George Mason University psychology professor Eden King will draw on her expertise as an industrial/organizational psychologist in her role as the university’s 2016-17 Presidential Fellow.
King, selected to the post last month, will assist George Mason President Ángel Cabrera on projects related to campus and workplace dynamics, with a specific interest in diversity and inclusion.
“I’m hoping to find alignments between what faculty and students need and what the university can help to create,” King said. “I love the research and teaching I get to do as a faculty member, but I’m excited about the possibility of broadening the impact of my efforts.”
King is the fifth Presidential Fellow, succeeding education professor Elavie Ndura. During her 10 years at Mason, King has coordinated the Mason Diversity Research Group and served 1,300 psychology majors as that department’s associate chair.
Named one of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty in 2011, King has a longstanding commitment to understanding and improving the experiences of the university’s diverse community members.
She said she plans to use the fellowship as an opportunity to enhance faculty and staff recognition programs; to connect with faculty, staff and students who address diversity; and to strengthen the voice of faculty in emerging issues.