In California, volleyball was all the rage, and Nia decided to give it a shot. At first, she joined a lower-level team but quickly fell in love with the sport.

Now, as Nia dons the same colors her mom once did, Amy couldn’t be prouder. Watching her daughter’s success has been a source of immense pride and joy.

Nia’s freshman season has been nothing short of remarkable. She played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a spot in the A-10 Championship Tournament for the first time since 2018 and was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team.

Amy believes that Nia and her teammates have a bright future ahead of them. “With the freshman team we have this year, I think all of us are just so optimistic,” Amy said. “If they can stick together and keep building on what they have, we’re going to keep getting better and better.”

As Nia continues her volleyball journey at George Mason, she carries on a family legacy. While her mom’s experiences and achievements at the university serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, Nia is determined to make her own mark.

“It’s a really good group of girls,” said Nia. “It just all came together.”

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George Mason graduate programs rank #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally according to U.S. News

ckearney — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:24:03 +0000

George Mason graduate programs rank #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally according to U.S. News ckearney Mon, 04/06/2026 - 15:24

According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings, 91�� placed 20 programs in the national top 50, including seven in the top 10, reflecting broad strength across business, engineering, law, nursing and public health, public policy, education, fine arts, and sciences. Regionally, seven programs ranked in the top three in the Washington, D.C., region, with 13 programs topping at No. 1 in Virginia.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

"George Mason's growth in rankings is a direct reflection of the university’s commitment to student success through high-quality, career-focused graduate education," said Ajay Vinze, interim provost and executive vice president. "George Mason’s programs are competing at the highest levels nationally and leading the way in Virginia. This expansion signals not just the breadth of what we offer, but the strength of what we deliver."

Of the 21 George Mason programs newly represented this year, 15 earned rankings for George Mason for the first time. The remaining six appeared in categories that U.S. News had not been updated in several years, including doctoral programs in science disciplines and the master of fine arts last updated in 2020.

Policy Leads the Region

Public policy specialty areas were among the strongest performers this year, placing all seven of its ranked subject areas in the top 50 nationally and in the top 25 among public universities. Six subject areas ranked No. 1 in Virginia overall, and four ranked No. 1 in the Washington, D.C., region among public universities.

"As we mark the 10th anniversary of the school’s naming, these rankings speak to what the Schar School has become over the past decade: a place of real national consequence in public affairs education," said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. "From homeland security and nonprofit management to international global policy and public finance, these rankings reflect the breadth of the Schar School’s excellence and the growing national recognition of its strengths.”

That strength comes amid rising national demand for public service professionals, with employment in public administration projected to increase 6% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The homeland security and emergency management ranking maintained its position at 4th nationally and among public universities, and No. 1 in Virginia. George Mason was the sole Virginia institution included in both the public management and leadership and nonprofit management specialty areas, with each ranking in the top 20 among public universities nationally. Two new areas of strength debuted this year: international global policy and administration, which ranked No. 1 in Virginia and for the Washington, D.C., region, 15th nationally, and 4th among public universities, and the public finance and budgeting program placed 31st nationally, 25th among public universities, and 2nd in Virginia.

Where Business Leaders Begin

Business programs significantly expanded their presence this year, with 12 programs ranked as among the best in their categories. Eleven are newly ranked for George Mason, with seven placing in the top 50 among public universities. Three programs ranked No. 1 in Virginia, including one that also placed as the No. 1 ranked program in the Washington, D.C., region.

The part-time Costello Flex MBA program continued its upward trajectory, rising from 80th to 59th nationally, and to 37th among public universities. The part-time Costello Flex MBA, MS in accounting, MS in management, and graduate marketing certificate programs each ranked 2nd in Virginia. Among newly ranked graduate certificate programs, the information systems management certificate ranked No. 1 in Virginia. International business, which is predominant across Costello graduate programs through the college’s global residency experience, is also ranked No. 1 in Virginia.

"Our continued collaboration with business and industry supports strong career outcomes and contributes to growth in student enrollment," said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business. "The expansion of programs comes at a time when demand is growing for professionals who combine durable business skills—from critical thinking and decision-making—with technical expertise in areas like business analytics and operations."

Computing and Engineering Drive STEM Growth

George Mason is ranked in nine programs across engineering, computer science, and statistics, with seven programs placing in the top 50 among public universities and eight in the top three in Virginia. The university is one of five (or fewer) Virginia universities included in eight programs.

In the engineering schools ranking, George Mason rose to 76th nationally (up from 85th) and 47th among public universities. The systems and industrial engineering program stands out at 35th nationally and 25th among public universities, while statistics debuted in the top 50 nationally (49th) and among public universities (35th). All three programs ranked 3rd in Virginia.

"We build programs that combine strong disciplinary foundations with applied problem solving to prepare students for an evolving workforce," said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. "Launching Virginia’s first standalone master of science in AI reflects that commitment, while our applied research centers, like the Rapid Prototyping Research Center, drive growing research expenditures that lead to higher overall rankings.”

Nursing and Public Health Rank No. 1 in Virginia

Continuing to set the standard for health education in Virginia, three programs ranked No. 1 in the commonwealth: master’s in nursing, doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and public health.

The master’s in nursing ranks among the top 12% of all universities included, placing 18th nationally and 9th among public universities. The DNP and health care management program both ranked in the top 50 nationally—33rd and 35th respectively—and in the top 20 among public universities at 20th and 19th. Public health ranked 63rd nationally and 39th among public universities.

"These results reflect what makes our college distinctive—expanding access to excellence while maintaining the highest standards of quality," said Melissa Perry, College of Public Health dean. "Students should not have to choose between opportunity and academic rigor. At George Mason, we are committed to preparing a diverse, workforce-ready generation of public health and health care leaders by delivering programs that are accessible, innovative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve."

That mission comes at a time of sustained and growing demand for nursing professionals nationwide. Nurses now represent more than half of the U.S. health workforce, underscoring the importance of George Mason’s programs in preparing graduates to meet critical health care needs."

Law Holds Strong

The Antonin Scalia Law School maintained its strong positioning with the part-time law program rising to 6th nationally, placing it in the top 8% of programs, and 3rd among public universities.

“Employment of our graduates reached 97% in a very competitive market,” said Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse dean and 91�� Foundation Professor of Law. “These outcomes bode well for the school’s long-term success.”

Leadership Across Disciplines

U.S. News expanded and refreshed its rankings to include four George Mason science programs and a master of fine arts. These programs, along with education and clinical psychology, rank in the top four in Virginia and the top 10 in the Washington, D.C., region.

George Mason’s math program is 3rd in Virginia, placing 93rd nationally. "As emerging fields like AI, digital twins, and data science accelerate, mathematics remains the foundation that fuels innovation," said Cody W. Edwards, dean of the College of Science. "George Mason’s graduate mathematical sciences program prepares students with the analytical depth, applied expertise, and mentorship needed to solve complex challenges across fields such as health, space, sustainability, and government, while leading in a rapidly evolving workforce."

In education, George Mason remains 4th in Virginia, rising to 84th nationally and 70th among public universities."This recognition underscores the excellence and real-world impact of our graduate programs," said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are steadfast in our commitment to developing future-ready educators and leaders who possess the skills, adaptability, and vision needed to succeed in an evolving educational landscape.”

Clinical psychology improved its national standing to 100th nationally, and to 72nd among public universities, while maintaining its position in 4th in Virginia. "This advancement reflects the contributions of our faculty and their impact to student success," said Ann L. Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Through the Center for Community Mental Health, our PhD students gain hands-on experience delivering evidence-based, culturally responsive care, preparing them to serve veterans, hospitals, and communities most in need."

The master of fine arts program ranked 65th among public universities, and 2nd in Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., region among public universities. "Our MFA is distinguished by the intensely personal journey of discovery that it offers," said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Our students are working artists who have a vision and a mission, and they come to us to explore how to make it grow.”

To view the full list of all programs included, visit gmu.edu/rankings.

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Schar School of Policy and Government

This student is tasting start-up success with a meal delivery service for seniors

sholla4 — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:08 +0000

This student is tasting start-up success with a meal delivery service for seniors sholla4 Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:33

Starting a business is a delicate task. Even if you get the measurements just right, without a dash of innovation, a sprinkle of luck, and a heaping spoonful of courage, it’s likely to go straight from the oven to the bin.

Zachary Suh prepares food in the College of Public Health's Nutrition Kitchen. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Zachary Suh, however, is mastering the recipe.

Suh, a marketing major in the Costello College of Business, member of the Honors College, and a University Scholar at 91��, founded HomePlate, formerly Elderly Eats, in his sophomore year. It’s a meal service for seniors that provides medically thoughtful and culturally relevant meals made fresh and delivered right to their doorstep.

The idea first took root during COVID-19 lockdowns, when Suh’s grandmother moved in with the family as her Alzheimer’s reached late-stage. “My mom, who is a George Mason professor, became her full-time caregiver,” he said. "Caregiving takes a huge physical and emotional toll. I wanted to help her in any way I could.”

Leaning into his love for cooking, Suh took over making all the meals for his family: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He discovered that his grandmother was most interested in Korean food. “Even with her cognitive decline, you could tell she enjoyed those meals much more,” he said.

This discovery led him to another: a major gap in senior food delivery. “At one point, we looked into meal service for seniors, but we couldn’t find anything that did culturally relevant meals,” he said.

Suh is familiar with start-ups: his older brother, Jeremy Suh, founded an AI company while in college. “He’s a big inspiration for me, very much my mentor,” Suh said. “We talked about this idea for a food delivery service, about how I could bring this onto a larger scale.”

And from those conversations, Suh was encouraged to apply for the 2024 Patriot Pitch competition, hosted by Costello College of Business. HomePlate won first place in the General Entrepreneurship Track and was selected as a Mason’s Choice Award Prize winner, earning Suh $7,000 to start turning his idea into reality.

“From the very outset, what impressed me most about Zach was his unwavering commitment to helping caregivers and seniors by providing them with nutritious, culturally relevant meals that could be consumed at home,” said Jerry Pierce, MBA ’92, a retired KPMG partner and professor of accounting at Costello. “His passion for helping others is always on full display and was a big reason the audience selected him for the Mason’s Choice Award.”

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Previously, HomePlate provided meal plans with an in-house demonstration of meal prep. Now, they’re transitioning to a fresh meal delivery service. Suh works with a registered dietician to craft meals that meet the variety of dietary and health needs of senior populations, such as diabetic restrictions, sodium control, low cholesterol, and general wellness. During the pilot program in March, HomePlate focused on Korean meals with hopes to expand to other cuisines in late 2026.

For Suh, now a junior at George Mason, this shift lets him get back to doing what he loves: cooking. He is making all the meals from scratch in partnership with Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington. “You’ll see me at every stage,” he said. “In the grocery store, in the kitchen, delivering the meals, and then taking the trash out after.”

Being both a student and a business owner is certainly a balancing act. Suh said that it wouldn't be possible without the phenomenal support from George Mason. Costello’s Office of Career Services and Jeremy Plotnick, director of minor programs for Costello, have been key supporters. Plotnick mentored Suh and helped him register his work on the business as an internship, allowing him to prepare for the relaunch while earning academic credit toward his degree. Working in the MIX incubator connected him to student and alumni entrepreneurs. Professors have offered advice. Even while studying abroad at Mason Korea, he was able to network and pitch his business through the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as attend a one-week accelerator program in Australia.

“I don’t think you get this level of care and mentorship at other universities,” Suh said. “Being a George Mason student gives you access to this unparalleled network of professionals who have so much knowledge."

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