Science and Technology Campus

New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community

Martha Bushong — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:55:00 +0000

New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community Martha Bushong Tue, 07/14/2026 - 13:55

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Amarda Shehu

91�� has launched the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI (ATAA) program, a new professional learning initiative designed to help educators develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and society.

The program officially debuted June 22–23 at George Mason's SciTech Campus during the Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute, which brought together more than 200 K–12 educators, higher education faculty, industry representatives, and government stakeholders. Approximately 50 participants joined ATAA as founding members of the year-long professional learning community.

Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu at the Ambassadors of Teaching in the Age of AI kick-off event (Photo provided)

The launch marks another step in George Mason's broader AI literacy efforts, by bringing together expertise from across the university to create accessible, research-based programming. ATAA is designed to complement existing educator preparation efforts while providing a foundational AI literacy framework that can be applied by professionals across disciplines.

Developed over the past year, ATAA was created through a collaboration among Peng Warweg, research program director in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); Padhu Seshaiyer, professor in the College of Science and director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research and Outreach; Manpriya Dua, research postdoctoral fellow in computer science; and Amarda Shehu, George Mason's chief AI officer and professor of computer science.

The team focused on a growing challenge: how to build AI fluency among practitioners, particularly the K–16 teacher workforce. Warweg, who helped lead the program's design and curriculum development, said ATAA is among the first programs to translate newly released federal guidance into a practical learning experience.

"ATAA is grounded in the U.S. Department of Labor's AI Literacy Framework—a guideline that represents a national consensus on what AI fluency should look like across professions," said Warweg. "ATAA is among the first practitioner programs in the country to translate that guidance into a structured, accessible curriculum."

Peng Warweg (on right), research program director in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) with Padhu Seshaiyer (left), professor in the College of Science and director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research and Outreach and Manpriya Dua (center), research postdoctoral fellow in computer science. Photo provided.

The launch was supported by the Virginia Data Science Teacher Professional Learning Institute, now in its fifth year and co-organized by Seshaiyer. Through longstanding partnerships with the Virginia Department of Education and decades of leadership in STEM education, Seshaiyer helped establish the foundation that enabled the program to launch at scale.

"Virginia has been building toward this," said Seshaiyer. "ATAA is the natural next step to connect research, policy, and practice around the future of learning."

Seshaiyer and Dua also helped shape the curriculum, ensuring participants receive both practical and technically grounded instruction. Dua's expertise in artificial intelligence and computer science research helped make complex concepts accessible to educators from a wide range of backgrounds.

ATAA also builds on George Mason's broader AI strategy under Shehu's leadership. A key component of the curriculum draws from UNIV 182 AI for All: Understanding and Building Artificial Intelligence (Mason Core) a course developed, by Shehu, to help nontechnical learners gain AI literacy. Research conducted by Shehu has demonstrated significant AI literacy gains among students who complete the course.

"Foundational AI literacy cannot belong only to people who already saw themselves as technical," said Shehu. "What we learned from AI for All is that anyone can develop real fluency when the teaching meets them where they are. ATAA takes that same conviction to the practitioners who multiply it: the educators."

Designed using a train-the-trainer model, ATAA aims to extend its impact beyond the initial cohort. Participants will complete a structured year-long learning experience and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). After completing 15 hours of learning, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their AI literacy achievement, with a full credentialing pathway scheduled to launch in fall 2026.

While educators are the program's first audience, ATAA envisions expanding AI literacy training to professionals across sectors, including healthcare, government, technology, and community organizations. With its strengths in AI research, governance, and education, George Mason hopes to help prepare a broader workforce for an AI-driven future.

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George Mason’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer

sbrown79 — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:28:37 +0000

George Mason’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer sbrown79 Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:28

A new high-resolution mass spectrometer is coming to 91��’s Center for Molecular Engineering (CME) this fall, thanks to $1 million Community Project Funding.

Mikell Paige. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The federal funding was by sponsored by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (10th District) and emphasizes George Mason’s place as one of only six Virginia universities with Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s R1 designation. 

