Meet the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:19:13 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:19

Name: Mihee Cho

Job: Assistant Manager for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, Mason Korea

Mihee Cho, assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office. Photo provided

Mihee Cho has been working at ��ӽ紫ý Korea almost as long as the campus has existed. In June 2015, just one year after the campus opened, she started working as an administrative assistant in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Currently, Cho serves as the assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office, managing its daily operations and programming for students.

Time overseas. “My interest in working higher education sparked during my time as an international student in the United States,” said Cho. She earned a master’s degree in educational technology from Missouri State.

Home away from home. Joining a campus community as an international student gave Cho a unique perspective. “Being part of the campus community, both receiving assistance and offering support to fellow international students, was incredibly rewarding,” said Cho. “I discovered the value of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students adjusting to life abroad.”

Paying it forward. Cho saw the opportunity to work at Mason Korea as a chance to share the knowledge and experiences she had gained as an international student. "I wanted to create a similar supportive atmosphere for students at Mason Korea, helping them navigate the challenges of studying in a new country and encouraging their involvement in campus life,” said Cho.

As of April 2024, approximately 1,000 undergraduate students study at Mason Korea, and 40% of them live on campus. International students compose approximately 14% of the study body.

Hearing student voices. Part of Cho’s job is ensuring that students have a dynamic campus experience. She collaborates with student involvement groups, including the Patriot Activities Council, Student Government, The Voice—the official student-run English media outlet), and n-Lingual, a student-led organization for language and cultural exchange.

Cho also assists in planning university-wide events like Mason Day and provides strengths advising as a certified strengths coach.

Ideas always flow. Working on a university campus, Cho values the exposure to new ideas and perspectives. “Being surrounded by students, professors, and staff from diverse backgrounds fosters an intellectually stimulating atmosphere,” she said.

No two days are the same. Interacting with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures is one of Cho’s favorite parts of her job. “Being part of an international community like Mason Korea offers a rich and dynamic environment for learning and collaboration,” said Cho.

Finding her own strengths. Cho has also enjoyed the chance to expand her own skills and help students in new ways. Becoming a certified strengths coach has enhanced the support Cho can offer students as they explore their abilities and develop their leadership potential.

Outside work, Cho enjoys traveling and listening to different genres of music. She also enjoys exploring the artsy cafes around Mason Korea’s campus.

Learn more about Mason Korea

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Mason Korea

University Life

Meet the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:06:43 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:06

Kevin Brim

Job: Recycle/Waste Management Supervisor, Facilities Management

Kevin Brim leads the recycle/waste management team in Facilities Management as they help foster a culture of sustainability at Mason. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Can I recycle this? At some point, anyone who has approached a recycling bin (or set of bins) with good intentions has asked this question, either aloud or in their mind.

Helping the community understand the parameters of recycling and composting is one of the biggest challenges in recycling and waste management, according to Kevin Brim, supervisor in Facilities Management at ��ӽ紫ý. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim.

His team is working hard to change that.

Keeping it clean. Putting the wrong items in a recycle or compost bin can lead to contamination of waste streams. Brim and his colleagues in Facilities Management are making it easier for the ��ӽ紫ý community to recycle, compost, and properly dispose of items.

Waste no time. Brim knows he is part of something impactful, and interacting with the ��ӽ紫ý community is what he likes best about his job. “I’ve been at Mason for 18 years, and I learn something new every day,” Brim said.

Protecting the Earth isn’t a one-person job. Waste diversion efforts stretch across the university and rely on the involvement of many units—and the actions of individuals. Mason Facilities, University Sustainability, Mason Dining, and others are working to help ��ӽ紫ý reach its Zero Waste goal: diverting 90% or more of all waste items away from the trash through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Learning the ins and outs. Brim’s first job in ��ӽ紫ý Facilities was as a quality assurance inspector for the university’s housekeeping contract. Brim moved to the waste/recycle team in 2011, learning every aspect of the operation from the ground up. That knowledge and experience led him to his current role as the supervisor of that team.

Spreading the word. Brim takes pride in his team and how they help foster a culture of sustainability at Mason. “I ensure my team knows just as much as I do about waste and recycling here at Mason,” Brim said. His team’s interactions with others on campus help inform the community about the proper disposal of different items, protecting Mason’s recycling and composting streams.

