George Mason University
College of Science Dean Search
George Mason University (George Mason), Virginia’s largest public research institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Science. Ranked among the top 25 most innovative national universities by U.S. News and World Report, George Mason is located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, with unsurpassed geographical access to federal agencies such as NSF, NIH, and FDA, international organizations, and major corporations across a myriad of industries.
Created a decade ago when the College of Science (COS) moved from the College of Arts and Sciences, the COS houses eight departments and one school: Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences; Biology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Computational and Data Sciences; Environmental Science and Policy; Geography and Geoinformation Science; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy; and the School of Systems Biology. Other programs in the College include: Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Science, Neuroscience, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. In the decade since the formation of COS, the College has grown significantly in enrollment, academic programs, and research expenditures. In this context, the COS seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary Dean to propel the College forward and to advance its (inter)national reputation.
Nearly 3,400 undergraduates and more than 1,000 graduate students were enrolled in Fall 2024. They are taught by 146 tenure-line faculty and 88 instructional faculty plus a robust cadre of adjunct faculty; in addition, 64 research faculty and staff contribute to the College’s vibrant research activities. The College is supported by approximately 100 dedicated staff members.
The College of Science has grown its research enterprise and, as a research powerhouse in one of the most influential regions of the United States, has ambitions to be on the cutting edge of science. George Mason’s College of Science will be the home of the $19.5M Landolt NASA Space Mission that will put an artificial “star” in orbit around the Earth. Principal investigators in the College have won awards from a diverse range of funding agencies, including a $13.6M Naval Research Laboratory award (Physics & Astronomy), a $3.2M Defense Threat Reduction Agency award (Biology), a $3M Federal Highway Administration award (Center for Collision Safety & Analysis), and a $2.8M VA Dept of Education Lab School award (Mathematical Sciences).
Further increases in externally funded research are expected over the next several years. New government and corporate collaborations are emerging in the biomedical area, growing data science initiatives, expanding focus on environmental issues and transportation safety, conservation efforts at the recently opened Potomac Science Center facilities in nearby Belmont Bay, a strong academic and research presence in remote sensing and geospatial sciences, and broadened sustainability, climate, and water security programs. Entrepreneurial and economic development options will increase with new discoveries, additional patents, and the continued success of current spin-off companies.
Academic programs and pioneering research initiatives are housed at the Fairfax campus, the Science and Technology (SciTech) Campus, the Potomac Science Center, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (a partnership between George Mason and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute), and other specialty locations throughout the region. This broad regional presence, combined with strategic national and international connections, reinforces the College’s mission to provide world-class scientific leadership in a wide variety of areas important to modern society.
Reporting to James Antony, the Provost and Executive Vice President, the Dean will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Science and as an essential member of the University’s leadership team. The Dean will provide visionary leadership to elevate the College of Science’s academic and research excellence and to advance its (inter)national reputation. In full alignment with the strategic direction of the University, the Dean’s primary responsibility is to provide innovative leadership to the College (faculty, administrators, staff, and students) in all aspects of operation, including academic affairs, research, administration and planning, student recruitment and career placement, enrollment management and financial aid, financial management, and institutional advancement. The Dean will oversee an operating budget of $61M and 21 direct reports.
George Mason University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean, College of Science. Interested candidates should confidentially submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest (Adobe PDF files preferred) to
Joi Hayes-Scott and Jett Pihakis
Russell Reynolds Associates
For fullest consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible and preferably by December 2.
George Mason University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is committed to building a diverse faculty and staff. The University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.