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 transition to Patriot Connect. Learn about their roles, what motivates and inspires them, and maybe even a fun fact or two.
Get to know Austin A. Deray!
Name:
Austin A. Deray (dərai), آستین آ. درای
Role at George Mason University:
Assistant Director of Graduate Student Life
I am a Patriot Connect Change Champion for:
Graduate Student Life, University Life. I am also a Product Advisor for University Life and Graduate Division.
Q: What excites you the most about Patriot Connect?
A: I am excited about Patriot Connect because I feel like this platform is truly taking into account the unique lived experiences of graduate and professional students and ensuring that we do not default “student” to mean undergraduate student in this building process.
Q: What is your goal for Patriot Connect?
A: The functionality of Patriot Connect will empower both graduate and undergraduate students alike for success.
Q: Who do you want to give a special shoutout to on the Patriot Connect team and why?
A: Casey Smith and Sam Greenberg for putting up with all my emails and teams messages around graduate student needs.
Q: Ask me about…
A: Ask me about Arsenal FC, 12th Century Titles and Stylings, and 1990s Marvel.
Q: What is something you like to do outside of work?
A: Watch any and every Arsenal FC game.
The Patriot Connect team has activated a change network of “Patriot Connect Change Champions” to support the adoption of Patriot Connect at George Mason. One to two Patriot Connect Change Champions have been identified per unit, college, or school to help drive the change within their respective groups. By ensuring both business and people readiness, the change network will be instrumental in the successful transition and adoption of Patriot Connect. The change network kicked off in September 2024 and will remain active throughout the implementation and launch of Patriot Connect. Your first point of contact for questions should be your designated Patriot Connect Change Champion.