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Costello College of Business dean assumes role ahead of Antony’s departure
BY RITHVIK HARI, STAFF WRITER
President Gregory Washington named Costello College of Business Dean Ajay Vinzé interim provost on Dec. 10.
Less than a month earlier on Nov. 17, Washington announced that Provost and Executive Vice President James Antony would leave George Mason University in March 2026.
The announcement said Vinzé and Antony will work together in the coming months to “ensure a collaborative transition” as the university searches for a permanent appointment to the position.
Vinzé joined Mason in 2022 as dean of what was then known as the School of Business. During his tenure, the college was renamed the Costello College of Business following its national recognition of new academic programs, faculty growth and increased enrollment.
In an email sent to Costello students, Vinzé announced the temporary role change and emphasized his continued commitment to the business college.
“While my heart remains firmly with the Costello College of Business — and I fully intend to return — 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,” Vinzé’s email reads.
As interim provost, Vinzé will work with Antony in overseeing the university’s academic affairs and the allocation of resources for academic programs and functions.
In the same message to Costello students, Vinzé wrote that Cheryl Druehl, senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, will serve as interim dean of the Costello College during his tenure as interim provost.
“[Druehl’s] leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and dedication to our shared priorities will help ensure the college continues its strong forward momentum,” Vinzé wrote.
Shortly after announcing Vinzé’s appointment, Washington also announced the members of the search committee tasked with selecting Mason’s next permanent provost.
The committee includes faculty and administrators from across Mason. It is co-chaired by Melissa Broeckelman-Post, assistant provost of academic affairs and professor of communication, and Solon Simmons, professor and director of the Narrative Transformation Lab at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
In his announcement, Washington wrote he expects the committee to select a search firm and finalize a position description early in the spring 2026 semester. A search firm is used to help universities identify candidates that align with the university’s culture and vision.
Washington added that interviews are anticipated to be conducted from April to May 2026, with a new provost expected to begin July 1, pending final approval.
