Mason Korea

Childhood experiences of war loom large over CEOs’ decision-making

Katelynn C Hipolito — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:15:51 +0000

Childhood experiences of war loom large over CEOs’ decision-making Katelynn C Hipolito Mon, 10/19/2026 - 10:15

Likening business to war has become a cliché. This shopworn comparison glosses over the grim fact that war informs the backdrop, and backstory, of a great many companies, and their leaders.

Eun Hye (Grace) Jo, accounting professor at the Costello College of Business. Photo provided

The trauma of war has long-lasting reverberations, influencing business decisions taken decades later, argue Eun Hye Jo and Jenny Jung-Wha Lee, accounting professors at Costello College of Business based in 911�� Korea.

Their recent paper in Journal of Business Research (co-authored by Laurelle (Ellie) Chapple of Queensland University of Technology) examines how early-life experience of the Korean War (1950-1953) affected CEOs’ responses to business challenges.

“The project had a personal motivation that emerged from a conversation about the Korean War. We realized that war and military service had meaningful connections to both of our family histories: Eun Hye’s grandfather was a Korean War veteran, while Jenny’s father was a retired South Korean Army lieutenant colonel. Growing up with these family histories exposed us to stories about war and military service and made this research question especially meaningful to us,” comment the pair of Costello researchers.

The three-year conflict between North and South Korea claimed more than two million casualties, over half of whom were civilians. All in all, approximately ten percent of the population of the peninsula lost their lives in the conflagration. The traumatic aftereffects of the Korean War on both sides may be intensified by the lack of formal resolution, with no peace treaty signed and tensions between the combatants continuing into the present day.

“The project had a personal motivation that emerged from a conversation about the Korean War. We realized that war and military service had meaningful connections to both of our family histories: Eun Hye’s grandfather was a Korean War veteran, while Jenny’s father was a retired South Korean Army lieutenant colonel. Growing up with these family histories exposed us to stories about war and military service and made this research question especially meaningful to us.”

– Eun Hye (Grace) Jo and Jenny Jung-Wha Lee, accounting professors at Costello College of Business

The research team collected financial performance data on Korean-listed companies during the period 2002 to 2023 (excluding the smallest companies and those in the finance industry); their data-set comprised 24,703 firm-year observations. They segmented the data by CEO age, allowing them to analyze firm activity in light of whether the focal CEO was born prior to the Armistice Agreement that ended Korean War hostilities.

They were particularly interested in sales downturns, which could act as trigger events for war-exposed CEOs. Their theory was that these CEOs would have a stronger emotional response to a decline in sales, resulting in larger workforce reductions.

And indeed, the researchers found that when Korean firms were led by war-exposed CEOs, they exhibited lower employment stickiness—hiring about 22 percent less aggressively during sales upswings and cutting employment about 106 percent more sharply during downturns.

On closer investigation, the researchers saw that the entirety of the effect was concentrated among CEOs who experienced the Korean War between the ages of 4 and 15, as opposed to earlier childhood years, which do not usually produce lasting memories, due to the phenomenon known as “infantile amnesia.”

Jenny Jung-Wha Lee, accounting professor at the Costello College of Business. Photo provided

“Our interpretation is that early-life war exposure may heighten sensitivity to downside risk. War is an extreme environment marked by uncertainty, loss, and resource scarcity, and exposure to that kind of instability during formative years may shape how individuals perceive threats and make decisions under pressure later in life,” the Costello co-authors explain.

As additional verification that their findings were due to war exposure in formative years and not a generational mindset or the effects of aging, the researchers performed birth-region comparisons between war-exposed CEOs. They identified a direct relationship between CEOs’ downside risk sensitivity (as measured by employment stickiness) and the number of civilian Korean War casualties in their home environment as they were growing up.

“For us, the broader takeaway is that experiences during formative years can leave lasting imprints that may surface decades later in managerial decisions,” Jo and Lee say. Because their study dealt with a historically specific example of wartime trauma, they are hesitant to broaden their findings to other potentially scarring events, such as economic depressions or pandemics. However, they say, “We do not view war as necessarily unique in the broader theoretical sense. It is plausible that other severe formative experiences could also leave lasting imprints on how leaders perceive risk and make trade-offs later in life.”

