Ethan Carter is November Employee of the Month

Ethan Carter has been an integral part of George Mason University’s Recreation department since 2011. For his commitment and dedication to Mason Recreation and reputation for exceeding expectations in his role as associate director of programs, assessment and well-being, Carter has been recognized as the November Employee of the Month.

“He is an exceptional employee who always goes above and beyond!” said Dennis Kisielewski, manager of human resources for Mason Recreation. “Ethan is an extremely dedicated and passionate employee whose work ethic and contributions have been integral to the success of Mason Recreation, University Life, and the university. He is always seeking to grow as a person and a professional. His positivity and enthusiasm are contagious.”

Constance Benson, director of recreation for Mason Recreation, said Carter’s dedication to students shines through. “Ethan continues to go above and beyond to provide students with options for engaging in recreational activities that aid in their well-being,” she said.

She also shared a memory of a time when Carter took extra steps to make sure a student organization’s trip was successful. “He wanted to do his part to make it happen,” said Benson. “To fully involve himself in this role, he even purchased hiking shoes! He puts students first and was willing to put in this extra time so there would be outdoor trips for students to experience.”

“Ethan’s professionalism and dedication to his staff and the students he works with is evident every day,” said Lewis Forrest, associate dean of University Life. “He continues to be a careful steward of the people and the resources under his purview. I admire his resilience and positive attitude he brings to the team.”

Becky Demus, assistant director of fitness at Mason Recreation, talked about the university initiatives Carter promotes including Burnalong, the Racial Healing Circle, and the Resilience Badge.

“Ethan embodies the true meaning of ‘leadership’ by leading by example, being willing to perform duties of anyone he supervises, working well under pressure, and empathizing with his employees,” Demus said.

How did you come to Mason:

I came to Mason back in 2011 from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. I went to high school in Aberdeen, Maryland, so getting back to this general area (MD/VA) was always a goal of mine. After my campus interview, I left with the impression that this was a place that I could enhance my growth while contributing toward the university goals. I also have to admit the warmer weather was a factor because those Minnesota winters were brutal and long. I was tired of shoveling snow!

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job so far was when I got to be the announcer for a Presidential Race [The Washington Nationals Presidents versus then-Mason President Ángel Cabrera]. Participating in a fun surprise for the former president brought a smile to my face. It reminded me what Mason is all about.

In general, any day I can make the day better for someone else is my best day on the job.

What do you like best about working at Mason: 

I have always appreciated the opportunities available to learn and grow. I have been doing my best to take part in as many as possible. I have also appreciated the university's commitment to diversity. Although the journey towards diversity is never ending and can be challenging, the university has not shied away from it. I am all about being in an environment where the pursuit of excellence through the tough stuff is a higher priority than going along to get along.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When not working, I love to laugh, learn, read, and exercise. All of these are centered on enhancing well-being. You can actually often catch me with my eyes in a book while walking around campus. I try to find occasions to laugh as often as possible. I have been told that my laugh is contagious. I see every second of life as an opportunity to learn and grow. I don't want to waste any of my life pretending I have got it all figured out. Life is a gift. I want to learn how to be thankful for it all. I can only do that by seeking to learn about those gifts so that I can recognize them.