George Mason campus outside Manassas to be known for science and technology
George Mason University will rebrand its Prince William Campus at Innovation Park outside Manassas.
In a matter of weeks, the campus will soon be known as the George Mason University Center for Science and Technology. The school will drop the Prince William moniker used since the campus opened in 1997.
“We want to send a strong message that every time people talk about this campus that is it known fro the cutting edge work that is being done here,” George Mason University President Angel Cabrera told Potomac Local. “It will always be our location in Prince William, outside of Manassas for sure, but is sending a message on what we do here, and it’s part of our strategic plan where we are going to make our science and technology programs grow.”
The name change also means more of Mason’s engineering programs, as well as the university’s more “lab intensive” classes, will move to the science and tech center in Prince William. There is more excess space at the Prince William facility house such classes than there is at the university’s main campus in Fairfax, added Cabrera.
George Mason University sits at the heart of Innovation Park, a 1,600 acre, public-private cooperative effort to bring research firms, bio-manufacturing businesses, data centers, as well as other corporate offices to the center at the intersection of Route 234 and University Boulevard.
In recent years, Innovation has welcomed a new biotech firm and the Virginia Serious Game Institute, designed to foster creativity in video game design.
Cabrera said Mason is committed to working with Prince William County in making Innovation Park a success.
“We would all love [Innovation Park] to grow faster, but the momentum is there,” said Cabrera.
As more universities across the country focus more on science, math, and technology, Prince William’s top official says he won’t miss the Prince William moniker.
“This is phenomenal…this will mean the focus on investment in the future for George Mason University will be at its Prince William campus,” said
Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman, At-large Corey Stewart.
The 134-acre campus attracts more than 4,000 students. It has classrooms, libraries, recreation, and auditorium space. The campus is also home to the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Mason Enterprise Center business incubator.