For Jo and Lee, these findings highlight the need for power balance as a counterweight to the effects of wartime trauma and other early-life experiences that may inordinately impact an individual leader’s decisions.

“Boards can provide greater oversight of major workforce decisions, particularly during downturns,” they suggest. “Senior leadership teams and HR functions can introduce more structured decision processes that require managers to consider not only immediate cost savings, but also operational continuity, talent retention, and longer-term organizational costs. Bringing multiple perspectives into the process may help balance the influence of any one executive’s personal experiences.”

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Mason Korea’s C5I Center signs MOU to advance next-generation drone and command-and-control research

Katarina Benson — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:08:10 +0000

Mason Korea’s C5I Center signs MOU to advance next-generation drone and command-and-control research Katarina Benson Fri, 10/02/2026 - 11:08

The 911�� Korea Center of Excellence in Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Cyber and Intelligence (the C5I Center) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cross Sentinel and Taekyung Electronics on September 1. The MOU establishes a collaborative research framework for next-generation command-and-control technologies.

The partnership brings together expertise in defense drone technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity to revolutionize defense and security systems.

From left, Kim Jung-hyun, CEO of Cross Sentinel Co. Ltd.; Shin In-seop, director of Mason Korea's C5I Center; and Ahn Hye-ri, CEO of Taekyung Electronics Co. Ltd. Photo provided

Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park told Business Korea that the agreement creates new possibilities in the future defense sector by connecting the university’s research capabilities with the companies’ technological prowess.

Under the agreement, the three organizations will collaborate on research and development in defense drones and unmanned systems, integration and testing of drone and command-and-control technologies, AI-enabled defense technologies, cybersecurity solutions for drone operations, and opportunities for domestic and international collaboration.

Mason Korea’s C5I Center will contribute its research expertise in command and control, defense AI, and cybersecurity. Drawing on 911��’s broader C5I research capabilities and international academic network, the center will also work to expand research collaboration in Korea and strengthen connections among universities, industry, and research institutions.

Shin In-seop, director of the 911�� C5I Center Korea, told Business Korea, “The future battlefield is changing in a direction where AI, data, command and control, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems are organically combined. This agreement will serve as a cooperation model that contributes to the development of next-generation drones and command and control systems by combining the expertise of each institution.”

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Mason Korea welcomes four new members to U.S. Advisory Board

Katarina Benson — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:30:58 +0000

Mason Korea welcomes four new members to U.S. Advisory Board Katarina Benson Mon, 09/21/2026 - 11:30

911�� Korea has welcomed four new members to its U.S. Advisory Board, expanding the group of university, business, and community leaders who provide strategic guidance and strengthen connections between Mason Korea and the university’s U.S. campuses.

The new members of Mason Korea's U.S. Advisory Board.

Sumeet Shrivastava, MBA ’94, is rector of the 911�� Board of Visitors and president and CEO of Unissant. A longtime university leader, Shrivastava previously chaired the 911�� Foundation Board of Trustees and served as president of the 911�� Alumni Association. He has also played a role in advancing entrepreneurship at the university, including helping to launch CIE.

Jenny E. Herrera, BS ’95, chairs the 911�� Foundation Board of Trustees. A partner and not-for-profit advisory industry leader at Citrin Cooperman, Herrera has more than 30 years of public accounting and advisory experience. She has served as president of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, on the AICPA Governing Council, as chair of the Accounting Advisory Council/Costello College of Business, and was named 911��’s School of Business Alumna of the Year in 2019.

Michael P. Gallagher, MBA ’94, is a trustee of the 911�� Foundation and an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader. Gallagher brings decades of experience in entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, and business development to the board. In 2002 he founded the Stevie® Awards, which over more than two decades have grown into one of the world’s most prestigious business awards programs, recognizing workplace excellence among organizations and working professionals. He is also the co-founder of two software startups.

Lisa Donnan serves as chair of the College of Engineering and Computing Advisory Board and as a director on the 911�� Research Foundation Board. Founder of the Donnan Group, she is an internationally recognized national security executive and dual-use technology expert. She has also contributed to the development of 911��’s cybersecurity engineering degree programs and brings extensive experience at the intersection of technology, national security, and industry.