It all comes back to serving ��ӽ紫ý students, according to Brim. “Students are the reason we are here, so they’re our target audience,” said Brim. “I’m always interested in hearing their input on what we can do better, or what they would like to see.”

Harnessing the sun. Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve ��ӽ紫ý’s waste diversion rate. Brim’s team recently installed new Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses, some of which include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins. Brim’s team plans to install more Bigbelly stations, expanding their availability across all of Mason’s Virginia campuses.

Saving the scraps. Composting efforts will also increase in campus dining locations. “Mason Facilities is looking to expand our composting programs with all food vendors on campus, with a main focus on behind-the-scenes food waste,” Brim said. These composting streams are often easier to control, ensuring a clean composting product.

The glass is half full. This spring, ��ӽ紫ý launched a glass recycling program, with purple recycling trailers parked on the Fairfax Campus. Brim says the glass recycling program has expanded to collect glass bottles at catered events on campus.

“We will continue to divert as much away from landfill and incinerator as we can,” Brim said.

Reduce, reuse . . . relax. Outside work, Brim spends time with his wife of 33 years (his high school sweetheart), three adult children, five grandkids, and two dogs. “They all keep me pretty busy,” he said. Relaxing in the backyard tops the list, too. “It’s the little things in life,” Brim said.

Can I recycle this? Check out this guide to the university-wide waste streams at Mason.

Find out more ways to make a sustainable impact at Mason.

Learn more about Mason's Zero Waste goals

More about Sustainability at Mason

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Faculty and Staff News

Meet the Mason Nation

Around Mason (E-Files)

Facilities

Sustainability

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:53:28 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:53

Rachel Wernicke

Job: Associate Dean and Chief Mental Health Officer, University Life

Rachel Wernicke has worked as an Army officer, psychologist, therapist, and coach. In 2019, she moved into her current role: associate dean and chief mental health officer at ��ӽ紫ý.

Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer at Mason. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

At that time, University Life at Mason created the role of chief mental health officer to address student mental health from a more strategic, public health approach. This decision happened at a critical moment, just before the world entered the greatest mental health challenge of a generation: a global pandemic.

A group effort: “We continue to see significant need for mental health support in students, faculty, and staff,” Wernicke said. “Supporting mental health takes a whole campus effort, with the engagement of our entire Mason community and a commitment to creating a culture and providing the programs and services that sustain mental health and well-being.”

According to Wernicke, nearly every role on campus is connected to this work, “even if on the surface it may not seem so,” she said.

Supporting the troops: Wernicke’s time as an Army captain influenced her decision to become a psychologist. “A core Army leadership practice focuses on caring for people,” Wernicke said. “Learning how to do this when I served as an Army officer led me to study psychology and become a therapist.” The leadership lessons she learned in the Army continue to shape her leadership style today.

Passion for education: As a therapist in training, Wernicke had the opportunity to work in college mental health, and she loved working with students. “Although I’ve practiced in hospitals and other settings, I kept returning to higher education over the years,” Wernicke said.

Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Mental health as the second pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased attention to the need for expanded mental health care. As a result, Mason has adapted and expanded its mental health services for students.

“Both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS) had to shift their services to meet the needs of students during the pandemic,” Wernicke said. “The most critical shift was to offer telemental health services for students.”

Answering the call: The number of students seeking mental health services is rising, both at Mason and nationally, continuing a trend that was underway before the pandemic. From 2010 to 2020, the total number of students served by Mason’s CAPS increased by 55%. The growing demand for services hasn’t stopped.

“As of January 2024, just over halfway through our fiscal year, CAPS has supported more than 1,100 students,” Wernicke said. “This compares to 1,254 students served during the entirety of the previous fiscal year.”

Multiple avenues for care: SHS also provides mental health care to students. “SHS provides universal screening for depression and substance use concerns to all students being seen by a health care provider,” Wernicke said. “Any student who screens positive for these concerns is offered treatment.”

In the 2023 fiscal year, SHS had 725 behavioral health interactions with students, a 266% increase from the prior year.

Mason launched a partnership with a telemental health vendor, TimelyCare, in fall 2022. This care option reaches students wherever they are located, at whatever time is convenient for them. Through TimelyCare, students may access free mental health services 24/7, 365 days a year. As of January 2024, TimelyCare has provided mental health services to 1,518 Mason students since its launch.

