George Mason University named Dr. Gregory Washington the institution’s new president on Monday.
Washington, who is currently dean of the University of California, Irvine’s engineering school, will be the Virginia university’s first African American president. He will begin his new role on July 1.
Washington earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from North Carolina State University.
He was drawn to the position because of George Mason University’s “reputation for having real impact, providing access and for its commitment to inclusive excellence,” Washington said in a statement. “I feel really blessed to have been given this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
The new president isn’t the only one who can’t wait. Julian Williams, George Mason University’s vice president of inclusion and diversity, heard his phone “blow up” with messages from faculty, staff and students after the announcement.
“This is just an awesome day for the institution,” he said. “Folks are excited.”
George Mason is one of the most diverse universities in Virginia, with a student body that’s 39% first-generation and 33% Pell-eligible.