Their appointments expand the U.S. Advisory Board to 12 members and bring additional expertise in university governance, business, technology, national security, finance, and industry engagement.

“Mason Korea is entering an important new phase of growth, innovation, and global impact,” said Joshua Park, Campus Dean of Mason Korea. “Each of these four leaders has already given generously to 911��, and each brings something this campus needs at exactly this moment. This board will help us expand opportunities for students, deepen partnerships across Korea and the United States, and prepare graduates for leadership in a rapidly changing world.”

Continuing board members include former Virginia state senator Chap Petersen; Tracy Taeeun Comstock, president of the U.S.-Korea Alliance Foundation; Go Eun (Elaine) Kang, president and founding member of the American Korean Businessmen’s Friendship Forum; Hyun Lee, executive director of public relations for the Organization of Korean American Women; So Jung Lim, Fairfax City Council member; Sang K. Park, partner at Moon, Park & Associates; and Harold Pyon, deputy commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

The expanded board comes as Mason Korea continues to strengthen its presence on both sides of the Pacific. The campus recently recorded 12.2% enrollment growth, exceeding the university’s 1.5% goal, and is preparing to establish a representative office on the Fairfax Campus to further facilitate collaboration and engagement between Songdo and Northern Virginia.

Board members advise campus leadership on areas including academic excellence, student success, industry engagement, research partnerships, and long-term growth. Members also serve as ambassadors for Mason Korea in the United States, helping build relationships across the university, industry, government, and the Korean American community.

Their expertise will also support Mason Korea’s growing research and innovation activities, including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and its developing C5I initiatives.

CIE connects students and faculty with entrepreneurs and industry partners while supporting entrepreneurship education, mentoring, startup competitions, and opportunities for companies seeking to enter Korean and U.S. markets. Mason Korea’s C5I initiatives are focused on building collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense information systems, and applied research, with an emphasis on strengthening public-private and U.S.-Korea partnerships.

As Mason Korea enters its second decade, the U.S. Advisory Board members will work with Mason Korea leadership to identify opportunities for student and alumni engagement, research collaboration, industry partnerships, and greater connectivity across 911��’s campuses in Korea and the United States.

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Mason Korea students expand global skills through FAO Youth Exchange Program

Katarina Benson — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:40:21 +0000

Mason Korea students expand global skills through FAO Youth Exchange Program Katarina Benson Mon, 09/14/2026 - 14:40

911�� Korea students are taking their learning beyond the classroom. Through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Korea–Nepal Youth Exchange Program, students are gaining hands-on experience with global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development.

Students presented at the FAO headquarters in Rome. Photo provided

The program, which was recently highlighted in a MoneyToday interview with Sangyong Lee, director of Mason Korea’s Career Development Center, allows students to explore how global challenges intersect with the economic, cultural, and social realities of local communities. Lee joined participating students in Nepal as they worked alongside local youth and communities saw the program’s impact firsthand.

“The students are growing from mere participants into active agents who put their heads together with Nepalese youth to brainstorm alternatives,” he said.

The program gives students opportunities to discover their potential through experience, particularly in environments that challenge them to work across cultures and address real-world issues.

Through field-based activities, the experience encouraged students to approach complex issues not only from an academic perspective, but also through collaboration, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.

“The weeklong journey gave me an opportunity to see people’s lives and the future of local communities through agriculture, while learning about the direction of international cooperation by listening to voices on the ground,” said sophomore global affairs major Suhyun Bae.

The Nepal program builds on students’ participation in an FAO youth program in Laos last year. Following that experience, participating students developed content focused on climate-smart agriculture and later had the opportunity to present their work at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

This progression, from Laos to Rome to now Nepal, reflects an approach to global learning in which individual experiences can develop into longer-term academic and professional opportunities.

International programs like these are an important part of career preparation. Pre-departure preparation, field-based projects, post-program reflection, and career portfolio development help students connect what they experience abroad with their future academic and professional goals.

Participants in the FAO program. Photo provided.

These programs help students develop cross-cultural communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, which are increasingly valued across international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, global companies, and other internationally focused careers.

“Although we came from different cultures and approached problems in different ways, those differences ultimately became a strength in our teamwork,” said Dayeon Shin, a junior majoring in global affairs.

