George Mason University

George Mason University (GMU) is a public university located in Fairfax County.

The current president is Dr. Ángel Cabrera.

History

 * Main Article: History of George Mason University

Following a vote by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in June, 1957 to provide $25,200 for a two-year extension of the University of Virginia, the University College opened in 1958. Its first location was the Bailey's Cross Roads School elementary school and, due to the proximity of local diary farms, earned the nickname "Cow College".

The Town of Fairfax donated 150 acres of land in 1958 for a more permanent campus, the construction of which began in 1960. Also in 1960, University College was renamed the George Mason College of the University of Virginia. The first class of 356 students at the new campus began in the fall of 1964.

In March 1966, the Virginia General Assembly authorized the college to become a four year institution. In June of that same year, Lorin A. Thompson was brought in as chancellor of the college.

On July 18, 1969, the Mason campus was greatly enlarged when an additional 414 acres, purchased by Fairfax and Arlington counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church at a cost of nearly $3 million, was donated to the institution.

George Mason College became George Mason University on April 7, 1972, when Viginia Governor Linwood A. Holton signed the law separating it from the University of Virginia.

In 1980, the university opened its law school in Arlington.

Presidents

 * Lorin A. Thompson, (1966-1973)
 * Vergil H Dykstra, (1973-1977)
 * Robert C. Krug, (1977-1978)
 * George W. Johnson, (1978-1996)
 * Alan G. Merten, (1996-2012)
 * Ángel Cabrera, (2012-Present)

Master Plan
GMU's master plan is a long-term strategy for dealing with challenges facing the university. The plan was drafted in 2002, and "establishes a framework for orderly growth for what is arguably Northern Virginia’s most dynamic institution."

Fairfax campus
The Fairfax master plan addresses the problem of space shortage and growth. Suggestions for action include the dense development of facilities and accesible open space.

Seven major principles of design and planning were established for the Fairfax Campus:
 * Create a Distinctive Sense of Place
 * Foster a Vibrant Campus Community
 * Establish a Unifying Campus Framework
 * Maintain a Pedestrian-Friendly Campus
 * Concentrate Facilities Primarily on the East Campus
 * Accommodate Transportation Needs
 * Engage the Community

The plan also raises transportation concerns:
 * The entrances to the campus from Braddock Road.
 * The interior intersections of Roanoke River Lane, Nottoway River Lane and George Mason Blvd. With Patriot Circle.
 * The intersections of Occoquan, Pohick, Shenandoah and Rappahannock River Lanes with University Drive.
 * Left turns from parking lots (particularly Lot G) and entrance roads onto Patriot Circle during peak hours.
 * Overall congestion during peak hours when events occur at the Patriot Center