Office Contact Information
Location: SUB 1, Suite 3600
Mailing Address: 4400 University Drive MS2E6 Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone Number: 703-993-2470
Email: [email protected]
Ways to Make an Appointment
Option 1
Click on your coach’s personalized appointment link on our Find Your Coach page.
Option 2
Log into Patriot Connect and follow the instructions.
Option 3
Call our office: 703-993-2470
Option 4
Email us at [email protected]
Option 5
Drop-in hours are Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm.
SSC Leadership Team
Kelly has nearly a decade of experience working in higher education. She spent seven years as a academic advisor to graduate social work students and special education students. For the past three years, she has been an Assistant Director in the Student Success Coaching unit prior to her current role as Associate Director. She loves supporting students in their personal and academic goals. In her personal time, Kelly loves hiking and backpacking with her family.
What Kelly likes the most about coaching: Coaching provides a wonderful opportunity to know our students better. I enjoy learning what motivates students, what scares them, and what brings them the most joy. Mason students are so resilient, optimistic, hard working, and strong. Getting to know our students is such a privilege. Coaching is also a great way to help students determine what their own definition of success within higher education is. I love being with them on their Mason journey.
Whitney Gaston currently serves as the Associate Director of Student Success Coaching at George Mason University. She has worked in higher education for almost 25 years and her professional experiences include admissions, advising, marketing, recruitment, alumni relations and program planning. Prior to coming to Mason, Whitney worked for the University of South Florida – Polytechnic Campus as the Director of University Relations. Her career background also includes working in the community college system in Florida. Whitney thoroughly enjoys working with students, from recruitment to graduation and beyond. In this role with the Student Success Coaching unit, she looks forward to helping students navigate their educational journey and overcome any challenges or obstacles that “pop up” along the way.
What Whitney likes the most about coaching: I love having great conversations with the students and helping them to become the BEST version of themselves as they write their “Mason story” and cross the finish line to graduation.
TJ is excited to serve as our Assistant Director for Training and Student Engagement within Student Success Coaching, working directly with our Graduate Professional Assistants, Peer Coaches, and provides oversight to the Patriot Experience program. Prior to joining the George Mason University, TJ strives to support students’ own definition of success and connection to campus through intentional interactions, engagement opportunities, and utilization of campus resources. In addition to his role at Mason, TJ is currently passionate about improving practices for transfer student success through student engagement and belongingness on campus.
What TJ likes the most about coaching: Success Coaching helps you process and set goals for everything outside the classroom that may impact your Mason experience.
Krystal joined SSC team in June 2020. She brings 11 years of experience in higher education to her new role. She has previously served in various departments such as Admission, Financial Aid and Academic Advising. She has worked for a few intuitions such as The Art Institute, North Carolina A&T State University and East Carolina University, all located in North Carolina. She has 5 years’ experience in advising and coaching students in various majors and different programs of study. A few of her responsibilities included working with transfer students from the community colleges, reviewing transcript evaluations and heading summer orientations for all incoming students. She has a passion for student success and believes this can be achieved by providing students with the tools to be a confident learner, knowing there is a community who is committed to help them reach their goals. Krystal received her Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University in Business Administration, in addition to earning her MBA in Marketing from Ashford University.
What Krystal likes the most about coaching: In the area of Coaching, our Coaches are able to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and assess specific focus areas, in ways that help to support students. This provides a sense of achievement and growth in confidence, in the students journey. A good coach is positive, resourceful, supportive, and trusting.
Glenda Cosby received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Students with a minor in Elementary Education from James Madison University, which is where she also earned her Master’s of Arts in Teaching. Prior to joining the SSC Team, Glenda served at a few universities working with departments such as Residence Life, Graduate Admissions, and Student Retention. She is passionate about getting to know students and working closely with them to ensure their success while at Mason and beyond. She looks forward to meeting you!
What Glenda likes the most about coaching: I love the opportunity to connect one on one with students, hear their stories, and learn how I can best support them by walking beside them during and throughout their college experience. As a first gen student, it has been fulfilling being the person I needed but didnt have during my college journey.
Michael joined the SSC team in April 2022. Michael earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Fordham University, Master’s in Counseling from Montclair State University, and Doctorate in Higher Education from Florida International University. Prior to joining the SSC team, Michael supported students at a variety of colleges and universities in the roles of Assistant Director of Advising/Retention at Widener University, Disability Resource Center Academic Coach at CNM, and Senior Academic Advisor at FIU. Michael is excited about supporting students at GMU and looks forward to working with you during your Mason experience! In his spare time Michael enjoys spending time outdoors and watching his favorite basketball team, the New York Knicks (2026 NBA Champs!).
What Michael likes the most about coaching: What I like most about coaching is being able to support students in setting goals towards figuring out who they want to become during their time at Mason and beyond!
Kye Hopkins joined the Student Success Coaching team in January 2020. Prior to his current role, Kye worked in Student Success at Shenandoah University as the Assistant Director for Student Success where he helped support students. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2015 and Master’s of Science in Education Administration Leadership in 2017 from Shenandoah University. He is passionate about helping students and is looking forward to helping them reach their goals.
What Kye likes the most about coaching: I love being able to help guide students and help them reach their goals.
Joshua is a native of Northern Virginia and joined the Matriculated ADVANCE team within Student Success Coaching as a Success Coach during September/2021. Prior to joining George Mason University, Joshua attended West Virginia University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management – envisioning a career in the business sector of scholastic or collegiate sport. After graduating from WVU, Joshua began a profession in academia – but as an Academic Advisor at American Public University System where he developed a great passion for student services/coaching within higher education. He has now spent a decade working in a student services role at the collegiate level.
What Joshua likes most about coaching: Joshua is proud to be a member of the Student Success Coaching unit (as well as a proud Patriot!) and feels a sense of accomplishment when students achieve their ultimate goals, both academically and in general life. He is a major advocate for mental health awareness and will serve as an ally for all, giving 110% genuine effort, advocacy and dedication to his students. As a first-generation college student, Joshua understands the incredible benefit of Student Success Coaching and can relate to the competitive, diverse and buzzing nature of Northern Virginia.
SSC Support Staff
As the Office Manager for Student Success Coaching, Louise Higgins (she, her, hers) is honored to support a dedicated and enthusiastic team devoted to George Mason University students’ well-being. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Louise has a diverse background. Most recently, she was at Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason. One of her proudest accomplishments has been her supporting research for the exhibit Revolutionary Rights. In her free time, Louise enjoys spending time with her four grown children who live in the area.
Melanie Jalim graduated from George Mason University with a major in Communications, concentrating in Public Relations and a minor in Tourism and Event Management. She has worked with multiple departments around campus, including Housing, SSAC, and the LEAD office. She strongly encourages students to partake in opportunities that will help them thrive not only as a Patriot, but to fulfill their own aspirations when on their journey in higher education and beyond. Before Mason, she worked on the NOVA Loudoun Campus with the Student Life department, where she helped create events and workshops for leadership and social engagement. During her free time, Melanie loves to travel, thrift, spend time with family and friends, and create chocolates for her small business.
What Melanie likes the most about coaching: What I like about success coaching is that we help Mason students not feel overwhelmed when searching for the proper resources needed for their journey here at Mason. In addition, helping them create and implement goals that will align to their vision of what they want to achieve during their time at Mason and into the career.