George Mason University announced a significant leadership transition in its research division as Andre Marshall, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, accepts an assignment with the National Science Foundation. Marshall, who joined the university in 2021, was instrumental in advancing George Mason's research enterprise and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Provost Marion Underwood has appointed Aurali Dade as interim Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, effective August 31.
In other campus news, George Mason University license plates are now available through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with each purchase supporting student scholarships. The Fairfax Campus is also enhancing its dining experience with a new fleet of autonomous delivery robots from Avride. New culinary additions include The Dreamery ice cream shop and True Burger, offering a fully halal menu, both located in the Johnson Center, alongside LaCava Coffee in the Nguyen Engineering Building.
Students and faculty are encouraged to show their Patriot pride on College Colors Day, Friday, September 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the campus store in the Johnson Center, featuring giveaways and discounts. Additionally, the SciTech Campus hosted "Capital Skies: Game of Drones" in early August, an educational event coordinated by the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System and supported by George Mason Police, where public safety drone teams engaged in real-world scenario competitions.
George Mason Athletics also saw its women's volleyball team ranked fourth in the Atlantic 10 preseason voting, marking their highest-ever ranking in the conference.