By engaging directly with communities, students are gaining more than international exposure. They are learning how their academic knowledge, perspectives, and skills can contribute to global challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. The success of the FAO program has inspired the Career Development Center to continue developing opportunities with international organizations and exploring partnerships in areas including international development and environmental, social, and governance initiatives.

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Mason Korea welcomes students from nine countries this fall

ckearney — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:07:42 +0000

Mason Korea welcomes students from nine countries this fall ckearney Wed, 09/09/2026 - 14:07

911�� Korea welcomed its newest Patriots at the Fall 2026 Convocation on August 22, bringing together students, faculty, university leadership, and members of the Incheon Global Campus community to mark the start of a new academic year.

Vice Provost Janette Muir and Campus Dean Joshua Park (far right)greet students with Mason Korea faculty. Photo provided

This fall’s incoming class includes students from nine countries: Korea, the United States, Mongolia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Spain, Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. International students make up more than 40% of the incoming class, reflecting the continued growth of Mason Korea’s global community.

Across the campus, students now represent 17 countries, bringing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to classrooms and campus life. Mason Korea continues to strengthen its presence on both sides of the Pacific and recently recorded 12.2% enrollment growth.

Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs and a founding member of Mason Korea, traveled from Fairfax to join the celebration and welcome the incoming class. Ju Young Byun, CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation, also delivered congratulatory remarks during the ceremony.

Campus Dean Joshua Park welcomed the new students by emphasizing the value of learning in an international community at a time when technology is rapidly transforming education and the workplace.

Mason Korea welcomed its incoming class in August. Photo provided

“Bringing together students from different countries and backgrounds gives them the opportunity to challenge one another’s perspectives and learn from experiences that no artificial intelligence can replicate,” Park said. “Mason Korea is committed to helping our students develop the global competencies they need to succeed wherever their paths may take them.”

Students at Mason Korea follow the same curriculum and earn the same 911�� degrees as their counterparts in Virginia, with undergraduate students spending three years in Korea and one year at the Fairfax Campus. This experience gives students the opportunity to study across two countries while building academic, professional, and personal connections in both Korea and the United States.

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Take a look inside Mason Korea’s 2026 New Student Orientation and meet the students beginning their journey at Mason Korea this fall.

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Expanding 911��’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem

Katarina Benson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:07:33 +0000

Expanding 911��’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem Katarina Benson Tue, 08/18/2026 - 13:07

As South Korea accelerates its national investment in quantum science and technology, 911��'s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) is strengthening its engagement with the country's leading research institutions and regional innovation partners.

In July 2026, Pilgyu Kang, QSEC's deputy director and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, traveled to Mason Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding between QSEC and two of Korea's leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI).

Mason Korea QSEC, Future Quantum Convergence Forum, and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center representatives.

“This memorandum represents much more than a formal agreement—it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that connects researchers, students, and industry across the United States and South Korea,” said Kang. “By working together, we can accelerate quantum research, expand educational opportunities, and prepare a globally connected workforce capable of addressing the scientific and technological challenges of the future.”

The Future Quantum Convergence Forum serves as a hub connecting Korea's quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) industry, academia, research institutions, and local governments, with the Quantum-AI Convergence Institute (QCI) operating as its secretariat. For QCI, the MOU with 911�� marks a starting point for advancing collaboration with Korea's industry, academia, research community, and local governments.

Partnering with QSEC—a research center spanning physics, engineering, and computer science—is expected to provide QCI with new opportunities to build a global research network and exchange expertise in workforce development. Going forward, the two institutions plan to create opportunities for academic and research exchange through workshops and seminars, and to explore ways for 911�� and Korean companies to expand into each other's markets.

While in Korea, Kang also visited the Quantum Computing Project Group at Yonsei University in Songdo, which operates Korea's first 127-qubit IBM Quantum System One—the second university-based, on-premises IBM Quantum System One in the world. The visit served as an important platform for QSEC, Yonsei University, and Mason Korea to discuss future collaboration in quantum research, education, workforce development, and long-term academic partnerships.

South Korea continues to expand its national quantum strategy through large-scale government investment. Korea's Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently reviewing proposals for a nationwide quantum cluster initiative expected to invest approximately KRW 100 billion ($70 million USD) in regional quantum innovation ecosystems.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward for QSEC and 911��,” said Patrick Vora, QSEC director. “By growing our relationship with our Korean partners, we will create new opportunities for scientific advancement, technological innovation, and quantum education."

