A Leader Who Transformed a Campus: Johnson’s Legacy

President George W. Johnson was one of the most important people in George Mason University's history. He was president from 1978 to 1996 and helped the university grow and change in big ways. During his time, GMU added new programs, built new campuses, got more money for research, and became known across the country. His ideas helped turn Mason from a small commuter school into a large public research university. He also made big choices, like starting the School of Law and focusing on technology and innovation. This part of the exhibit shows the main changes that happened while he was president and how his leadership helped shape the university into what it is today. The timeline below should show some key events and images of what happened during his time as president.

The image next to this text highlights a key moment in George Mason University’s history—the opening of the School of Law in 1979. This major development took place during President George W. Johnson’s early years as university president. His leadership played a critical role in acquiring the International School of Law and integrating it into GMU. This move not only expanded the university’s academic offerings but also positioned Mason as a serious player in legal education, especially given its proximity to Washington, D.C. The opening of the law school marked one of the first big steps in President Johnson’s plan to grow GMU into a nationally respected institution.

Below, there is a timeline that shows the order in which the two events shared above took place. You’ll also find more great images that highlight some of President Johnson’s other major accomplishments.