Ajay Vinzé, Costello College of Business Dean, appointed interim provost

Costello College of Business dean Ajay Vinzéhas been named interim provost at George Mason University, effective immediately, President Gregory Washington announced Wednesday.

This follows Provost Jim Antony's recent announcement that he will become provost of the University of San Diego as of March 1. Vinzéwill serve alongside Antony from now through February to ensure a collaborative transition.

"Ajay, a distinguished scholar, is a respected voice among our deans," Washington said. "I look forward to working closely with him during his time as interimprovost. I ask that you extend to him your support and good wishes as he steps into this important role for George Mason."

Since joining the university in 2022 as dean of the School of Business, Vinzéhasoverseen its rapid transformation to a named college, positioning the Costello College of Business as a nationally recognized leader in business education. Under his leadership the college has established a signature interdisciplinary and modular approach to workforce-ready degree delivery; championed student experiences with programs like Costello on Wall Street, Patriot Pitch, and the Camp Costello initiative for incoming first-year students; and a maintained a commitment to cross-campus research and curricular collaborations.

"While my heart remains firmly with the Costello College of Business-and I fully intend to return once a permanent provost is named-this interim role offers an important opportunity to support the broader university community that has championed our college's growth and success over the past three years," Vinzésaid.

Cheryl Druehl, Costello's senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, will serve as interim dean during this time. 

Washington also offered appreciation for Antony's work as provost, noting that he moved quickly to advance significant initiatives from the Provost's Office, including implementing the new academic budget model, improving communication across senior teams, and establishing task forces and working groups focusing on several key university initiatives. He also hired Cody Edwards as dean for the College of Science and has put into motion the search for a new Scalia Law School dean, andworked with the Board of Visitors to advance important academic matters.

"I want to thank Jim for serving with such distinction in his time here. While I will miss Jim's thought partnership, I know his appointment as provost of USD is the fulfillment of a significant life and career aspiration, and I am thrilled for him," Washington said.

The process to conducta national search for a permanent provost will be announced after the winter break.

"Please join me in congratulating Jim, Ajay, and Cheryl in their respective leadership roles," Washington said.

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