The spectrometer, which will be housed at George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, will be instrumental in expanding regional research capacity and workforce training. Curricula utilizing the spectrometer is currently in development.

“I want to thank Congressman Subramanyam and his staff for securing this federal funding. With the mass spectrometer, we can train students in data acquisition and analysis tools,” said Mikell Paige, director of CME and chair of George Mason’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science. “Our center has also been working with local biotechs, government agencies, and other universities. Researchers in these partner facilities rely on us for data analysis, and George Mason students will be able to go into these local industries that require these skillsets after they graduate.”

Through the center, Paige has built a robust group of collaborators including institutions, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Capital Biosciences, and Amerimmune, and universities, such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, Georgetown, and the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany.

George Mason's Center for Molecular Engineering team. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Paige has a background in synthetic chemistry and works in drug discovery, meaning he can synthesize novel, small molecules and design drug molecules as potential medicine. His work has centered on antibacterial and antiviral efforts, and areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis—areas where small molecules are necessary for the research process. 

When Paige came to George Mason, he wanted to build a program where he could conduct and expand this research alongside his students. Their work on mass spectrometry prompted their need for the high-resolution component for small molecules. 

“We will also have a continuing education component where local industries could send their companies to come train with our faculty and students to learn how to do the data analysis on their own, as well as provide the core services where they can do a fee-for-service running of samples,” said Paige.

“This opportunity makes our center an amazing place for us all to meet other academics and collaborate.”

“There is tremendous research and discovery happening right here in our region,” said Subramanyam. “I can’t wait to see what the mass spectrometer will allow Professor Paige and George Mason students to accomplish as they work toward improving our understanding of medicine.”

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Hylton Center’s Marit Majeske honored as a community partner in education

lclarkg — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:33:34 +0000

Hylton Center’s Marit Majeske honored as a community partner in education lclarkg Tue, 06/16/2026 - 10:33

Marit Majeske leads the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s education initiatives, providing diverse arts experiences to learners of all ages. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Marit Majeske, education coordinator at 91��’s Hylton Performing Arts Center, was honored by SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools, with the 2026 Sharon Henry Community Partner in Education Award. Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s education initiatives, providing diverse arts experiences at no cost to learners of all ages.

SPARK formally recognized Majeske at its 2026 Business Partnerships of the Year Reception hosted at the Hylton Center on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus. The event celebrated connections between the school division and the business community. View the list of awardees.

Majeske was recognized for offering support to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as a collaborative partner and attending summer community events and school-based community pop-ups, ensuring families have access to important resources and opportunities. Majeske has also supported book distributions during PWCS teacher wellness days, uplifting educators and reinforcing a culture of care.

Working with local school districts is one of Majeske’s favorite parts of the job, and as a graduate of PWCS, she continues to serve the community where she was raised. Read more about Majeske’s work at George Mason.

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George Mason engineering students turn personal experience into accessibility innovation

ckearney — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:58:30 +0000

George Mason engineering students turn personal experience into accessibility innovation ckearney Tue, 06/02/2026 - 16:58

For Owais Yousuf, inspiration began at home. His father, who contracted polio as a child, relied on crutches to move through daily life. Growing up, Yousuf watched him navigate airports and crowded spaces with difficulty. Three of his fellow 91�� mechanical engineering students had similar experiences with relatives who struggled with mobility. The four of them began wondering: How do you make airport travel more independent and less stressful for people with mobility challenges?

From left, Calvin Nguyen, Javier Carpio Jota, Turner Applegate, and Owais Yousuf, creators of the B-Drive, with their prototype. Photo provided

The answer to that question became B-Drive, a senior capstone project developed by Yousuf, Turner Applegate, Javier Carpio Jota, and Calvin Nguyen that combines autonomous navigation, computer vision, and adaptive mobility technology to help wheelchair users move through transportation hubs on their own terms.

B-Drive was one of several George Mason capstone projects supported through a GO Virginia-funded initiative, led by the Nexus234 Innovation District, which pairs students with industry mentors and opportunities to address pressing needs.

