‘Grand challenges’ facing students get an airing on Mason president’s podcast

University President Gregory Washington sits in front of a microphone talking.
Mason President Gregory Washington will be an occasional guest host on the university's Access to Excellence podcast. Photo by Naomi Fort.

Think about what George Mason University students are dealing with right now, Mason President Gregory Washington said.

There is the ongoing pandemic and the daunting task of searching for a first job.

“But they also have to start thinking about what they want to do with their lives,” Washington said. “I want to be able to give them some feedback. Here are some of the big issues out there that you can solve, that you can attack with your Mason education.”

Mark J. Rozell talks to a microphone in a recording studio. His hands are mid motion as he explains a concept.
Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell explained his ideas about reforming the Electoral College. Photo by Naomi Fort.

That feedback will come through interviews and discussions Washington will undertake with Mason faculty each month as a guest host on the university’s “Access to Excellence” podcast, available on platforms such as Apple, Spotify and Stitcher.

Washington’s first podcast, just released, is with Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell, who talks about the presidential election, how Donald Trump has molded the Republican party in his own image, how to reform the electoral college, and where things go from here politically in this country.

“I’m hoping that a) students will listen, and b) they will use the feedback associated with this podcast to help chart their directions in terms of their majors, in terms of the directions they want to go in their own careers,” Washington said. “That’s the real motivator for me. I’m hoping to give them some clarity.”