A final designation of participating regions is expected in the coming weeks, and discussions around Mason Korea and QSEC's potential role remain ongoing. To support these efforts, Mason Korea's Industry–University Collaboration Foundation (IUCF) facilitated discussions between QSEC and key stakeholders in Korea's quantum community.

Building on its longstanding partnership with Yonsei University, Mason Korea also helped identify opportunities for future international collaboration involving research, education, and innovation.

The partnership was facilitated by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and originated when QCI visited Fairfax County for the 2025 Quantum World Congress. A key connector in building international partnerships, FCEDA will continue to support both parties in deepening their collaboration and identifying new opportunities to strengthen ties between Korea and 911��.

"Mason Korea exists to make 911�� a genuinely global university, not just one with a campus abroad,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. “Helping QSEC establish real footing in Korea's quantum ecosystem—and bringing other partner institutions along in the process—is precisely that mission in action."

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U.S. congressional delegation visits Mason Korea

Katarina Benson — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:23:21 +0000

U.S. congressional delegation visits Mason Korea Katarina Benson Thu, 07/30/2026 - 09:23

A U.S. congressional delegation, including four members of the House of Representatives and officials from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, visited 911�� Korea on July 27 to learn more about the university's global education model and explore opportunities to expand U.S.–Korea educational cooperation.

The visit was initiated by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10^th district and proposed the trip to see firsthand how 911�� operates its global campus in Korea. He was joined by Reps. Young Kim (R-Calif.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), and Michael Cloud (R-Texas), along with professional staff from the House Foreign Affairs Committee and officials from the embassy's economic and public diplomacy sections.

The U.S. congressional delegation at Mason Korea. Photo provided

Mason Korea leadership shared insights into the campus's global education model and current operations. Conversations also focused on ways to expand educational exchange between the two countries and collaborate on developing globally minded talent.

The delegation also toured the campus's academic and research facilities and student support spaces.

"It was a meaningful opportunity for distinguished members of Congress and the U.S. Embassy to see firsthand the innovative educational outcomes and global model we've built here," said Campus Dean Joshua Park. "We remain committed to serving as a hub for educational and research collaboration between our two countries, and to continuing our work in developing global talent and expanding academic exchange."

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Mason Korea graduates the Class of Spring 2026

Katarina Benson — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:37:24 +0000

Mason Korea graduates the Class of Spring 2026 Katarina Benson Mon, 07/06/2026 - 16:37

On June 27, Mason Korea held its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony at Incheon Global Campus, honoring 116 bachelor’s and master’s graduates.

The Mason Korea Spring 2026 graduate class. Photo provided

Graduates from several academic programs, including global affairs, business, economics, conflict analysis and resolution, and the master of laws (LLM), received their degrees during the ceremony. This year’s graduating class included 23 LLM graduates, following the program’s first graduating class last year.

The ceremony brought together graduating students, families, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Guests included David Burge, 911��’s vice president for enrollment management, and Shaun Sutherell, associate dean for strategic initiatives at the Antonin Scalia Law School.

In his remarks, Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park emphasized the importance of knowledge, judgment, and character in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Eunjae Baek, BA in Global Affairs and undergraduate student speaker. Photo provided

“Knowledge, judgment, and character remain essential values, even in the age of AI,” he said. “I hope our graduates will build on the experiences they gained at 911�� and continue taking on new challenges across the world.”

Representing the graduating class, Youngwook Cho, an LLM graduate, reflected on the courage it takes to move forward in uncertain times.

“Meaningful change always begins with uncertainty,” he said. “I hope we will draw on the experiences and courage we gained here as we take on greater opportunities ahead.”

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Mason Korea students tackle real-world business challenges with Hyundai Premium Outlets

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:04:44 +0000

Mason Korea students tackle real-world business challenges with Hyundai Premium Outlets Katarina Benson Tue, 06/16/2026 - 14:04

Students at Mason Korea recently stepped into the role of marketing consultants for a day by tackling an ongoing business challenge presented by Hyundai Premium Outlets Songdo.

