George W. Johnson, George Mason University’s fourth and longest-serving president, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.
On arrival from Temple University in 1978, Dr. Johnson crafted a vision to distinguish George Mason from other Virginia universities. “I wanted to emphasize strategy,” Johnson said in a 2005 interview, and “why it was critical.” He had the foresight to put Mason on the trajectory of innovation that continues today. Leveraging the vicinity to the growing government infrastructure, advancement in technology, and recognizing the need for academic commentary on public policy and governance, Dr. Johnson laid the foundations for what are the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, the Early Identification Program, and the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study.
“He imagined a new kind of university, one that relied on innovation, experimentation, partnerships with regional business and community leaders, and technology,” Mason President Angel Cabrera said. “By all accounts, he succeeded.”
Dr. Johnson transitioned the once little-known college into a world-recognized university. During his tenure, Mason established a law school; started 34 new programs; launched six academic institutes; and opened campuses in Arlington and Prince William counties; he is also credited with doubling Mason admissions by the time he retired 18 years later in 1996.
Dr. Johnson earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from Columbia University in New York City. Dr. Johnson was also a veteran of the Korean War.