Planning for the future: Mason continues to evolve its approach to supporting mental health. Wernicke serves as cochair of Mason’s Mental Health and Well-Being Task Force with Nance Lucas, executive director of Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.

“We are working to raise awareness of the resources available to our community and to make recommendations for programs, policies, practices, and services that will support a culture of mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

The task force includes students, faculty, and staff from across the university. “The charge is both aspirational and practical, focusing on creating a systems approach to mental health and well-being at Mason,” Wernicke said.

Putting ideas into action: This year, their goals are to identify a Mason model of mental health and well-being, recommend ways that well-being and mental health services can be expanded, enhance the inclusiveness of these programs and services, and increase community awareness of what is already available. The Patriots Thriving Together hub has been created as a starting point for Mason students and employees to find resources.

Finding joy: Practicing what she preaches, Wernicke finds ways to support her own well-being. “I have three kids—they’re in college, high school, and middle school—so keeping up with their activities and staying connected with them is a priority,” Wernicke said. “Music is a major source of well-being for me and something I enjoy with my family.” She also finds joy and relaxation by exercising, running, spending time with friends, and cooking.

Support from all around: Wernicke says she thrives at Mason because of the people around her. “I’m lucky to be able to work with some of the most talented and committed clinicians, educators, and advocates in CAPS, SHS, and Disability Services,” Wernicke said. “I appreciate being able to work with people from across the university who are committed to student health and well-being.”

Mental health and well-being resources at Mason:

Patriots Thriving Together
Counseling and Psychological Services: 703-993-2380
Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC): SSAC Support Request
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor
TimelyCare
Mason's Center for Community Mental Health

Watch Wernicke’s Tedx Talk, “Mental Health in the New Normal: Shaping Our COVID Stories,” for more insights about the pandemic’s impact on mental health and well-being.

Watch Wernicke's Tedx Talk

Mental Health and Well-Being Resources at Mason

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

Topics

Meet the Mason Nation

Faculty and Staff News

Well-Being

Mental Health

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Student Health Services

Women's History Month

Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:32:48 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar Lauren Reuscher Tue, 01/09/2024 - 12:32

Doug McKenna

Job: University Registrar

Many things change over the years at a college or university, but the university registrar serves as the guardian of something permanent.

“I’m responsible for maintaining the student record in perpetuity,” said Doug McKenna, registrar at ��ӽ紫ý. “At the core, the Office of the University Registrar is the steward of student academic data.”

Doug McKenna, university registrar at ��ӽ紫ý. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A student’s time at the university may only last a few years, but their records last forever, thanks to the work of the registrar.

A champion for Mason

Before coming to Mason in July 2019, McKenna worked at both public and private institutions of higher education, with enrollments ranging from 12,000 to 46,000 students. But he says that Mason is a great fit for him. “The values of inclusivity, equity, and accessibility all resonate with me and align with what’s important to me personally,” said McKenna.

A full catalog of work

The Office of the University Registrar serves a broad range of functions. Publishing the catalog, building the schedule of classes, performing degree audits, completing veterans’ certifications, issuing transcripts, and awarding degrees—these are just some of the ways the office serves the university community.

Witnessing the milestones

McKenna describes the Office of the University Registrar as a tremendous vantage point to the institution, touching key moments across a student's academic journey. “I know it sounds trite, but one of the reasons that I love being the registrar is that very few days in a row are the same,” said McKenna. The office supports students, faculty, staff, and alumni. “With that many constituents, there’s always something going on.”

Meeting modern needs

At the largest and fastest growing public research university in Virginia, there are challenges, too. “Mason is catching up in terms of leveraging technology for administrative processes,” said McKenna. His office has been working to convert forms into dynamic digital workflows, making processes like grade changes and credit overloads faster and more efficient. McKenna says these changes save time for everyone.

Doug McKenna, university registrar. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A dedicated team

No matter what each day brings, McKenna’s colleagues inspire and motivate him. “Hands down, Mason has the best people who are passionate about supporting student success, who care, who are engaged, and who are fun,” said McKenna. “There’s a real sense of joy about the work that we’re doing here.”

Learning for life

McKenna has a unique perspective as registrar: He is a student, too, pursuing his PhD in education with a specialization in higher education. “I think it’s important that I continue to study and learn as much as possible about the industry in which I work,” McKenna said. “And as a leader, to model lifelong learning for my staff.”