On June 2, 10 finalist teams gathered for the Mason Korea x Hyundai Premium Outlets Global Marketing Challenge Final Pitch, presenting innovative strategies aimed to enhance the outlets’ appeal to international visitors and younger consumers.

The grand prize team received the highest overall score for innovation and strategic alignment. Photo provided

Participants were encouraged to cover two themes: “Global Expansion Strategy” and “MZ Hotspot Activation Strategy.” All finalists demonstrated strong problem-solving skills by incorporating global consumer trends and local community characteristics of Songdo/Incheon while showcasing their knowledge of digital marketing. Teams were evaluated based on their understanding of target audiences, strategic relevance, and execution potential.

The Grand Prize was awarded to the team led by conflict analysis and resolution major Taeeun Kim, whose proposal received the highest overall score for innovation and strategic alignment. Their project was marketed toward the city’s immigrant population.

“By interviewing foreign residents in Songdo, we were able to understand the needs and challenges faced by people from diverse cultural backgrounds,” said Kim.

The Insight Prize was presented to business major Jiyoon Jeong for exceptional consumer and market analysis, while the Challenge Prize was awarded to the team led by business major Dongkyo Oh for introducing bold and creative ideas with strong future potential.

The Challenge Award team. Photo provided

“This project demonstrated the value of hands-on learning by allowing students to analyze global market trends and develop strategies for real-world business challenges,” said Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea.

As Mason Korea continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning, programs like the Global Marketing Challenge play an important role in connecting students with industry partners and preparing them to become the next generation of global leaders.

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911�� announces faculty affairs appointments in Korea and Fairfax

ckearney — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:15:34 +0000

911�� announces faculty affairs appointments in Korea and Fairfax ckearney Wed, 06/03/2026 - 13:15

Jason M. Kinser and Gesele Durham have been promoted to new roles at Mason Korea and the Provost’s Office, respectively.

Jason M. Kinser. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Kinser, interim associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science, will join Mason Korea as associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, effective July 25, 2026.

A George Mason faculty member since 1997, Kinser served as the first full-time chair of Department of Computational and Data Sciences, where he grew the department’s undergraduate enrollment from 25 to more than 400. He helped bring the computational and data sciences degree to Mason Korea, has served on the Mason Korea Executive Committee since 2023, and recently stepped in on-site during a leadership vacancy at Mason Korea.

“His expertise at the intersection of the life sciences and data sciences positions Mason Korea to deepen research and industry partnerships and expand pathways for our students into Songdo’s laboratories and companies,” said Campus Dean Joshaua Park.

Kinser has held faculty appointments across four units—bioinformatics, systems biology, physics, and computational and data sciences—and has served on university-wide bodies including the Mason Core Committee (2016 to 2024), which governs general education for every George Mason student; the Provost and Chairs Executive Committee; and Global Affairs.

Kinser will be the first natural scientist to serve in a senior leadership role at Mason Korea. His appointment aligns closely with the region’s direction: Songdo is one of the world’s leading biotechnology clusters, home to firms such as Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, and Incheon has set a course “from Smart City to AI City,” advancing artificial intelligence, data, and future industries in line with Korea’s national priorities.

Gesele Durham. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Durham will serve as interim vice provost for faculty affairs and development, beginning June 10, 2026, with a national search for permanent leadership of the office expected to begin later this academic year. Durham, who currently serves as vice provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP), joined 911�� in 2019 and has led university-wide efforts related to strategic planning, accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness. She will assume the interim role ahead of Kim Eby’s departure later this summer while continuing to lead OIEP in the Provost’s Office.

“Gesele brings colleagues together around the assessment and evaluation of teaching and administrative practices,” said interim provost and vice president Ajay Vinzé. “With more than 30 years of experience in higher education across both faculty and administrative leadership roles, she has a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing faculty today.”

Over the coming weeks, Eby and Durham will work together to support the transition in leadership of faculty affairs and development. Incoming Provost Marion Underwood, who assumes the role in July, will lead the search for a permanent vice provost.

“Faculty success is foundational to student success, research excellence, and the university’s broader mission,” said Durham. “I look forward to partnering with colleagues across 911�� to support faculty development, recognize achievement, and create the conditions that enable faculty to do their best work.”

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