"The people we love aren't just statistics," said Yousuf, the team's lead. "They're people we care about. We've seen the frustrations they face firsthand. That experience gave us the context to build something that could provide them some relief."

As the team dug deeper, they found that navigating a large airport can present obstacles at nearly every step. Long walks, unfamiliar layouts, limited assistance, and confusing signs can make traveling on their own difficult for many passengers.

To better understand those barriers, the team participated in the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program, which helps entrepreneurs move a business idea or discovery toward licensing or commercialization. Program participants assess the commercial viability of their idea by conducting customer interviews and working closely with a mentor. Yousuf and his team spoke with travelers, transportation professionals, accessibility advocates, and industry experts.

"We consistently heard that people wanted the freedom to move through an airport with greater dignity and confidence," said Yousuf.

Those conversations led to B-Drive. The team decided early on that B-Drive needed to fit into existing airport operations, so they designed it to work with wheelchairs already found in many airports.

Bringing B-Drive to life required more than technical expertise. After delays in obtaining testing equipment, the team drove to New Jersey to buy a wheelchair themselves rather than wait.

Members of the B-Drive team demonstrate their prototype. Photo provided

Their persistence impressed Robert "Bob" Schneider, executive director of OmniRide and the team's industry mentor, who was introduced to the students through Nexus234.

"They didn't let anything stop them. They went out and got it done," said Schneider.

Schneider guided the students as they narrowed the project's scope and found a realistic way to put their ideas into action. He suggested the team pick one clear, manageable use case. They decided to focus on a journey that’s familiar to many travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport: getting from the Silver Line Metro station to their destination inside the airport.

As the project progressed, the students began thinking beyond the classroom. The team is currently exploring intellectual property protection and potential avenues for commercialization through George Mason's Office of Technology Transfer.

Leigh McCue, professor and chair of George Mason’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, believes that moving from classroom projects to real-world applications is among the most valuable lessons for students.

"One of the hardest parts of engineering is defining the right problem to solve," said McCue. "This team resisted the temptation to build technology for its own sake and grounded their approach in the experiences of the people they aimed to empower.”

The project also prompted Yousuf to rethink what it means to be an engineer. "Engineering is ultimately about people," said Yousuf. "Technology is only valuable if it improves someone's life. That's what motivated us from the beginning, and it's what continues to motivate us now."

Graduation marked the end of the capstone project, but the team hopes B-Drive's story is only beginning. The goal remains the same for Yousuf as when the project first started on a whiteboard.

"We're not going to stop until we bring a smile to people's faces," said Yousuf. "That's what this has always been about."

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Leigh McCue-Weil

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Art history senior curates exhibit on women artists and their perspectives on aging

Katarina Benson — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:33:36 +0000

Art history senior curates exhibit on women artists and their perspectives on aging Katarina Benson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 11:33

91�� senior Silas Fransen plans to pursue a career as a museum curator.

And thanks to the university’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), the art history major already has one exhibit to his name.

Fransen at the opening of his exhibit. Photo by the Hylton Center.

This past spring, Fransen curated the “Fountain of Truth: Women Artists and Their Perspectives on Aging” exhibit in collaboration with Mason Exhibitions at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in the Buchanan Partners Gallery on the Science and Technology Campus.

Fransen, who graduated in May, received funding through the OSCAR Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, and was guided by George Mason faculty mentor LaNitra Berger, an associate professor of history and art history and the director of the African and African American Studies Program.

“It was certainly the most challenging thing I’ve done at George Mason, but I definitely want t o do more projects like these,” Fransen said.

“Fountain of Truth” featured artwork from five Washington, D.C. area female artists—Cheryl D. Edwards, Britnee Scott, Eliza Tebo, Angela Hiebert, and George Mason alum Marie Guagenti, BFA ’24—and culminated in a panel discussion moderated by Fransen in April at the Hylton Center.

