FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University President Gregory Washington announced today that Marvin Lewis, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics, has signed a two-year contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2029-30 academic year.
 
Since arriving at George Mason in July 2023, Lewis has ushered in a transformative era for George Mason Athletics with historic results and a new strategic plan.

The 2024–25 season was one of the most successful in university history with the Patriots claiming five Atlantic 10 Conference championships—in men's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's indoor track, and men's outdoor track. This marks the most titles in a single season since joining the A-10, and the program's best overall performance since 1994–95.
 
"During his two years here, Marvin has led our athletics department to new heights in a rapidly evolving landscape in intercollegiate athletics and has developed a clear vision for our future," Washington said. "His vision will strengthen resources and lead our student-athletes to even greater success in the classroom and in competition, all while uniting our campuses, our alumni, the Northern Virginia community, and Patriots everywhere around George Mason Athletics."

Earlier this year, the university launched Patriots United. Together We Thrive.—a five-year strategic plan for the athletics program to build George Mason's identity as Northern Virginia's Team. The plan prioritizes competitive excellence, student-athlete development, strategic partnerships, and regional impact.
 
The Basketball and Academic Performance Center—a 30,000 square-foot, $30 million facility designed to elevate both athletic and academic outcomes—is the cornerstone of this plan. Groundbreaking is planned for late 2025, with the facility expected to open in 2027. In addition, in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and the new realities of providing enhanced student-athlete benefits under Name, Image and Likeness, Lewis has developed a comprehensive strategy to support George Mason's student-athletes to succeed in the new era.
 
"I'm incredibly honored by the opportunity to continue leading George Mason Athletics—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout Northern Virginia," Lewis said. "Over the past two years, we've built a powerful foundation rooted in belief, purpose, and community, and this is just the beginning. With the continued support of President Washington, our dedicated coaches, competitive and driven athletes, and the entire Mason Nation, we're going to keep breaking barriers, inspiring excellence, and transforming lives through the power of sports. Together, we will grow and thrive."
 
Lewis has brought financial stability and growth to the department, balancing the operating budget for two consecutive years. In 2024–25, George Mason Athletics raised more than $3 million in annual donations—a record—increased sponsorship revenue by 20%, and reached a ticket sales milestone of  $900,000, including an increase in women's basketball ticket sales by 68%. Embracing George Mason's new brand, Lewis has also been instrumental in helping to modernize and unify athletics across campus and the region.
 
George Mason student-athletes excel academically, with a 3.37 average GPA for the 2024-25 academic year, and the department posted a 95% Graduation Success Rate (GSR), the highest single-year rate in the program's history. More than 40% of student-athletes were named to the Dean's List with a 3.5 GPA or better, and 78 athletes were recognized as Provost Scholars with GPAs of 3.75 or better.
 
Lewis was recently appointed by the Atlantic 10 to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, a first for George Mason.
 
Before joining George Mason, Lewis held senior roles at Georgia Tech, University of Maryland, Brown University, and Georgia State, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in college athletics, business strategy, and student-athlete advocacy.
 
About George Mason
George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.