College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn wins Emmy for portrayal of Carol in AppleTV’s Pluribus

ckearney — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:43:24 +0000

George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn wins Emmy for portrayal of Carol in AppleTV’s Pluribus ckearney Tue, 09/15/2026 - 14:43

Capping a year of recognition, George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn, BA Art (Studio) ’94, received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards Monday, September 15, in Los Angeles.

George Mason alumna Rhea Seehorn, BA Art (Studio) ’94, won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Seehorn won for her role as romantasy author Carol Sturka on the AppleTV series Pluribus, a post-apocalyptic show set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in which most of the world’s population has been assimilated into a hive mind. Carol and a handful of others have not, and she works to find a way to undo what the series calls the Joining.

Seehorn is widely known for her acclaimed portrayal of Kim Wexler in AMC’s Better Call Saul, a role that earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. After years of collaboration, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan wrote the role of Carol Sturka specifically for her.

This is her second award for the series, after taking home a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama in January—the first Golden Globe win by a George Mason alum. She also was named to the TIME100 list of the Most Influential People of 2026.

In interviews about Pluribus, Seehorn has often pointed to her time at George Mason as the spark that ignited her passion for acting. On NPR’s Fresh Air, she recalled having to take an elective in the arts outside of her art studio major. She chose to take an acting class with theater professor Lynnie Raybuck.

Hers is believed to be the first Primetime Emmy win for a George Mason alum.

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New NEA Grants Support Veterans and the Arts Initiative Programs This Fall

Tionge Johnson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:21:30 +0000

New NEA Grants Support Veterans and the Arts Initiative Programs This Fall Tionge Johnson Mon, 08/31/2026 - 18:21

This summer, 91��’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative, based at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to support programs for veterans, servicemembers, military families, and caregivers. The workshops and community events, taking place both virtually and at the Hylton Center this fall, support the work of the initiative, which has served more than 20,000 military-connected people across Northern Virginia through programming that presents new artistic opportunities in a setting that also supports social connections with community members.  

U.S. Army Field Band. Photo provided

Beginning September 23, College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis will lead In Service of Theater: A Staged Reading Program for the Military and Veteran Community. In weekly sessions, participants will explore texts about military life and service and develop a rehearsed reading that culminates in a public performance on October 28.

"I'm looking forward to working with our Veterans and the Arts community to create a meaningful montage of dramatic scenes, narratives, and poetry that connects the workshop participants with an audience through the medium of language,” said Davis. “The 'staged reading' format is an elegant but simple way to focus on the stories and images of the texts without the extra bells and whistles of a full production."

The program, funded in part by Creative Forces^®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, will be presented in partnership with Virginia Department of Veterans. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

“For our servicemembers, veterans, and their families, the arts offer an opportunity to create, to express, and to perform, and especially, to do so collaboratively. The In Service of Theater staged reading program is the latest initiative of 91��'s exceptional Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is proud to support it,” said Steven Combs, VDVS Deputy Commissioner.   

George Mason alumnus Col. Scott McKenzie directs the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Minto

The second grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supports three U.S. Military Band performances at the Hylton Center. On September 16 and 17, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present two free daytime educational concerts for middle and high school students across the region. On September 27, community members of all ages will also have the opportunity to enjoy The U.S. Army Field Band’s 80th Anniversary Concert, featuring multiple Field Band ensembles, and favorite works such as Respighi’s Pines of Rome and the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth, as well as the Hylton Center debut of the Army Rappers. Tickets for the U.S. Army Field Band concert are free and general admission (limit four tickets per order). Each patron must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are available online or in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office.

“This season marks another exciting milestone for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative as we received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. This support allows us to innovatively expand the impactful programming that brings our veterans, servicemembers, families, and caregivers, as well as local students, together through creativity, collaborative storytelling, and shared artistic experiences,” said Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and research associate professor at 91��.