The artists, ranging in age from 37 to 87, produced a variety of styles, including oil paintings, graffiti art, and metal, to share their experiences with aging. The panel discussion also included a performance from Tebo, who performed her debut single, “Fountain of Youth,” as Gemma Sky.

“They were all very inspiring,” Fransen said. “They each pulled out unique topics, and they each had their own takeaway from it. There is so much to be learned in just aging, and it is just a very beautiful thing to be able to get to age.”

The idea for the exhibit stemmed from a paper one of Fransen’s professors referenced in a Northern Baroque Art class. The piece examined why female saints were often depicted in a more youthful state whereas their male counterparts were shown in their older age.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about this paper,” Fransen said. “I wanted to see how contemporary artists were interacting with this history or how they felt about their own aging. I was trying to place this history that had been dominated by men for a very long time back into the hands of women artists.”

Fransen moderating the discussion at the exhibit. Photo by the Hylton Center.

Fransen, who worked on the exhibit for almost a year, put out a call for art, reviewed applications, and coordinated with the selected artists. Working with Mason Exhibitions, Fransen strategically placed the artwork throughout the gallery space on the second floor of the Hylton Center.

“Professor Berger said something early on that really altered how I was thinking about this project: ‘Curators are creating something out of nothing,’” said Fransen. “We [curators] work alongside artists. There is just blank space before we walk in and turn the space into this phenomenal exhibit that is life-changing for some.”

“Silas had the vision, the knowledge, and the drive to organize the exhibition from start to finish, and he brought together a dynamic, diverse, and thoughtful group of women artists to have an important artistic conversation about aging,” Berger said.

A native of Front Royal, Virginia, Fransen plans to take a gap year before starting graduate school for art history. He said the breadth of courses he took at George Mason in art history—from the Black Renaissance in America, Art of the Islamic World, Arts of the United States, and Arts of Medieval England—helped him see the overlap of different cultures.

“I love how George Mason’s Department of History and Art History is so varied,” he said. “I think it has prepared me for the next step, especially after taking on this large project on top of my classes.”

He says this knowledge will influence his future aspirations, which include being a museum curator or working as a college professor and helping with museum exhibits.

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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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Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it

ckearney — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:16 +0000

Nexus234 Innovation District debuts in Manassas and George Mason is in the heart of it ckearney Fri, 04/24/2026 - 11:05

Today during a naming event in Manassas, Virginia, 91��, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas officially unveiled Nexus234 Innovation District, marking a milestone that has been decades in the making.

The nearly 6,000-acre destination, named for the Route 234 corridor that runs through its heart, is Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District and positions the region as a national destination for research-driven industry. Centered around Innovation Park alongside George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, Nexus234 connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology companies ranging from startups to global firms across sectors including life sciences, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, data centers, and AI infrastructure.

Designed to accelerate the path from discovery to deployment, Nexus234 provides an environment where research, workforce training, and industry collaboration intersect to support economic growth and commercialization.

From left, Sumeet Shrivastava, vice rector of the George Mason Board of Visitors; Amy Adams, executive director of the SciTech Innovation District, and George Mason President Gregory Washington at the launch of Nexus234 Innovation District on Friday, April 24. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

"None of this happened all of a sudden. It was years in the making,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. "You have the right community, you have the right components, you have the right leadership. You mix all that together and throw in Virginia’s largest R1 institution. You want an education system that produces a pipeline of high paying jobs, that partners with the business community and provides accountability to the public. That’s what we’ve been putting in place at George Mason."

The naming event coincided with the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) conference, bringing visitors from across the country to tour Nexus234 and engage with researchers, students, and anchor companies including Micron, General Dynamics’ Progeny Systems, and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Attendees got a firsthand look at workforce training programs, an international soft-landing initiative, the NOVA LIVE dynamic campus, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Leaders emphasized Nexus234’s competitive advantage for development that includes tech-flex industrial space, incubator and accelerator programs, and sites for commercial and mixed-use expansion.

