GMU's first graduation class after becoming independent from UVA was able to choose whether their degree was labeled as GMU or UVA. GMU became independent in 1972, while Virginia’s political climate was shifting, with efforts to desegregate schools still ongoing. While UVA had a more traditional and historically exclusive reputation, GMU, as a new and developing institution, had the opportunity to define a more inclusive identity from the start.
George Mason’s Rise from UVA’s Shadow
George Mason College expanded rapidly in the 1960s after opening its new campus in Fairfax, Virginia. This raised questions about whether the institution should become independent from the University of Virginia. During this time, the need for a more permanent and comprehensive educational presence in the region had become clear. Enrollment increased, faculty numbers grew, and the curriculum diversified. Yet, the college remained administratively under the authority of UVA, limiting its freedom in governance, academic programming, and budgeting. As Northern Virginia’s economic and political influence grew, so did the calls for a university that could serve the region more directly and with greater self-direction.
Despite its growth, the college remained under UVA’s control, restricting its ability to fully adapt to the specific educational, economic, and cultural needs of the Northern Virginia region. By the early 1970s, local leaders and residents recognized that the area needed a full-fledged, independent university—one that could develop specialized programs, attract funding, and cultivate its own identity. In 1972, the Virginia General Assembly granted George Mason College independence from UVA, officially establishing George Mason University.
This new independence allowed the university to create its own curriculum and leadership. It also set the stage for the development of a university that would reflect the unique diversity of its region. Virginia, in the years following GMU’s independence, became one of the most ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse areas in the country. George Mason University responded to this transformation by building a campus community that welcomed students of all backgrounds, nationalities, and perspectives.