Celebrating Mason Employees’ Degree/Certificate Milestones

Human Resources celebrates the Mason faculty and staff who obtained degrees and certifications during the Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 academic terms. These individuals are carrying out the Mason motto, “Freedom and Learning.” A list of employees who have shared their achievements follows. 


Tirsa Arena, Financial Analyst, College of Education and Human Development 

Tirsa earned a Business Fundamentals Certificate from George Mason University’s Costello College of Business in May 2024. 


Stephanie M. Atkins, Office Manager, College of Education and Human Development 

Stephanie earned a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies from George Mason University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences in December 2023. 


Thomas Bluestein, Assistant VP for Equity and Access Services, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion


Thomas earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Virginia Tech in May 2024. 


Davita L. Colclough, Campus Planner, Facilities 

Davita earned a Professional Engineer's License from the Commonwealth of Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects in January 2024. 


Jada Crocker, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

Jada earned a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching from George Mason’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences in May 2024. 


Danielle Fritz, Risk & Insurance Analyst, Risk Management and Resilience 

Danielle earned an Associate’s degree in Risk Management (ARM) from The Institutes Knowledge Group in August 2023. 


Elizabeth Henderson, Senior Admissions Counselor, Costello College of Business 

Elizabeth earned a Master of Professional Studies in Higher Education Administration from Georgetown University in December 2023. 


Nicole S. Martello, Director of Accreditation, Assessment, and Data Analytics, Costello College of Business 

Nicole earned a PhD in Education from George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development in May 2024. 


Sophia Marshall, Assistant Professor, Costello College of Business 

Sophia earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University in August 2023.  


Erin E. McDonald, HR Benefits Liaison, Human Resources 

Erin earned a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from George Mason University’s Costello College of Business in December 2023.  


Hatisha Mehta, Assistant Director of HR, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations 

Hatisha earned a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences in May 2024. 


Sara Montiel, Associate Director of Student Services, School of Integrative Studies 

Sara earned a PhD in Education from George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development in December 2023. 


 Rafaella Irene Silva, Graduate Admissions Outreach Manager, College of Education and Human Development 

Rafaella received a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies from George Mason University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences in May 2024. 


Amanda C. Snellings, Senior Assistant Director of Development, College of Visual and Performing Arts 

Amanda earned a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from George Mason University’s Costello College of Business in December 2023. 


Charles Spann, Interim VP of IT and CIO, Information Technology Services 

Charles earned an MBA from George Mason University’s Costello College of Business in May 2024. 


Alexandra Joan Swords, Production Supervisor, Student Centers  

Alexandra earned a Master of Arts in English with a concentration in Cultural Studies from George Mason University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences in May 2024. 


Mason Classified Staff, A/P Faculty, I/R Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Non-Student Wage employees are invited to share information on the degree/certificate (Trade certification or license, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Graduate certificate, Doctorate, etc.) that they have earned during this current academic year.  

Complete the Celebrate Degree/Certificate Milestones Survey and the HR Faculty and Staff Engagement team will follow-up with you on your successes! 


For questions, please contact awards@gmu.edu.