“Prince William County is building a destination for discovery,” said Chair-at-Large Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “Nexus234 reflects our long-term strategy to attract high-value industries, support groundbreaking research, and ensure companies have the space, talent, and infrastructure they need to grow.”

Nexus234 builds on 30 years of public–private collaboration, formalized through a $2.6M GO Virginia grant to create Northern Virginia’s first innovation district in June 2025 and matched by $1.3M in local investments from founding partners: ATCC, Didlake, ECU Communications, Dominion Energy, Employment Enterprises Inc., I-66 Express Mobility Partners, Garcia Family Foundation, Micron Technology Inc., Northern Virginia Community College, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).

“Nexus234 serves as a front door for companies like ours,” said CEO Ross Dunlap, Ceres Nanosciences. "As the first Endeavor incubator graduate, we have continued to grow within the innovation district and now operate more than 12,000 square feet of wet‑lab and manufacturing space, supporting the global distribution of our products. We’ve benefited from collaboration with local scientists, access to shared university facilities and equipment, hiring local talent, and regular opportunities to engage.”

Nexus234 includes approximately 330 acres available for laboratory, R&D, manufacturing, and office development, with a portion of land publicly controlled to support coordinated public-private growth.

President Gregory Washington (third from left) at Nexus234 Innovation District naming event. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Beyond economic metrics, Nexus234 represents a community investment—creating high-quality jobs, generating a new tax base, and reinforcing Manassas as a place where historic charm and forward-looking innovation come together,” said Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, City of Manassas. “As new companies are generated, and local and existing firms expand, the district is poised to become a nationally recognized destination for research and advanced industry.”

Conveniently located with access to Interstate 66, major rail corridors, and Manassas Regional Airport, and proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport, Nexus234 offers the connectivity to support both business growth and regional accessibility. With its proximity to federal agencies and one of the nation's largest data center ecosystems, Nexus234 positions the region to attract and support companies operating at the forefront of technology and applied research.

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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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SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all

lclarkg — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:27:47 +0000

SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all lclarkg Wed, 02/25/2026 - 15:27

As the anchor for Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, 91��’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. The campus is powering new developments in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, and defense. A new, walkable Innovation Town Center is under construction near the front door of campus.

And George Mason employees now have the option to live in the center of it all.

The SciTech Townhomes are part of a new residential community that is directly connected to 91��'s Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Stanley Martin

The SciTech Townhomes , a new residential development directly connected to the SciTech Campus, presents an opportunity for George Mason to offer affordable, high-quality housing to faculty and staff. The university has purchased units with the sole purpose of renting them out to employees at affordable, below-market rates.

To date, George Mason has committed to purchasing 20 units in the community developed by Stanley Martin. The Board of Visitors approved the purchase of the condominiums in May 2025.

Affordable housing for faculty and staff is a priority for George Mason.

"The new residential community near the SciTech Campus presents a strategic opportunity for the university to invest in faculty and staff success,” said Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “Affordable, high-quality housing for faculty and staff will help George Mason attract and retain a talented workforce to serve our students. "

Faculty and staff are eligible to rent spacious two- or three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom units with private garages. A key benefit for faculty and staff renters? The affordability. Monthly rents start at $2,200. The most expensive units, at $2,800, include three bedrooms and private rooftop terraces.

Some units in the SciTech Townhomes include a rooftop terrace. Photo by Stanley Martin

The cost of living in the Northern Virginia region has long been a challenge when it comes to recruiting and retaining talented faculty and staff. Long commuting distances from more affordable areas can strain the well-being of employees and increase the university’s carbon footprint.

The availability of affordable housing near campus can be a key selling point for faculty and staff, particularly those who are early in their careers or relocating from another area. Cat Forst, administrative coordinator in the Psychology Department, came to George Mason last April as a recent master’s graduate from Longwood University. Her role at George Mason is her first full-time job.

“When deciding where to live, the SciTech Townhomes stood out because of their affordability, quality, and location,” said Forst. “Finding something affordable in Northern Virginia was a major priority. This opportunity allowed us to live in a beautiful, high-quality home at a great price, which felt too good to pass up.”