Registrars assemble

Beyond Mason, McKenna holds an influential role in the realm of university registrars. He helps train new registrars through the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). An active member of the professional organization, McKenna also started hosting its podcast, For the Record, in 2019.

“While the podcast is focused on topics that affect registrars, I’ve heard from a lot of people who are either registrar-adjacent or higher education-adjacent that it has provided interesting insights into the registrar’s many roles at an institution,” said McKenna. “I love hosting it, because it’s given me the opportunity to talk to and learn from so many really smart and capable people.”

Beyond the job

Outside work, McKenna and his wife stay busy with their two active teenagers and two dogs. The arts are an important part of his life—he plays the guitar, sings, and recently sold his first piece of commissioned artwork: poured acrylics on canvas. McKenna volunteers to support the arts programs at his children's middle and high schools, as well.

Envisioning the future

He will continue working toward that PhD. “I’m on a kind of ‘dance remix’ version of the PhD, taking one course at a time while working full time and parenting full time,” McKenna said. “My goal is to be finished before my son, who is currently a junior in high school, graduates from college.”

When that day comes, he’ll have yet another timeless perspective to add to his Mason repertoire: alumni.

The Office of the University Registrar handles degree, course, grade, and other student records, working collaboratively with many other offices on campus.

Learn more about the Office of the University Registrar

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

Meet more of the Mason Nation

This content appears in the Summer 2024 print edition of the Mason Spirit Magazine.

Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:11:21 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:11

Will Gautney

Job: Assistant Master Electrician, Center for the Arts, and Chair of Staff Senate

Will Gautney started working at ��ӽ紫ý’s Center for the Arts as a part-time stagehand in 2013. The job involved lots of lifting, building, and prep work for shows. In 2018, he was hired full-time as assistant master electrician, his current role. He helps plan shows, leads the stagehands, and manages the technical aspects of lighting and design.

Will Gautney, assistant master electrician at the Center for the Arts, and chair of the Staff Senate. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Beyond his role in the Center for the Arts, Gautney was elected to Mason’s Staff Senate in 2021. He joined the advisory body to advocate for wage and non-traditional staff at the university—staff like him, who are working in non-desk jobs, or outside traditional business hours. In June 2023, Gautney was nominated and elected as chair of the senate, and he started that two-year term in July.

The show goes on: The main performance season at the Center for the Arts runs from September to May. Most days during the season are spent preparing for shows or reviewing the technical requirements for a performance. During the summer months, Gautney and his colleagues take the opportunity to organize and perform maintenance on theatrical equipment.

Lighter than air: When working on a show, Gautney spends most of his day in the theater space—running the crew, communicating with tour and artistic clients, and doing hands-on work. Sometimes with his feet on the ground, but sometimes not: “I enjoy being able to climb into a safety harness or ride up in a lift; really wherever I can be of assistance,” Gautney said.

“I enjoy making sure the production is as close to an artist’s vision as we can safely accomplish with our equipment and time available,” Gautney said. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

An art, not a science: Besides the technical and safety aspects of the show, Gautney works with the artistic staff to achieve their vision. “Because a lot of what we do is artistically-charged, there can be quite a bit of time devoted to ‘zhuzhing’ finer details to make something look artistically ‘pretty’ on top of necessary safety and functionality,” Gautney said.

Showtime means go time: “Some shows require a few hours of checking that the lights turn on and then pressing ‘go’ on the light board, or sliding faders,” Gautney said. “Other shows can require 18-hour days—including load-in of gear, set up, rehearsal, the performance itself, load out, and setting up another show for the next day.”

Variety is the spice of life: Gautney enjoys working with the broad range of performances at Mason, including both internal and external groups. “Everything from the student step show and fashion show to Mason’s schools of music, theater, and dance, Game Mason, Virginia Opera, and TheaterWorks children’s matinees.”

The magic of showbiz: Gautney appreciates the chance to help generate the thrill of the theater. “I enjoy making sure the production is as close to an artist’s vision as we can safely accomplish with our equipment and time available,” Gautney said.

Vote of confidence: Becoming the chair of Staff Senate was not something he expected. “With leadership, I typically follow a philosophy that people who strive for power are those who probably shouldn’t have it, and those who would be great in a role of power do not always want it,” Gautney said. He felt honored to be nominated and elected chair.

