Where Opportunity & Potential Meet

Higher Access, Higher Earnings—This is Where Potential and Opportunity Meet

Entrepreneurs, leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators. You’ll find them in the College of Public Health—where opportunity and potential meet. Students spark their potential, seize opportunities through hands-on experiences and academic inquiry, and power outcomes that carry them to lasting success. These make it clear why George Mason has been named a “Higher Access, Higher Earnings Opportunity" university.

When Gina Brown ’99 was pursuing her PhD at George Mason University, her schedule was relentless. She worked full-time, commuted long hours, and raised a young family, leaning on support from faculty who helped her push forward. That foundation led Brown into a career of leadership, from serving as a dean at Howard University to becoming the first female president of Oakwood University. 

“It was rigorous, it was tough, but it was a great program,” Brown says of her time at George Mason. “It was my most positive educational experience.” 

Gina Brown '99 
First female president of 
Oakwood University

George Mason is full of stories like Brown’s: students balancing real-life pressures with ambitious goals and finding ways to succeed. They illustrate why the university has earned distinction from the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education in the highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities for its combination of Higher Access, Higher Earnings and status as a R1 research university.  

The honor recognizes a small cadre of institutions that both expand access to higher education and graduate students prepared to thrive in their careers. George Mason’s access score—based on enrollment of first-generation students, Pell Grant recipients, and underrepresented groups—rises above the state average. It's the only public doctoral university in Virginia and one of just five very large public universities in the nation to receive this designation. 

Sparking Potential

At the College of Public Health, students from all backgrounds are empowered to build on their potential. More than 43% of the college’s students are eligible to receive Pell Grants, and more than a third are the first in their families to attend college.

“Growing up in poverty and facing many adversities, I’ve always been determined to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for myself"

Brittany James '25 
 

James pursued a career in social work based on her own life experience and says she's now dedicated to helping others to face hardships.

For Phazhon Nash ’21, the greatest gift from George Mason was broadening his perspectives. Surrounded by classmates from many backgrounds and pushed by professors to think in new ways.

"The combination of diversity and intellectual challenge shaped the way I see public health and leadership today."

Phazhon Nash '21
City Council Member

Currently, Nash serves as the youngest elected member of the city council in Roanoke, Virginia, while also working as an operations consultant at an emergency services clinic.

Creating Opportunity

Nearly every undergraduate and graduate student at the College of Public Health—98%—gains hands-on experience through internships, clinicals, or research. With George Mason’s proximity to Washington, D.C., more than 500+ partnerships across the area, and access to state-of-the-art immersive technology training, graduates leave the university with tangible skills and connections.

"I chose Mason because of the accessibility to local, state, national and international health initiatives, I felt I would receive more opportunities to participate in relevant internships."

Caitlin Patterson '15
Women's Health Educator

For first-generation student Janell Addo-Boateng ’25, George Mason provided the foundation to pursue public health policy and advocacy. Through her practicum with the Culture Care Collective, she wrote policy briefs to improve care for underserved communities and supported faculty research on women living with HIV. 

"This experience helped solidify my interest in policy and program evaluation for maternal and community health, which is an area of interest I hold dear to my heart."

Jannell Addo-Boateng '25
First Generation College Student

Powering Outcomes

Graduates of the College of Public Health leave with a clear trajectory toward meaningful careers. They’ve gone on to lead universities, serve in public office, direct hospitals, launch businesses, and shape global health. Across career levels and disciplines, graduates stand out as compassionate public health advocates.

George Mason graduates also report strong early outcomes, earning on average about $8,000 more than graduates of other Virginia public universities, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. A 2024 university survey found that 85% secured a positive career outcome within six months of graduation.

As an immigrant from the Netherlands, Elma Levy ’91, was able to transfer credits from community college and complete her degree at George Mason. Later she and her husband founded Dovel Technologies, a government IT company they started in their attic. Dovel grew to more than 1,200 employees, earning over $220 million in annual revenue before the couple sold their equity.

For Brown, now president of Oakwood University, her formative experience earning her PhD at George Mason helped shape the leader she would become at the intersection of public health and academia.

As George Mason University President Gregory Washington recently told a crowd of incoming students: “Students like you come to George Mason to receive a world-class education, graduate with little or no debt, and land a fantastic job on the back end. It does not matter where your Point A is. We get you to a spectacular Point B.”