“We will create a global educational hub where outstanding talents can study and conduct research together.”
Nearly 20 journalists from national and local media outlets attended Mason Korea’s recent press conference featuring its new Campus Dean, Joshua Park, who assumed office in July. Reflecting on the campus’ growth, Park stated, “Over the past decade, Mason Korea has expanded more than thirtyfold—from 34 students to 1,000—serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Korea.”
Park shared his vision for the next five years, centered around four strategic goals: producing global talent, driving academic innovation, internationalizing Incheon, and strengthening industry partnerships.
He aims to increase the international student body and expand partnerships with leading Asian universities to cultivate globally-minded graduates. “We will provide opportunities for exceptional students from regions like China, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia to study here, with top talents supported by scholarship funding,” he said.
Among the new initiatives Park announced are the upcoming establishment of an Honors College and the launch of the Korea Serious Game Institute (KSGI) in November.
Park also highlighted plans to promote academic innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital entertainment, and robotics, while collaborating with or bringing in George Mason’s research institutes in areas such as biohealth or cybersecurity to Korea to boost both research initiatives and industry-academic partnerships.
To support Incheon’s internationalization, Park emphasized his dedication to expanding international exchange opportunities for local youth, lifelong learning programs for citizens, and creating pathways for domestic companies to enter the U.S. market.
Shannon Davis, Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs and Director of the Industry-University Collaboration Foundation, presented an overview of Mason Korea, while Kelley Chung, Associate Dean for Admissions and Government Affairs, addressed admissions-related questions.
Park concluded, “In 10 years, we aim to be recognized as an institution that positively impacts the development of Incheon and South Korea, and we will work tirelessly toward this goal.”