Representation matters: Since 2020, the chair of the Staff Senate has also served as staff liaison to the university’s Board of Visitors. Gautney wants to make sure staff voices are heard at the highest levels of the university. “The largest issues for staff at the moment are increased workloads, fair market compensation, outside misconceptions of staff whose work involves Mason’s diversity goals, and the acute need to support staff morale,” Gautney said. He said he will continue looking for solutions to these issues and advocating for staff interests.

Fun and games: When he isn’t busy with his many responsibilities at Mason, Gautney enjoys a good board game. If not playing in-person, he plays digital games with friends and family across the country.

Feeling (or feline) spirited: Gautney and his wife, who is a Mason alum, have a cat named Binx, named after the one in the film Hocus Pocus. He and his wife enjoy taking weekend excursions to escape the day-to-day hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. Breweries and distilleries are some of their favorite destinations.

More about the Center for the Arts

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Meet the Mason Nation

Faculty and Staff News

Around Mason (E-Files)

Center for the Arts

Staff Senate

Meet the Mason Nation: Olga O’Brien, general manager, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:37:11 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Olga O’Brien, general manager, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center Lauren Reuscher Wed, 09/13/2023 - 13:37

Olga O'Brien, general manager of the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Olga O’Brien

Job: General Manager, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center

Olga O’Brien, general manager of the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, started her journey at ��ӽ紫ý as an international student. O’Brien came to Mason from Prague on a volleyball scholarship. As a student, she started working as a part-time volleyball instructor at the Freedom Center in 1999—the year the center first opened. And she has been there ever since.

The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, a 110,000-square-foot facility at Mason’s Science and Technology Campus, operates under a Tripartite agreement including Mason, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas. The university manages all aspects of the daily administration and operation of the facility—its pools, gymnasium, exercise studios, racquetball courts, child care center, staffing, summer camps, and community programming.

O’Brien has served in many roles at the Freedom Center, including programs manager, interim general manager, and general manager since 2017. A two-time Mason alum with a master’s in recreation administration and bachelor’s in physical education and health, O’Brien has had an indelible impact on the Freedom Center community.

Never the same routine. O’Brien said every day is different when working in a community recreation facility—and that’s what she loves about her job. “On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to interact with our members, staff, community partners, and university colleagues,” O’Brien said. “Each day presents different scenarios to navigate. I like the unknown of each day and the new challenges that arise.”

The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center is home to many fitness opportunities, such as an indoor track, pools, and basketball courts. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Inspiring one another. The positive atmosphere of the Freedom Center motivates O’Brien and her team. Helping members reach their health and wellness goals is one of the biggest on-the-job rewards—and the endorphins are contagious. “Seeing members’ smiles as they check in to start their work out, or walk out of a group exercise class after pushing themselves to the next level—this inspires my team and me to continue working hard to improve each day,” O’Brien said. “We truly have created a ‘Freedom Family’ and look forward to seeing each other succeed each day.”

Learning from the best. O’Brien said her experiences as a student athlete and her education prepared her for a career in the recreation industry. “In addition to the knowledge learned in the classroom, I was able to grow as an individual and leader to better serve my team and facility,” O’Brien said. She also recognizes those who helped her along the way. “The most significant influence on my work has been my supervisor, mentor, and role model for more than 20 years: Ron Carmichael, director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus,” O’Brien said. “He has provided opportunities to grow and find my specific leadership and management style, supported my goals and ideas, and shares a common passion for the health and wellness industry.”

Sports and serenity. When she’s not at work, O’Brien keeps pulse of her family’s athletic pursuits. “My sons’ passion for competitive basketball keeps us very busy, between practices and games,” she said. “I find joy and peace with gardening, yoga, playing pickleball, and volleyball.” Finding new places to travel and adventures to experience with her family also top the list.

Learn more about the Freedom Center

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Faculty and Staff News

Meet the Mason Nation

Freedom Center

Science and Technology Campus

Health and Fitness

Campus News

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree

Sarah Holland — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:16:52 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree Sarah Holland Thu, 07/20/2023 - 15:16

John Tyree

Job: Consultant, University Business Consulting

John Tyree is a two-time Mason alum and current staff member in University Business Consulting. Photo provided.

John Tyree is one of Mason’s University Business Consulting (UBC) consultants. The university launched UBC in 2020 to help Mason offices reach their goals through increased efficiency, data insights, and capitalizing on opportunities for innovation. Tyree started working at Mason in 2019, but his connection to the Mason Nation dates back to 2010 when he started working on his bachelor’s degree in information systems and operations management. Since then, he has added an MBA and a graduate certificate in business analytics to his resume.