The grant-supported workshops and concerts are just a few of the returning and new Veterans and the Arts Initiative programs at the Hylton Center this fall. Some of the additional workshops to look forward to this year are:

Instructor Glen McCarthy will be leading weekly Level I and Level II Veterans Virtual Guitar workshops for beginning and experienced musicians beginning September 22.
On October 17, veterans, servicemembers, and military family members can join artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason alumnus Patrick Sargent for the Laser Engraved Relief Print Workshop and create relief prints based on self-portraits or beloved pets.
On October 24, the Screen-Printed Luminaries Workshop will offer the opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a hands-on class focused on the design and printing of patriotic-themed paper luminaries.
On November 4 and 5, artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason alumnus Steven Luu will facilitate The Ritual of Mask Making: Play, Performance, and Self-Permission, which enables participants to share stories through mask creation and personal reflection.

The fall Veterans and the Arts Initiative programming concludes with two concerts honoring veterans. On November 6, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” returns with a free performance for the general public. Col. Scott McKenzie, a Prince William Public Schools graduate who received his master of music degree from 91��, is the Leader and Commander of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” On November 14 the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra presents To Swing Through the Sky, which will provide free tickets to veterans and servicemembers.

For more information on upcoming events, visit HyltonCenter.org.

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Research in Motion

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:20:15 +0000

Research in Motion Katarina Benson Wed, 08/26/2026 - 12:20

At 91��, learning and research aren’t limited to the classroom or the lab. Researchers, coaches, clinicians, and students are working across disciplines as a part of the university’s Living Lab, a space where real-world questions become opportunities for discovery, innovation, and care.

Noelle Saine leads a VO2 Max test on a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography

From the training facilities used by NCAA Division I student-athletes to the rehearsal studios where School of Dance students spend hours perfecting their craft, George Mason researchers are studying how bodies perform, recover, and thrive under intense physical demands. This research has an immediate impact: helping athletes avoid injury, improving recovery and sleep habits among dancers, and shaping evidence-based practices that can influence health and performance far beyond campus.

These projects reflect George Mason’s distinctive approach to research—bringing together academic expertise and hands-on practice in ways that directly benefit the health and well-being of the university community. Here, students are not only learning from research—they are living it.

Keeping Athletes in the Game

One way that George Mason’s Intercollegiate Athletics and the College of Education and Human Development keep our athletes in top form is through evidence-based practices and science in the Patriot Performance Lab.

“We’re not just a research lab,” says Margaret Jones, director of the Patriot Performance Lab. “Providing health services to athletes is also critical. It’s what makes the partnership work.”

For example, postdoctoral research fellow Erica King, BS Bioengineering ’21, PhD ’25, a former student-athlete in swimming and diving, led a recent nine-month study that assessed the load demands on volleyball players’ knees using wearable sensors for tracking load during practice, counter-movement jump testing, wearable and clinical ultrasound devices, MRIs, and surveys.

Erica King, right, works with a student-athlete. Photo by John Boal Photography. Photo by John Boal Photography

“At the end of the season, we were able to show the coaching staff the average number of jumps athletes complete in a 15- to 16-week period and the direct effects of that from a joint adaptation standpoint,” Jones says. “Now they can tailor practice sessions to better support the players and help alleviate strain that could lead to injury.”

Athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers often come to the lab with ideas and questions for study. Last spring, George Mason’s swim team approached the lab to conduct a blood lactate study and applied for and received an Office of Student Creative Activities and Research grant to fund the study.

Researchers collected data from blood draws, heart-rate monitors, DEXA scans, and jump testing. An early review suggests a swimmer’s stroke specialization and maximal power generation capabilities significantly impact accumulation in blood lactate levels during all-out swim bouts.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support and trust of the coaching staff,” says PhD student Noelle Saine, BS Kinesiology ’22, MS ’23. Saine, who was a student-athlete in track and field, understands the importance of strong communication between sport scientists and athletes.

“The sports management field as a whole is starting to ask how we can make good management decisions around athlete health and performance data,” says Chris Green, director of the Center for Sport Management. “The Patriot Performance Lab is already doing this work. It’s one of the things that makes us unique, and it’s what makes our work impactful.”

Helping Dancers Stay Ready for the Stage

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

When Jena Hansen-Honeycutt, the athletic trainer for George Mason’s School of Dance, started seeing an influx in injuries among dance students, she approached Professor of Kinesiology Jatin Ambegaonkar and then-student Kelley Wiese, PhD Kinesiology ’25, hoping to find a solution.