The SciTech Townhomes offer an affordable, high-quality housing option for George Mason faculty and staff. Photo by Stanley Martin

Another resident of the SciTech Townhomes, who wished to stay anonymous, was drawn to the space and affordability of the units.

“We were living in a one-bedroom apartment before, and things were getting pretty tight with space,” she said. “The opportunity arose to tour the SciTech homes, and we fell in love. I like the area and feel it is a safe place to live and walk my dog.”

The townhomes are a strong option for those who work at the SciTech Campus, as well as those who work at other George Mason locations. George Mason Shuttles travel between the SciTech Campus and the Fairfax Campus, offering a free transit option for faculty, staff, and students. Riders can take the shuttle to the Fairfax Campus and connect from there to the Vienna Metro, Mason Square, and beyond.

The SciTech Townhomes community will include a pool, clubhouse, playground, and pickleball courts. The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center and nearby trails offer recreation options within walking distance.

Other local attractions include the Hylton Performing Arts Center, restaurants and shopping in Old Town Manassas, public parks, breweries, and more. The homes are located within the boundaries of Prince William County Schools, including Ellis Elementary School, Marsteller Middle School, and Unity Reed High School.

The SciTech Townhomes are not the university’s first real estate investment to support campus housing for faculty and staff. Masonvale, located on the Fairfax Campus, offers 157 rental units with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans. Masonvale units are available for rent by George Mason employees or graduate students. Both communities are managed by Willow Bridge Property Company.

The SciTech Townhomes provide a vital opportunity for residents to live close to a world-class research university at a critical time, as the university anchors the new Innovation District.

“The Innovation District builds connections across research and industry sectors, supporting an innovative workforce,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Innovation District and George Mason’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation. “The new residential development supports the innovation district's trajectory, providing opportunities for employees and students to live, work, and learn in a dynamic, innovative community.”

To learn more about the SciTech Townhomes, contact the property manager and visit scitechtownhomes.com.

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91�� named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:53:26 +0000

91�� named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses lclarkg Thu, 02/12/2026 - 09:53

91�� has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing employees with high-quality commuter benefits and transportation options. This year, all three of George Mason’s Virginia campuses—Fairfax, Mason Square, and the Science and Technology Campus—have earned the Best Workplace for Commuters recognition.

This marks the first time the Science and Technology Campus has received this award, highlighting its continued growth and the commuter-focused programs that support faculty and staff.

All of 91��'s Virginia campuses have been recognized as Best Workplaces for Commuters. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Best Workplaces for Commuters is a national program that recognizes organizations offering comprehensive commuter benefits that help reduce environmental impact, improve commuting experiences, and support employee well-being.

“This recognition reflects the intentional work happening across all of our campuses to make commuting easier, more flexible, and more sustainable for our employees,” said Josh Cantor, director of parking and transportation.

George Mason’s continued inclusion on the Best Workplaces for Commuters list reflects its ongoing investment in sustainable transportation, flexible commuting options, and a campus culture that prioritizes accessibility and quality of life.

The Science and Technology Campus became eligible for recognition this year due to the growing number of employees on campus, boosted by the opening of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building last year.

Capital Bikeshare stations are available on the Fairfax Campus and at Mason Square. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We are especially proud to see the SciTech Campus recognized independently and to continue advancing innovative solutions that improve the daily experience for our campus community,” Cantor said.

Faculty and staff in Auxiliary and Business Services and Parking and Transportation support innovative commuter programs and technology-forward solutions across all of George Mason’s campuses. At Mason Square, this recently included the implementation of a new parking garage technology system, streamlining parking access across multiple garages and enhancing the commuter experience.

For more information about commuter programs and transportation options at George Mason, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

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New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community

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New initiative aims to build AI literacy among educators through year-long professional learning community

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George Mason’s Center for Molecular Engineering receives $1 million in federal funding for a high-resolution mass spectrometer

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

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SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all

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91���� named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses

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91�� named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses