Human Resources

How do we embrace rapidly evolving technology while continuing to put people first? That question is at the heart of George Mason University’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day, a university-wide professional development event on October 21.

Shane Hayes, technical specialist in George Mason University’s Information Technology Services, is known for saving the day. He excels at creating innovative solutions, revolutionizing workspaces, and adapting to any challenge that technology can throw at him. For his hard work and dedication to helping others, he has been awarded October Employee of the Month.

George Mason University administered the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey this spring, and survey feedback is already shaping both institution-wide priorities and local conversations within schools, colleges, and units, ensuring employees can see how their input informs decisions at multiple levels of the university. The full survey results will be shared with the university community at a town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Nelson Granados, general maintenance tech in Facilities and Campus Operations, is a critical part of George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus team. His colleagues know him for his outstanding workmanship and his willingness to help. For his capability and his dedication, Granados has been recognized as the September Employee of the Month.

Elizabeth Foy has been an anchor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at George Mason University since 2014. As lab manager, she oversees the preparation and distribution of all chemistry materials required at both the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses. In recognition of her dedication and excellence while managing nearly 100 lab class sections per week, Foy has been named August Employee of the Month.

Stephanie Shanahan, a human resources assistant in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University, is known for being able to do it all. In their letters of support, her colleagues emphasized her attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to help. In recognition of her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support of the CEC community, she has been named July Employee of the Month.

Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, is June Employee of the Month.

George Mason University welcomed 262 “Junior Patriots” and their families for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day at the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square on April 23. The day kicked off with music and dancing by the Green Machine, a visit from the Patriot mascot, and the Junior Patriot Palooza on Merten Lawn, hosted by Human Resources.

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in George Mason University’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. For this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to the George Mason University faculty and staff retirees from September 2025 to March 2026.