I have had the honor of working at George Mason University for over 25 years, having started as an assistant professor of English in George Mason's English department in 1993. It might seem that as campus dean of Mason Korea I have traveled a long way. But I do not think so, because Mason Korea embodies all that I love about George Mason.
You can see some of what I mean in the contents of this month's newsletter.
Curricular Innovation: Computational and Data Sciences is an innovative multidisciplinary program recently established at George Mason. The program provides the knowledge and skills required for the current data revolution, and applies them not just to study in the sciences, but also the social sciences, business and any area in which problems can be solved through the analysis of data. We are proud to now be able to offer this program at Mason Korea.
Commitment to Teaching: George Mason is a top research university, but we take our commitment to teaching just as seriously. One example of this value at Mason Korea is the Faculty Learning Community we have organized around the teaching of writing. As an English professor proud of George Mason's top reputation in writing instruction, I particularly appreciate this effort. But we focus on our development as teachers across all our fields.
Student Success: When we ask our students to describe George Mason, one of the words they use again and again is "welcoming." I think that means that faculty and staff at George Mason really care about our students and seek to provide opportunities and support, student by student. We see that care in the sense of welcome LJ Haider felt when he transferred to Mason Korea, and in the opportunities and mentors that Mason alumnus Gue Yong Lee enjoyed at Mason Korea and that helped him land that first job.
Diversity: George Mason University deeply believes in the value of diversity, and has one of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the US. It founded Mason Korea as part of its mission to increase the university's international scope and student population. By working with embassies from around the world, Mason Korea is seeking to fulfill that mission.
Community: There has always been at Mason a powerful sense of commitment to our communities. That kind of commitment is part of Mason's mission as a US public university, but it is also reflected on Mason's emphasis on the education of our students to act in order to make a better world. Mason Korea's newly established Mason Cares program reflects one way we seek to instill this value on our Korea campus.
In just over 50 years since its establishment George Mason has grown into a campus of nearly 40,000 students and an R1 research university, one of only about 120 in the US. There's something special going on here. I consider myself lucky to to be one of the many thousands of students, faculty and staff who have contributed to that growth. I consider myself luckier still to be able to contribute to that same kind of growth here at Mason Korea, along with its students, faculty and staff.
In Patriot Pride,
Robert Matz
Campus Dean
George Mason University, Korea
p.s. Please note that the Mason Korea Messenger will take a holiday break, and return for a February edition. Happy holidays everyone!