Each month, we will shine a light on our Patriot Connect Change Champions, giving you the chance to get to know the individuals who are here to support you and the George Mason community on the journey to Patriot Connect. Learn about their roles, what motivates and inspires them, and maybe even a fun fact or two.
Get to know Wren Badalis!
Name:
Wren Badalis
Role at George Mason University:
Senior Regional Admissions Counselor- Tidewater
I am a Patriot Connect Change Champion for:
Freshman Admissions
Q: What does being a Patriot Connect Change Champion mean to you?
A: To me, being a Change Champion means being an advocate for my team during such a big transition that will have an impact on almost everything we do on a day to day basis. I can help make sure my team gets the information they need for the transition to be a success, and also be their voice as issues and questions arise so they feel heard and valued in the change, even if they are not directly on any of the implementation teams.
Q: What excites you the most about Patriot Connect?
A: I am most excited for the arrival of a full lifecycle Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system so both staff and students have continuity and consistency throughout the entire George Mason journey. With all of the departments joining Patriot Connect, we’ll be better able to serve students and less information will get lost in the shuffle when students are seeking help with issues.
Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?
A: The deLaski Performing Arts Building.
Q: What is your favorite season on campus?
A: Winter! I am a cold weather, snow-loving person through and through, so seeing campus covered in snow is one of my favorites.
Q: What is something you like to do outside of work?
A: I absolutely love Dungeons & Dragons, both as a player and the Dungeon Master, and have two weekly campaigns I am a part of.
The Patriot Connect team has activated a change network of “Patriot Connect Release 2 Change Champions” to support the adoption of Patriot Connect at George Mason. Units, colleges, or schools impacted by Release 2 have a designated change champion who is here to make the transition to Patriot Connect smooth and successful. The Release 2 change network kicked off in October 2025 and will remain active throughout the implementation and launch of Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions. Your first point of contact for questions should be your designated Patriot Connect Release 2 Change Champion.