Presidential Investiture

A New Era for George Mason University

We began a new era with the Investiture of Gregory Washington as George Mason University’s eighth president on October 21, 2021. 

 

 

A Moment to Celebrate

Portrait of Gregory and Nicole Washington

 

Gregory Washington, PhD, was appointed by the Board of Visitors on February 24, 2020, following an eight-month national search. He took office on July 1, 2020. 

 

Since joining the university, Washington has led a Safe Return to Campus planning process that resulted in Mason students returning for a modified reopening. He launched the university-wide Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force to identify and correct inequities in university policies and practices. And he is determining how Mason can have the greatest impact in the post-COVID-19 era, not only for new students, but to serve a displaced workforce.

As Mason's eighth president, he leads

  • The largest public research university by enrollment in Virginia.
  • The most diverse university in Virginia and one of the most diverse in the nation.
  • The youngest university to achieve a Research-1 ranking from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • A campus community that represents all 50 states and more than 100 nations.

“This state—mind you, the country—needs a Mason, needs this institution probably more than it’s ever needed it. My vision now is to position us to take on the responsibility that’s associated with that need.”

—President Gregory Washington

 

 

Greg Washington talks to students during freshman move in

Investiture Headlines

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Portrait of Greg Washington

About Gregory Washington

Before his arrival at Mason, Dr. Washington was dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he created new graduate and undergraduate programs and expanded overall enrollment in the engineering school by more than 1,300 students.

View of Fairfax campus and pond

A University Like No Other

As Virginia’s largest public research university, we set the standard for a bold, progressive education that serves our students and communities.

 

 

Gregory Washington looks out the window during move in

Leading the University during a National Crisis

Since joining the university on July 1, 2020, Washington has adapted his vision to address these simultaneous crises.

 

 

COVID-19 Disclaimer: University administration is closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 and the impact of variants. To maintain safety for all, event plans may be modified if circumstances warrant.