Dancers are “aesthetic athletes,” meaning they have high workloads and high injury rates like traditional athletes. “They dance for at least three hours a day in classroom practice alone,” says Hansen-Honeycutt. “And that doesn’t account for their extracurricular work: rehearsals, choreography, or additional practice.”

“We can recognize there’s a correlation between fatigue and injury, but you need data in order to make a stronger case for implementing cultural and systemic changes,” says Wiese.

Wiese, a trained dancer and now an assistant professor of athletic training at Shenandoah University, worked with Ambegaonkar on various studies at the intersection of kinesiology and dance during her doctoral program at George Mason.

Dancers were given biosensors to wear on their wrists 24 hours a day for seven days. They repeated the study four times throughout the semester.

“We wanted to understand the cycles of the body breaking down and recovering as workload increased and decreased throughout their semester,” says Ambegaonkar.

Participating students were also given surveys to provide subjective perceptions of their workload, sleep habits, and energy levels.

Reviewing the data, Wiese found that at peak times throughout the semester, students were spending more than seven hours a day completing moderate to vigorous physical activity between class, rehearsals, practice, and choreographing. As a result, energy levels decreased and fatigue increased, indicating a need for integrated recovery times and programs.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Another key finding from this study was the dissonance between students’ perceived sleep and the biosensor data. While students self-reported great and sufficient sleep, the biosensors reported insufficient sleep.

“Over time, insufficient sleep can lead to difficulty recovering and therefore higher rates of injury,” says Wiese, “particularly when [students are] already struggling to recover.”

As a result, the research team worked together to develop what Ambegaonkar calls “micro-interventions” through improved sleep health education programs. Hansen-Honeycutt has created sleep health resources for students to educate them on the impacts of good sleep on their academic and physical performance and is working with the faculty to incorporate this messaging into their classrooms.

“This study proved to me that us dance majors are extremely active, more than I often realize!” says Sanaa Fairley, BFA Dance ’26. “I learned that I could develop a much more consistent sleep schedule to set up my space, and therefore my mind, in a healthy way each day to prepare for rest.” Fairley says she has implemented other recovery techniques, such as cold showers, into her routine as well because of the study.

T’aja Williams, BFA Dance ’26, also reports she improved her sleep hygiene through a consistent bedtime. The study also made her more aware of how academic, socio-emotional, and physical activities impact her schedule and technology use.

Building good habits now helps George Mason dance students have long and fulfilling careers in dance. And Ambegaonkar and Wiese think this study might help pave the way for further research into the physical demands and impacts of dance.

“George Mason is a pioneer in the field of dance medicine,” says Ambegaonkar. “We’re broadening the scope of what kinesiology is and what it can do in the public health domain.”

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Creating joyful new—and therapeutic—connections through dance

Katarina Benson — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:27:30 +0000

Creating joyful new—and therapeutic—connections through dance Katarina Benson Thu, 06/25/2026 - 14:27

“Being in class with our participants reminds me of the pure joy of dance,” said School of Dance senior Emma Simons of her time interning with Dance for PD®.

Dance for PD is a national program providing movement-based classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. Photo provided

Dance for PD is a movement-based class for people with Parkinson’s disease, which offers physical benefits to the participants and helps reduce the social isolation associated with the neurological disease. 91��’s School of Dance has offered the national program, administered by George Mason arts partner Mark Morris Dance Group, in Northern Virginia since 2021.

When Simons and fellow dance major Asiah Moore interned with Dance for PD, each took a different approach to her work, a practice encouraged by George Mason adjunct Elizabeth Spatz, a certified Dance for PD teaching artist.

Moore concentrated on increasing internal awareness of Dance for PD at George Mason, creating strategic social media content and encouraging her peers in the School of Dance to engage more robustly with the program.

She recruited fellow students to attend the classes and perform brief dance selections for class participants. After these showings, participants had the opportunity to ask the students questions about the pieces and their experiences overall.

“I wanted to combine these worlds and give the community a chance to see inside the work we do,” said Moore. “When [the participants] have a chance to see pieces beforehand, they might come to a performance, [then] they come in feeling like they’re already part of this world because they know us.”

Dancers participating in Dance for PD®. Photo provided

In her work, Simons focused on external communications, building on previous interns’ research into local medical practices, retirement communities, and businesses where patients and caregivers might be looking for the resource that Dance for PD provides.

Simons made cold calls and sent out emails, aiming to bring more people to George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. But as she spent more time in class, she noticed that people’s hesitation melted inside the studio, and she decided to pivot in her approach.

“It’s so much joy to be in the room with the participants, and I knew words can’t bring people in as much as the movement itself could,” said Simons.

Simons and Moore joined forces and started reaching out to administrators at various retirement communities to organize in-person trial classes on-site. The class they offered with Westminster at Lake Ridge was very well attended.

“There were staff members who said ‘We’re just here to watch’ at the beginning of the session, but within five minutes, they were dancing and smiling and moving. It has this power for connecting people,” said School of Dance Associate Professor and George Mason alumna Shaun Boyle D’Arcy, MFA Dance '21, who helped bring the program to George Mason.

Simons and Moore graduated from George Mason in May with BFAs in dance and look forward to building on their experiences with Dance for PD. They both plan to perform professionally and are looking for companies that value community engagement and service.

Spatz said these internships can lead to jobs. “One of our former interns was hired by a company that was impressed with her [Dance for PD] experience,” said Spatz. “It’s so valuable for our students to see the different ways dance applies to people’s lives.”

This research supports the Grand Challenge Initiative's goal of improving human health, well-being, and preparedness.

Discover more GCI human health, wellness, and preparedness research >>

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Film and Video Studies alum’s passion for animation led to two Academy Award nominations

ckearney — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:39:55 +0000

Film and Video Studies alum’s passion for animation led to two Academy Award nominations ckearney Thu, 05/21/2026 - 13:39

91�� alum Brendan Gottlieb, BA Film and Video Studies ’15, has been working at Disney as an animator since 2016. In 2025, he worked on two Academy Award-nominated films: he was an animator on the feature Zootopia 2, nominated for Best Animated Feature, and the animation supervisor for Forevergreen, nominated for Best Animated Short Film.

91�� alum Brendan Gottlieb on the red carpet. Photo provided

His previous work for Disney includes Moana, Wish, Encanto, Raya and the Last Dragon, Frozen 2, Wreck It Ralph 2, and Moana 2.

Gottlieb said that his love of animation started early. When he was in 10th grade, his dad gave him 3D animation software. “My dad had got my brother and I this really basic 3D program, where you could model characters and environments, and then make them move,” he said. “I was really into video games at the time, played for hours, but then that [software] sort of became like a video game. I could create my own worlds and stories, and I really just ran with it.”

He pursued his interest by watching online tutorials and using the software to create short animated films he posted on YouTube. After an animation course in high school, he learned to use the industry standard Autodesk Maya software, and a whole new world opened up for him.

“I could do all these cool and fun things that kind of made the animation look more sophisticated, and it was great. By the end of that year,” he recalled, “I was teaching the teacher, and I was also helping her teach her night class.”

Gottlieb credits his senior project in Film and Video Studies Program at George Mason for preparing him to work in the industry. He was originally planning a live-action short film until a classmate saw his designs and suggested he make an animated film instead. Gottlieb said that working on the project introduced him to animating with timelines, which he had never done before. The film needed to be several minutes long, which was a challenge. “A couple minutes is a lot in animation,” he said. “That's some heavy lifting, especially just for one person.”

Gottlieb asked for special permission from his professor to make his project only one minute long because it was animated. “It wasn't until a few months in the program that I could show an update where characters are acting and performing and moving and then I think people were like, ‘Oh, OK, this is what he's going for.’ But I do remember liking the whole process of putting it all together.”

Film and video studies professor Tommy Britt remembered that animated project and spoke highly of Gottlieb's work ethic during his years at George Mason. “I enjoyed seeing his dedication to an ambitious animated short film that many would say was impossible to achieve with the time and resources he had.”