Understanding the ‘WHY’. After graduating from Mason with a BS in in 2013, Tyree returned to Mason as an IT manager. He was inspired to pursue his MBA to, “better understand the ‘why’ of business processes I was supporting as an IT professional. I am able to use the business skills I learned to approach challenges from a higher strategic level.” The move to business consulting, in tandem with his completion of the MBA program, was an opportunity to “round out my business acumen. I’m able to better see how departments interconnect and serve a common mission. And the skills I gained through the MBA program—such as identifying deficiencies in processes and creating improvements—have served me well in my role as a consultant for the university.”

Lessons abroad. The MBA program allowed Tyree to expand his horizons not only through a new career path, but also through experiences abroad. “The most memorable class I took in the MBA program was the Global Residency course,” he said. “We traveled to Singapore to learn from various businesses about operating in a global market. We were able to talk with senior leadership and learn the similarities and key differences about conducting business in different parts of the world.” Tyree and his fellow students also had the opportunity to take guided tours and attend cultural dinners to learn about the country. “The whole experience was a great way to bond with my cohort as well as obtain a global prospective as I continue my business career,” Tyree said.

Part of the process. In his work with UBC, Tyree has the opportunity to see how processes and departments function across the university and, using his expertise in business analytics, he helps them find more efficient and effective ways of operating. “My work is focused on gathering and synthesizing information for our clients so they can make informed decisions on improving departmental organization and efficiencies,” he said. “I do this through various means including executive reports, data analysis and visualization, benchmarking, and general project management.”

Helping Mason succeed. “Consulting” is a broad term, encompassing everything from project management to data visualizations to business planning. Some of UBC's projects include implementing the university's new Strategic Direction and designing key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to measure its progress; coordinating with multiple offices to design, implement, and manage the university's COVID-19 response; and saving the university $1.7M in transportation costs by analyzing shuttle ridership post-pandemic. And at no cost to Mason units—yes, this service is complimentary!—this work is critical to supporting Mason’s mission and helping others do the same.

Macy the golden doodle showing off her Patriot pride. Photo provided.

Puppy love. Tyree is an avid outdoorsman. From roads and trails to rivers and lakes, he cycles and kayaks through state and national parks. And while the great outdoors holds a special place in his heart, his one-year-old golden doodle is his greatest treasure. Macy, named after Mason, walks around her namesake campus with Tyree. “She gets to greet lots of students,” Tyree said, which bodes well for her future application to Mason in approximately two to three years (which is 16 to 24 in dog years!).

Patriots brave and bold! With two Mason degrees and an ongoing career at the university, it’s no wonder that Tyree bleeds green and gold. Over a decade since he began his journey at Mason, Tyree still loves to cheer on Mason basketball. "I've been attending games since 2010. I still root for the green and gold at EagleBank Arena any chance I get!”

Learn more about University Business Consulting

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

Topics

Meet the Mason Nation

University Business Consulting

MBA Program

Costello College of Business Alumni

Alumni

Faculty and Staff News

Meet the Mason Nation: Officer Ashanti Mumin

Shayla Brown — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:51:39 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Officer Ashanti Mumin Shayla Brown Thu, 06/08/2023 - 13:51

Officer Ashanti Mumin with his K9 partner, Bunji. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Job: Police Corporal and K9 Officer, Department of Police and Public Safety

Members of Mason’s Police and Public Safety Department maintain a presence on the university’s campuses and are a visible part of Mason Nation. One of the “officers” students are always happy to see is Bunji. His partner, Ashanti Mumin, is pretty special too.

A Dog’s Life: Mumin, who joined Mason in February 2022, recently transferred to Mason’s Police Crisis Response Unit, which handles calls for mental health service. Bunji, an Aussiedoodle therapy dog, accompanies Mumin during his calls. “Bunji has been a great addition to the team,” said Mumin. “We’ve bonded over the past month, and I’ve adopted him as my child.” Bunji and Mumin respond to calls for students who are in emotional distress, but Bunji is also there to support his fellow officers. “There's a stigma when it comes to police canines, so we're changing the title of his job from [therapy dog] to comfort dog. He serves a purpose, and he has been fulfilling that purpose 100 percent.”

