George Mason University’s Board of Visitors approved the university’s six-year operating plan while receiving updates on artificial intelligence, research, quantum technology, enrollment, fundraising, and its Grand Challenge Initiative.
President Gregory Washington also outlined eight strategic priorities, described as George Mason 2036, as the university prepares a new Strategic Roadmap expected by April 2027.
The priorities include responsible AI integration, exploring three-year degree programs, creating a College of Lifelong Education, developing curricula with employers, and building a global digital and physical campus spanning Virginia, Korea, and the Gulf region.
Other priorities include developing a less tuition-dependent budget model, shifting faculty toward more mentoring and research, and launching Lab-to-Launch to help translate regional research into companies and jobs.
George Mason reported a 10.5% increase in research proposals from fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2026, while proposal dollars increased 13.3%.
Research expenditures declined 23.6% to $156 million over the same period.
In August year-over-year comparisons, research proposal dollars nearly doubled to $171.2 million and award dollars increased 29.4% to $46.2 million.
George Mason’s Mason Now: Power the Possible fundraising campaign has surpassed $688 million toward its $1 billion goal.
The university also highlighted its growing quantum technology efforts.
George Mason received a $3.7 million GO Virginia grant supporting the Virginia Quantum Hub and recently announced a partnership with TreQ and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation to bring a $7.7 million open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia.
The university also launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering.
KEY QUOTES:
“A record year bought us time and credibility. It did not buy us a sustainable path forward. We are doing what we can to push against the tide. But it is a strong tide.”
Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University
“Momentum is being driven by growing confidence from donors, alumni, corporate partners and the broader community. These investments are helping accelerate our strategic opportunities and strengthen our impact across the commonwealth and beyond.”
Lauren Bird, Associate Vice President for Development at George Mason University
