Fairfax, VA.—George Mason University President Gregory Washington has named Marvin Lewis as the Patriots’ Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Lewis, who signed a five-year contract, will become Mason’s sixth athletics director when he begins on July 1.
The Germantown, Maryland, native boasts 15 years of athletic administrative leadership with various impressive NCAA Division I institutions. Lewis assumed senior leadership roles at Georgia Tech, University of Maryland, Georgia State, and most recently at Brown University as the school’s assistant vice president for athletics and recreation/chief operating officer.
“We are pleased to welcome Marvin Lewis to Mason,” Mason President Gregory Washington said. “His strong background in Division I athletics makes him a great choice to take Patriots Athletics to the next level. But, beyond that, what impressed me from the outset in talking with him are the values he holds dear that run similar to our own. We look forward to the great things he will do in setting the standard of excellence for our student-athletes in every way.”
During his tenure at Brown, Lewis led a brand and visual identity refresh, launched new fan engagement initiatives and premium amenities, developed a divisional strategic plan, and implemented a long-term financial model that elevates the baseline student-athlete experience. As a member of the executive leadership team, Lewis led the external relations team focused on revenue generation, fan engagement, strategic communications, and athletics and recreation storytelling. In addition, he oversaw the business and financial operations, facilities and events, human resources and talent development, and equipment operations. He served as sport administrator for several sports, including men’s basketball.
“I am attracted to George Mason because of its distinct blend of world-class academics, nationally competitive athletics, and the location in Northern Virginia. Mason is everything that is right about higher education, creating diverse and inclusive communities that enhance the experience for all students,” said Lewis. “There is tremendous energy and excitement around President Washington's transformational leadership and bold vision for the university and athletics. I am ecstatic to join his leadership team and Mason Nation!”
Lewis has served as an athletic department liaison with the ACC, Big Ten, Ivy League, and the Colonial Athletic Association. Lewis looks forward to partnering with the Atlantic 10 Conference.
“The A10 is one of the best conferences in the country,” added Lewis. “Its diverse membership and presence in competitive media markets makes it extremely attractive for recruits, student-athletes, and fans of highly competitive athletics. My goal is to position Mason to consistently compete for A10 championships.”
Lewis is regarded as one of the nation’s most respected up-and-comers in athletics administration, having been named to the CollegeAD Next Up list in 2017 and the 2018-19 College Athletic Business Management Association (CABMA) Manager of the Year. He successfully completed the prestigious NCAA Pathway Program for aspiring athletics directors and conference commissioners in 2020.
He began his rise in athletics administration at Georgia State and later assumed leadership roles at both Georgia State and Maryland. He then spent nearly seven years at his alma mater Georgia Tech as the senior associate athletics director for administration and finance before leaving for Brown in July 2021.
Lewis was also instrumental in the University of Maryland’s transition to the Big Ten Conference. Lewis chaired the Business and Travel Workgroup within the Big Ten Integration Committee, which analyzed the financial impact of the conference transition. He developed the comprehensive 12-year financial model for the Business and Finance Workgroup of the President’s Commission on Big Ten Integration.
A former two-time captain of the Georgia Tech basketball team, Lewis graduated with honors from Georgia Tech in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in management before becoming a licensed CPA. He later earned a master’s degree in taxation from Georgia State in 2008. The guard led the Yellow Jackets to the 2004 national championship game.
Interim Athletic Director Nena Rogers will remain in that role until June 30 before resuming her previous position as senior associate athletic director for academic services and Mason’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). Rogers’ strong leadership and continued advocacy for the department and its student-athletes over the past eight months has been critical during a significant transitional period that included the recent hiring of a new men’s basketball coach.
“We cannot thank Nena Rogers enough for her tireless efforts over the past eight months in making sure that our student-athletes continued to have everything they needed to be successful at the highest levels,” Washington said. “George Mason University will forever be grateful.”
What they are saying about Marvin Lewis
“George Mason is getting an outstanding leader who is very innovative and collaborative. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Marvin the past two years as my sports supervisor. He is a thoughtful leader who has a holistic approach in the development of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Marvin’s experience as a student-athlete and administrator at the highest level has prepared him to lead and thrive at George Mason.” —Mike Martin, Brown University men’s head basketball coach
“Marvin is a world-class leader who had an immediate impact on my program, and our athletic department here at Brown. He is a winner, a motivator, he’s thoughtful and forward-thinking. He has played at the highest level of collegiate athletics, so he can relate to the D1 demand for peak performance and support. The athletes, coaches, and staff will greatly benefit from his leadership and guidance.” —Kia McNeill, Brown University, women’s head soccer coach
“George Mason hit a home run hiring Marvin Lewis to lead their athletic department. Marvin is an incredible leader of people. Marvin's leadership abilities and qualities will ultimately lead George Mason athletics to the highest level of success not only in the A10, but on a national stage. All coaches, administrators, and student-athletes at George Mason should be so excited to have a person like Marvin Lewis leading the George Mason team.” —Josh Pastner, former head basketball coach at Georgia Tech
"George Mason University has just landed a bright, dedicated, hardworking, loyal and, most essentially, a morally sound individual to lead the Patriots Athletics Department! Marvin understands commitment from coaches, athletes and students and he understands the significance of developing, then nurturing appropriate lines of communication with the various constituencies he will serve. Marvin’s experiences as a student, as an athlete and as an athletics leader are extraordinary! He possesses a keen sense about the value of outreach to others and how to foster togetherness. His warm and sincere personality, coupled with his enthusiasm and constantly positive outlook, will be a major resource for the entire George Mason University community.” —Paul Brazeau, ACC senior associate commissioner/men’s basketball
“I’m really excited for Marvin and his family. This is a great opportunity for him to continue his growth as an outstanding leader. He is a fantastic hire for George Mason. Having worked with Marvin for several years, I found him to be genuine, passionate, and driven to win. He worked tirelessly to provide a great experience for the student-athletes, the resources to compete at the highest levels, and the support necessary for health and well-being.” —Alan Drosky, Georgia Tech head coach, cross country and women's track and field
ABOUT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls nearly 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at gmu.edu.