Supporting the Campus Community: Exam periods, such as midterms and finals, can be a source of stress for many students. When the stress becomes too much and students reach out for help, it’s Mumin who gets that call. “It can get overwhelming,” said Mumin, who worked for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office for four years prior to joining Mason and has a background in responding to mental health crises. Many of the calls the duo responds to involve first-year students. “It’s their first time away from home, and they haven’t been exposed to a lot of things that campus life brings.”

K9 Police dog, Bunji and his partner, Officer Ashanti Mumin.
Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Answering the Call: While Mumin is dedicated to improving the mental health of Mason students, he is also looking out for his fellow officers. After noticing that officers assisting community members in crisis didn’t have a strong support system of their own, Mumin formed the Peer Support Team. “Officers’ mental health is very important, because when they're on scene of a call, they need to be 100 percent focused,” said Mumin, who began overseeing the unit’s wellness program in May 2023. “Many officers believe that we need to just suck it up. [Because of this] officers will leave stuff dormant, causing issues in the long run. We needed something for our officers to speak freely about whatever they’re feeling.” And all information shared with the support team is kept confidential, he added.

Outstanding Achievements: Because of his work on the Peer Support Team, Mumin was recently honored with a university Outstanding Achievement Award, but he says he’s not an awards kind of guy. “I don't do things for the awards, but I do things because it's right,” said Mumin. “We need the public to understand that officers do [sometimes need support]. We’re human, and the things that we see day to day, the average human just doesn’t see, but when they do, they suffer some sort of trauma.”

Mason K9 Teams: Bunji and Mumin can usually be found walking around campus during the day and are always looking to connect with community members, but they are not the only Mason K9 team.

K9 Titan and his handler Lt. John O’Hare are Mason’s longest serving K9 unit and have been protecting Mason’s campuses together since 2018. Titan is trained in explosive detection. Together, they have worked to protect a variety of visiting VIPs, including Vice President Kamala Harris and a several presidential candidates.
Cpl. Joseph Toke and K9 Flora started protecting Mason in November 2022 after completing explosive detection training together. They can usually be found out and about meeting new people on campus when they aren’t on an assignment.

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Meet the Mason Nation: Cathy Pinskey

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:01:35 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Cathy Pinskey Lauren Reuscher Thu, 03/30/2023 - 16:01

Cathy Pinskey

Job: Capital Program Director, Facilities

Cathy Pinskey, capital program director for Mason Facilities, overlooks the construction site of Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Evan Cantwell

Cathy Pinskey, capital program director at ��ӽ紫ý, has watched Mason’s square footage grow a lot over the years—by the millions. When she started at Mason in 2004 as the director of space management, the university had about 3 million square feet across its locations. Today, the university occupies more than 9 million square feet.

After creating systems for managing and tracking space at Mason, Pinskey worked in campus planning. She moved to her current role as capital program director with Mason Facilities in 2016. Pinskey has overseen the university’s largest and most complicated capital projects to date, including the Core Campus Project from 2016 to 2022, which revitalized the heart of the Fairfax Campus. Today, her main focus is Fuse at Mason Square, a new building currently under construction.

Fuse at Mason Square as a frontier. “This project is very different than all of the other projects I have managed at Mason, in that it is a public–private partnership,” Pinskey said. Developed with Mason Innovation Partners, Fuse at Mason Square will support digital innovation, active learning, research, business entrepreneurs, and tech incubators alongside education and policymakers in Arlington.

From design to completion. An architect by training, Pinskey enjoys working at Mason because she has a chance to see a project from beginning to end. “When I worked in private practice as an architect, I would only really see projects through the design and construction phases,” she said. At Mason, she can see how the projects age and are used over time.

Building for everyone. Creating buildings for the largest public research university in Virginia comes with its challenges, too. “The sheer number of interested stakeholders—students, faculty, administration, staff, alumni, and the community of users outside the institution—all are highly invested in Mason’s success,” Pinskey said. It takes careful planning to determine the final scope of the project and stay on schedule. “It’s a bit of science and engineering and a bit of art to make it all work most effectively and efficiently,” said Pinskey.

Weekend warrior. Outside work, Pinskey and her husband enjoy traveling, biking, kayaking—anything that gets them out in the fresh air. They have a cottage at Lake Ontario in Rochester, New York, which Pinskey describes as a work in progress. “I like to design the improvements [and] be my own ‘weekend warrior’ kind of contractor,” she said. “It makes me appreciate how hard contractors work to get things translated between design and construction.”

