The Office of the Provost is pleased to announced the appointment of Shannon Davis as associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at George Mason University’s Korea campus.
Davis currently serves as chair of Mason’s Faculty Senate, and recently served as co-chair of Mason’s 2019-20 Presidential Search Committee. She will assume her new position at Mason Korea on May 24, 2021.
“Dr. Davis’ deep knowledge of Mason programs, policies and culture, extensive work with faculty, record of teaching excellence, and commitment to student achievement will be tremendous assets for Mason Korea,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Robert Matz.
Provost Mark Ginsberg praised Davis as a respected educator, an accomplished scholar and a proven academic leader. He also noted that she is a dedicated faculty member who is committed to the learning and development of each student.
“Dr. Davis has a proven track record of program innovation, a commitment to faculty and staff, and a deep dedication to educating and preparing students for successful careers," he said. "While she will be missed on our Fairfax Campus, Dr. Davis will provide informed leadership in support of Mason Korea.”
Davis will be responsible for guiding and developing Mason Korea’s curricula, as well as advancing its student success and faculty excellence. Along with her colleagues at Mason Korea, she will work in close coordination with Mason’s Northern Virginia campuses to achieve these goals.
“I’m looking forward to supporting Mason’s faculty and academic programs in this new role. Mason Korea is central to the university’s mission to impact students so they can impact the world,” said Davis. She said she also looks forward to strengthening the relationship between Mason faculty based in the United States and at Mason Korea.
Davis has been a faculty member in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) since 2006. In addition to her university leadership roles, she currently serves as director of the sociology graduate programs and has served as interim senior associate dean in CHSS.
Davis is a professor of sociology with research interests in family life, gender, educational inequality, and research methods. A co-author of four books and more than 60 articles and book chapters, she is the recipient of an Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) Mentorship Award (2012), a Mason Teaching Excellence Award (2013), the Kathleen S. Lowney Mentoring Award from the Society for the Study of Social Problems (2018), and an OSCAR Mentoring Excellence Award for Sustaining Mentorship (2019).