The George Mason University Board of Visitors met on February 26 at the Fairfax Campus, where they welcomed 12 new members and elected new leadership. Michael J. Meese was named rector, moving up from his previous role as vice rector. Sumeet Shrivastava, MBA ’94, who is among the new appointees by Governor Abigail Spanberger, will serve as vice rector. Armand Alacbay, JD ‘04, returns as secretary. The executive committee now includes Anne Altman, BS Marketing ’82—who previously served on the board—and Paul Misener, JD ’93.
Four out of six standing committees are now led by newly appointed members. “This reflects their willingness to serve and our commitment to bringing fresh perspectives into leadership,” Meese said. “I am very grateful for the willingness of the new and returning members to step into these roles.”
These appointments and committee assignments will remain until July 31, 2026.
During the meeting, the board approved a 4% increase in housing and dining meal plans for students for the next academic year. This rise amounts to about $580 per student annually but varies depending on room style and meal plan selected. The increase aims to address rising costs in Northern Virginia and fund deferred maintenance projects for campus facilities. About 6,000 students live on campus.
Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer in administration and operations, explained: “George Mason strives to balance the continued pressures of inflation and the high cost of living with the need to provide affordable food and housing to our students. The proposed housing increase allows us to keep pace with inflation and cover the costs of operating and staffing 40 residence halls in an environment where costs continue to rise.” Last year, over $2 million in housing grants were provided for lower-income students.
Despite this increase, George Mason’s room and board rates for 2026-27 will still be below those charged by other major Virginia doctoral universities for 2025-26.
A tuition town hall is scheduled for March 23 at Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus. Additional public comment sessions and meetings are planned through April.
On academic matters, pending approval from state authorities, George Mason will introduce a Bachelor of Science in hospitality, tourism and events management within its College of Education and Human Development. Interim Provost Ajay Vinzé stated that this change will “align the degree more closely with industry standards and course demand.” Additionally, the BA in government and international politics at Schar School will be renamed BA in political science “to align with national norms,” according to Vinzé.
Andre Marshall reported that research expenditures have grown significantly—from $84 million in 2010 to $282 million in 2024—though recent federal policy changes led to a loss of approximately $16 million across 53 terminated awards. Marshall highlighted opportunities at Fuse at Mason Square for collaboration between industry partners, academia, startups supported by Mason Enterprise, faculty labs, tenants and government entities: “There is a great community that is building there… Not just with the faculty and labs but also tenants.”
The meeting also featured a presentation on Mason LIFE—a program supporting students with intellectual disabilities—which marks its twentieth anniversary this year. President Gregory Washington commented: “That can only happen at a place as inclusive as this one… There is a reason it is happening at Mason… because everybody can be at home here.”
Enrollment updates indicated that undergraduate numbers have reached a record high of 28,137 students; this growth has helped offset declines among international students due to federal policy shifts. David Burge noted that direct admission partnerships with local high schools have contributed significantly: A projected thirty percent of incoming freshmen this fall are expected from direct admission programs.
“We have talented students in Virginia who were self-selecting out of college,” Burge said. “We are doing a better job of getting them in at this point.” President Washington added: “I can guarantee you within 10 years this will be the norm… And by that time—even before that—five years from now we need to be on to something else.”
Trishana Bowden announced fundraising progress toward a $1 billion campaign goal—with $620 million raised so far—and reminded attendees about Giving Day on April 2: “This day is about giving to George Mason… We have seen the number increase every year…”
Athletics updates included recognition for student-athletes’ academic achievements (an average GPA of 3.4), facility improvements such as an upcoming Basketball & Academic Performance Center groundbreaking later this spring, plus hosting duties for two Atlantic 10 championships in May.
President Washington acknowledged student Ilia Malinin’s gold medal win at the Winter Olympics while managing coursework alongside athletic training: “He is working…while also being a student… At George Mason that’s Tuesday…we know how to integrate…and work with those young people while they are pursuing their dreams…”