A strong role model. Pinskey knew she wanted to be an architect ever since she took an industrial arts class in seventh grade, but “when it came time to go to college, I was very shy and scared to leave home.” She says her mom encouraged her to leave the nest in order to follow her dreams. “I could never thank her enough for encouraging me to spread my wings,” Pinskey said. “She was progressive for her time—I found letters in her personal files where she [asked] to be paid fairly for the work she was doing—a job that her male counterparts were paid more highly for at the time. She really was an inspiration to me.”

Giving back. Pinskey loves seeing the results of her work on Mason’s campuses. “It’s extremely rewarding both professionally and personally. I am a first-generation college student,” Pinskey said. "I chose to work in higher education to give back to a system that afforded me many opportunities in life that I would have otherwise not had.”

Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square

Meet more of the Mason Nation

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June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

This content appears in the Spring 2024 print edition of the Mason Spirit Magazine.

Meet the Mason Nation: Deliah “Dee” Arrington

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:40:02 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Deliah “Dee” Arrington Lauren Reuscher Thu, 03/09/2023 - 11:40

Dee Arrington

Job: Site Coordinator, Potomac Science Center

Dee Arrington, site coordinator for the Potomac Science Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Dee Arrington, the site coordinator at ��ӽ紫ý’s Potomac Science Center, has one of the best “offices” at the university. Since 2017, she has worked at the 50,000-square-foot LEED Silver-certified research facility located along Belmont Bay near the mouth of the Occoquan River in Woodbridge, Virginia.

With a bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, fisheries, and wildlife biology from Clemson University, Arrington applies these skills to support the center, which includes laboratories for teaching and research, lecture rooms, event space, outdoor trails, and more.

Focused on the Environment: The site is home to several Mason research centers, including the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, Vessel Dynamics Laboratory, Furst Lab, and the Flood Hazards Research Lab. Arrington says the ability to conduct research on the water is essential for these researchers, but don’t forget to take a look around. “When you visit, be sure to bring your camera and binoculars. It’s not uncommon to catch an osprey or bald eagle in flight near the center,” she said.

��ӽ紫ý's Potomac Science Center, located on Belmont Bay. Photo by Sam Kittner/Kittner.com

Part of the Ecosystem. Large aquariums were recently installed in the exhibit gallery, allowing visitors to get a close look at local fish. In 2021, international graffiti artist TakerOne created the mural “Fauna of Belmont Bay,” which beautifies the adjacent parking garage and celebrates the local ecosystem. A 250-square-foot exterior wall that faces the bay is covered in plantings and supported by harvested rainwater. “The facility has many intentional design features to reduce electric costs. Building condensate and rainwater are used to irrigate our living wall,” Arrington says.

On Golden Ponds. Before coming to Mason, Arrington was the pond manager at a fish hatchery in South Carolina, where she managed the daily operations of more than 20 ponds, led research projects, and helped maintain the facility and its grounds. This expertise helps her convey the important work and mission of the center to visitors. “Given my background, I am familiar with various scientific equipment, standard laboratory protocols, and the requirements of principal investigators,” Arrington said.

On the Ball: Outside work, soccer is one of Arrington’s greatest passions. She played soccer as an undergraduate at Clemson and was inducted into the school's Ring of Honor, the highest accolade a Tiger student-athlete can receive. She also played soccer professionally with the Philadelphia Charge and has coached soccer at the college and youth levels. "Soccer has been a huge part of my life and has afforded me many opportunities to travel the country and play with the best players in the world,” Arrington says.

Be Our Guest: The waterfront facility’s scenic location also makes it an appealing event destination for many, and Arrington plays a vital role in supporting the daily logistics and operations. Events can include team retreats, small conferences and workshops, and even the occasional wedding. She also leads tours for community members and others. “Every day is different, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy working here,” Arrington said. “Did I mention the beautiful views?”

Mentoring Little Explorers. “We have an almost three-year-old and a border collie mix that keep us on our toes” at home, Arrington said. “Our little girl loves exploring outside, taking swim lessons, and putting on her princess dresses. Our seven-year-old dog still acts like a puppy and enjoys swimming, hiking in the woods, and chasing sticks.”

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

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Name: Mihee Cho

Job: Assistant Manager for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, Mason Korea

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Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim

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Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer

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Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar

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