Gottlieb’s first job after graduation was at a visual effects (VFX) house just outside of San Francisco, where he worked with a computer-generated character in a live action film.

“It was a terrible movie, but the team was fun,” he recalled, “[We were] a bunch of animators fresh out of college; we bonded a lot. Oftentimes what's more important is who you work with, not necessarily what you work on. That job will always have a special place in my heart.”

While working for the VFX house, Gottlieb applied for Disney’s Animation Apprenticeship Program and was accepted. “After three months of training we were put on the first Moana movie, and we animated a lot of the background characters,” he said. “The little coconut demons, the Kakamora, were super fun.”

When Gottlieb served as the animation supervisor for the short film, Forevergreen, he animated a portion of the shots in the film and played a role in giving it the stop-motion style, despite it being a CG-animated project. For Gottlieb and the team working on it, Forevergreen was more than just another film—it was a labor of love.

“We did the project on our own time. Nobody was paid for it,” he said. “People were just extremely generous to be working on it, and it was great to work with the directors on that, and just to see their hard work and commitment and creativity be recognized. It was an honor to be part of the project and to see it get this far.”

The 13-minute film about an orphaned bear cub took more than five years to complete and is still garnering accolades and nominations.

Drawing on his success as a FAVS alum, Brendan offers current students one essential piece of advice for thriving in the industry as an animator: Find your niche. “Figure out what you like,” he said, “what you want to do the most in the animation sphere. Then find a way to learn that skill really, really well.”

Check out a video of Gottlieb taking about animating facial expressions.

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Hylton Performing Arts Center Annual Gala: An Evening Above the Clouds

Tionge Johnson — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:06:48 +0000

Hylton Performing Arts Center Annual Gala: An Evening Above the Clouds Tionge Johnson Thu, 04/30/2026 - 15:06

Daniel Tucciarone, Sheyna Burt, and Thomas Sabal, Hylton Performing Arts Center Gala Honorees. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

On April 25, guests gathered at 91��'s Hylton Performing Arts Center for the 2026 Gala, An Evening Above the Clouds. The night began with a cocktail reception in the event’s themed Cumulus Lounge featuring signature drinks including a “Bourbon Smash” crafted by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits and a “Meyer Lemon Squeeze” mocktail, live piano by George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) alumnus Charlie Murdock, BM Music ’24, and a curated Art Walk of works by veteran artists organized by current School of Art graduate student and U.S. Air Force veteran Steven Luu through Mason Exhibitions.

Guests then moved to Merchant Hall stage for a three-course dinner by Well Dunn Catering, surrounded by elegant floral design and custom centerpieces by artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason faculty member Patrick Sargent. The evening’s entertainment included an aerialist performance, a Mason Music Productions string quartet, and a featured performance by current CVPA Dewberry School of Music student Joshua Slutsky.

Aerialist from Candescent performing on Merchant Hall stage. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

This year’s gala celebrated three “high-flying” honorees: Sheyna Burt, Daniel Tucciarone, and Thomas Sabal. Each charmed the audience with charismatic speeches, reflecting a palpable passion for the arts and the vibrant community they have found within the Hylton Center.

Veterans and the Arts Initiative Program Director Niyati Dhokai provided inspiring remarks on the program's impact by sharing two participant testimonials. Regarding the initiative, Dhokai said it “affirms something simple and powerful: that the arts can honor service not only through reflection, but by carrying the integrity of service into the future.”

George Mason President Gregory Washington was then welcomed to the stage by Dean Rick Davis, building upon the idea that the arts are fueled by imagination and innovation.

“By supporting the Hylton Center, you’re doing even more than [supporting the arts]," Washington noted. "You are investing in imagination. You are investing in innovation. You are investing in education.”

In his final gala as executive director, Dean Rick Davis took control as captain for one last flight. He guided guests through the Center’s remarkable achievements, highlighting a 65% growth in participation for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and the successful landing of the $15 million long-term endowment goal. Before disembarking, he concluded his remarks by clearing the runway for incoming Executive Director Carolyn Hays.

College of Visual and Performing Arts student Joshua Slutsky, bass, accompanied by faculty member Eunae Ko Hann. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

The evening reached its peak during the Raise Your Paddle event, as guests lifted glowing rings in a moving tribute led by Rick Davis—creating a “night sky” that celebrated their generosity. Along with the Wine and Whiskey Pull and a record-setting silent auction, the gala raised more than $40,000 for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and $165,000 overall.

Afterward, guests exited through a cloud of fog into the transformed Didlake Grand Foyer for the Club on Cloud 9 afterparty. Treats from Spun Cotton Candy Art and Popcorn Monkey, music by DJ Rio of DC Rhythms, and espresso martinis capped the night, with commemorative luggage tags from Chantilly Air marking a smooth, celebratory journey.

The night would not have been possible without the support of many local businesses and supporters. Thank you to our Anniversary Gala Supporters!

Horizon Sponsor–Compton & Duling
Navigator Sponsor–City of Manassas
Liftoff Sponsors–Carolyn Hays and Jeff Burke; Connery Strategies; Didlake; Dominion Energy; 91�� Foundation; Micron Technology; Rick Davis and Julie Thompson; UVA Health; Wall Foundation
Ground Control Sponsors–Dan Tucciarone and Tom Sabal; Sentara Healthcare; Shirley Rice; Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian; Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
Boarding Sponsor–Chantilly Air
Club on Cloud 9 Sponsor–Appliance Connection
Cumulus Lounge Sponsor–Avports
Inflight Beverage Sponsor–Whitlock Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Raise Your Paddle Sponsor–APP Jet Center
Wine and Whiskey Pull Sponsor–The Meredith House
Silent Auction Sponsor–Todos Neighborhood Market
Honoree Reception Sponsor–Ron Harris

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The Hylton Performing Arts Center Names Carolyn Hays as New Executive Director

Tionge Johnson — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:29:14 +0000

The Hylton Performing Arts Center Names Carolyn Hays as New Executive Director Tionge Johnson Thu, 04/23/2026 - 15:29

91��'s Hylton Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce Carolyn Hays as its next executive director, effective May 10, 2026. Hays, who has served as the Hylton Center’s director of development since February 2024, steps into the role following a rigorous national search and succeeds the College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis, who has led the organization for nearly 15 years.

Portrait courtesy of Carolyn Hays.

A seasoned nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience in strategic planning, board development, fundraising, and organizational leadership, Hays brings both deep institutional knowledge and a broad perspective shaped by leadership roles across the arts, higher education, and healthcare philanthropy sectors. Her appointment reflects a strong continuity of mission for the Hylton Center, while embarking on an exciting new chapter for its long-range artistic vision and community impact.

“Carolyn has already distinguished herself as an exceptional leader within the Hylton Center, bringing strategic insight, collaborative energy, and a profound commitment to our mission," said Davis. “Her ability to build meaningful relationships across our staff, board, university, and regional community, paired with her impressive record in fundraising and organizational leadership, makes her uniquely prepared to guide the Hylton Center into its next era of artistic excellence and civic connection.”

The transition also marks a moment to celebrate the extraordinary tenure of Davis, who has served as executive director of the Hylton Center since 2011, while also leading 91��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts as dean since 2015. Under his leadership, the Hylton Center expanded its presenting footprint through signature series and community partnerships, deepened its education programming for learners of all ages, and established the nationally recognized Veterans and the Arts Initiative in 2014 in collaboration with Program Director Niyati Dhokai.

Davis also oversaw the completion of the Education and Rehearsal Wing in 2019, fulfilling the original vision for the campus as a place where great art is created, taught, rehearsed, and shared. During his tenure, and thanks to its continuing partnership with the Hylton Family Foundation, the Hylton Center was able to assist its Arts Partners and Affiliates with rental waivers through the pandemic and its aftermath. A further philanthropic milestone was reached this spring when the Hylton Center completed its long-held goal of raising $15 million in endowment funds to help guarantee future financial stability.

"I have had the honor of working with Rick Davis in his role as executive director for nearly a decade. His dedicated leadership has transformed the nascent idea of a true community and arts partnership into a world-class creative commons. Now, at 16, the Hylton Center has an abundance of new opportunities with the expansion of George Mason, the realization of Innovation Park, and a new executive director who can spend her time focused on bringing the facility and its community to the next level," said Executive Board Chair Joyce Connery.

As director of development, Hays has been a key member of the Hylton Center’s senior leadership team and staff liaison to the Executive Board. Her work has included establishing the framework for a $1 million contributed revenue goal, securing transformational support for accessibility initiatives across Mason Arts, and cultivating significant planned gifts that will benefit the wider arts ecosystem at George Mason.

Connery added, “Since she came on board as development director, Carolyn has challenged us all to dream bigger and open ourselves up to new ways to bring in audiences and partners and keep them enthralled. In her new role, I am confident that she will bring the Hylton Center to the next level and expand our reach."

Hailing proudly from Wyoming, Hays holds degrees from the University of Wyoming and Florida State University and maintains active professional credentials through CFRE International and BoardSource. Prior to joining the Hylton Center, Hays built an accomplished career that includes positions at Washington Performing Arts, Washington National Opera, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and nearly a decade in community hospital philanthropy in both Texas and Northern Virginia. Her experience also includes teaching arts leadership and management at the University of Houston and George Mason. Additionally, she’s the current board member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and part of the 2026 Leadership Prince William class.

“As an artist and a leader, I am honored to guide the Hylton Center into its next chapter," said Hays. “Our stage is a ‘creative commons’ for Northern Virginia, and I am committed to ensuring it remains a vibrant home where world-class performance, education, and community engagement thrive together.”

Hays’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Hylton Center continues to expand its role as a cultural hub for Prince William County, Manassas, and the greater Northern Virginia region. As it enters this new chapter, audiences, artists, and community partners can look forward to an exciting season of programming and continued opportunities for engagement.

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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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School of Dance Alumnus Performs with Doug Varone and Dancers

Laura Mertens — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:27:00 +0000

School of Dance Alumnus Performs with Doug Varone and Dancers Laura Mertens Thu, 04/02/2026 - 15:27

When Doug Varone and Dancers takes the stage at the Center for the Arts on April 25, it will mark a full circle moment for company member and 91�� alumnus Dareon Blowe, who graduated with a BFA from the School of Dance in 2023.

Doug Varone and Dancers company members Ryan Yamauchi, Kanon Sugino, Dareon Blowe, and Madison Elliott. Photo by Kevin Colton.

While a student, Blowe had been selected from 70 George Mason dance majors through auditions in October 2022 as one of eight students to perform the work Double Octet with Doug Varone and Dancers as part of the Great Performances at Mason series at the Center for the Arts. After rehearsing extensively to share the stage with company members for the February 2023 show, he also performed the work at the spring Mason Dance Company Gala with fellow students.

“Double Octet came to me at a time when I was needing a change of pace,” Blowe said. “During my senior year, I was craving something liberating, and Doug's work became that outlet because it revealed some of the core principles that I love and care about in dance. I learned a lot about weight, suspension, and the freedom of release. Specifically, how to move quickly with ease and find the pleasure in pedestrian movement. I enjoyed getting to understand Doug’s movement vocabulary both as an artist and an aspiring choreographer.”

Blowe ultimately received the School of Dance’s Excellence in Performance award, and George Mason School of Dance Director Professor Susan Shields said of his adaptability, “From his freshmen year until his senior year, Dareon danced on our stages in works by major international artists, faculty, students, and even created his own works.”

During his time at George Mason, Blowe had the opportunity to participate in 10 residencies with different companies and choreographers.

“Each residency taught me a little bit more about what it takes to be a professional in the sphere of concert dance," he said. "I was able to see many different ways to approach movement, choreography, and rehearsal direction. Being able to choose what worked for me and what didn’t gave me more confidence in my identity as an artist, while also connecting me with my future colleagues and friends.”

Dareon Blowe. Photo by Jim Lafferty

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Blowe is also an alumnus of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, SpringBoard Danse Montreal, MOTUS, and RUBBERBAND, where he worked from 2023 to 2025 under the artistic direction of Victor Quijada. He has performed repertoire by Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Micaela Taylor, Camille A. Brown, Doug Varone, Wayne McGregor, Rafael Bonachela, Rena Butler, and more.

As an educator, he has created and taught at a multitude of programs around the country like BigKids Summer, Boston Arts Academy, Governors School of the Arts, and Colgan High School Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Blowe began rehearsing with Doug Varone and Dancers in December 2025, and then joined the company at their residency in upstate New York. He will perform with the company throughout the rest of this season. The April 25 program at the Center for the Arts includes the premiere of a new work titled No Matter What the End.

Blowe said that one of the things he loves most about the new work is a section scored to "Jigsaw Falling into Place" by Radiohead. “It’s one of those moments where you can’t help but feel an intense dopamine rush. It approaches the end of the work, serving as a final push before a clear shift where the space opens up and we finally get to breathe.”

As Blowe’s career continues to open up and unfurl into new amazing experiences, Shields said, “The School of Dance knew that we sent out a dancer prepared for the professional world, and Dareon continues to make us proud. Welcome home, Dareon!”

Limited tickets are available for the April 25 performance, and continue to check cfa.gmu.edu periodically as additional tickets are returned or released. A pre-performance discussion with Artistic Director Doug Varone, moderated by Shields, will take place one hour before the performance.

The company’s upcoming visit will continue its tradition of engagement with the College of Visual and Performing Arts through learning opportunities for School of Dance students in conjunction with the performance, including four master classes and a Q&A with Varone and company members.

In This Story

Susan Shields

Learn more about the Special Event: Doug Varone and Dancers

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Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will headline this year’s ARTS by George!

ckearney — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:22:51 +0000

Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will headline this year’s ARTS by George! ckearney Mon, 03/16/2026 - 12:22

91��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announces the ARTS by George! benefit event, headlined by acclaimed actor and musician Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. ARTS by George! takes place on Saturday, October 3, on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

Jeff Goldblum. Photo by Pari Dukovic

The event raises vital support for student scholarships in visual arts, dance, music, theater, game design, film, and arts management, as well as for the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase on the event website.

Goldblum’s storied career spans nearly six decades of award-winning work as a starring actor in film, television, and theater. He recently co-starred as the Wizard of Oz, alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, in the global box office smash Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good. He has also produced film and television projects and is an Academy Award-nominated director for his short feature film, Little Surprises.

Goldblum’s many film credits include The Big Chill, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Fly, Independence Day, Jurassic Park, and Thor: Ragnarok. He has received Emmy nominations for his work on Will & Grace and for the National Geographic/Disney+ series, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which he also executive produced. Onstage, he has starred in Broadway’s The Pillowman, the Off-Broadway production of Domesticated, as well as the London production of Speed-the-Plow.

Goldblum launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago. Since then, he and his band have performed for audiences throughout the United States and around the world. The group has released four albums with Decca Records, featuring guest artists that include Gregory Porter, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Freda Payne, Haley Reinhart, Imelda May, and Maiya Sykes. On June 5, 2026, Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are set to release Night Blooms, the companion album to Still Blooming, under Universal’s recently relaunched Fontana label, featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Charlie Puth, dodie, Haley Reinhart, Melody Gardot, Scarlett Johansson, and others.

ARTS by George! begins at 5 p.m. in the de Laski Performing Arts Building with CVPA students and faculty collaborating in a series of showcases and exhibits in art, music, dance, theater, film, and more. At 8:30 p.m., Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra headline a performance in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The concert will feature contemporary arrangements of jazz classics and American Songbook standards, brought to life with Goldblum’s signature improvisation and charm.

Mason Arts Board member Annie Bolger serves as event chair. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, immersive presentations by CVPA students and faculty, premium orchestra seating for the headlining concert by Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, an onstage toast and dessert reception following the concert including a special appearance by the artist, and free garage parking. Each ARTS by George! ticket includes a charitable donation directly supporting CVPA student scholarships and community arts programs. Since 2006, the event has raised more than $4.6 million for Mason Arts.

Subscribers to the Center for the Arts 2026–27 season can add tickets for the 8:30 p.m. performance to their subscription package beginning on May 28. Individual tickets to the 8:30 p.m. performance go on sale August 4 through the Center for the Arts website.

Join us at ARTS by George!

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