Meet the Mason Nation

Nandini Koka joined George Mason University in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care. At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at George Mason University in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since. Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Mihee Cho is the assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office.

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 George Mason University. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim. His team is working hard to change that.

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 George Mason University.

Doug McKenna is university registrar at George Mason University. 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 McKenna.

Will Gautney started working at George Mason University’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 is also chair of Mason's Staff Senate.

Olga O’Brien started her journey at George Mason University as an international student 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.

John Tyree, one of Mason’s University Business Consulting (UBC) consultants, started working at Mason in 2019, but his connection to the Mason Nation dates back to 2010.

Ashanti Mumin joined George Mason University Police and Public Safety in February 2022. He worked for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office for four years and has a background in responding to mental health crises.

Cathy Pinskey, capital program director at George Mason University, has watched Mason’s square footage grow a lot over the years—by the millions. As capital program director with Mason Facilities, 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.

Dee Arrington is the site coordinator at George Mason University's Potomac Science Center.