(Sam Douglas / Fourth Estate)
Antony leaves less than two years after joining Mason
BY SAM DOUGLAS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The University of San Diego announced on Nov. 17 that current Mason Provost and Executive Vice President James “Jim” Antony would become their newest Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective March 1, 2026.
The announcement comes a little over 18 months after Antony joined Mason in April 2024.
Antony had previously worked at the University of California San Diego as a dean for five years before coming to Mason. He received three degrees, including his doctorate, from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“Jim has been a thoughtful partner in all of the university’s work and the impact of his work will be long lasting,” President Gregory Washington said in Mason’s announcement of the move on Nov. 18.
In his role as provost, Antony “[oversaw] George Mason University’s academic mission, including supporting scholarly excellence among faculty and fostering academic success for over 40,000 students on all four campuses,” according to his profile on the Office of the Provost’s website.
It is uncertain if Antony’s departure has to do with the ongoing investigations into Mason by the Department of Education and Department of Justice for perceived discriminatory hiring processes.
The Office of the Provost is partially responsible for faculty appointments and promotions.
In an April Board of Visitors committee meeting, Antony said that Mason did not require diversity statements during their hiring process but did not restrict the use of them.
“George Mason University is an inspiring students-first institution that prioritizes inclusive access and opportunity. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, this resonates deeply with me,” Antony said when he was hired in April 2024.
Mason stated that they would announce an interim provost soon before embarking on a national search for Antony’s replacement.
The Office of the Provost did not respond to a request for comment.
