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After 33 years of unwavering dedication to George Mason University, Michal McElwain Malur is being honored with the university’s 2025 Faculty/Staff Alumni Award, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions as both a graduate and a longtime staff and faculty member.
The award will be presented at the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. in Dewberry Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
For Malur, who serves as director of external programs for the Schar School of Policy and Government, the award is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal moment.
“I love being a George Mason Patriot—33 years and counting,” she said. “I am deeply committed to educating the incredible students of the Schar School and love working alongside remarkable colleagues because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of this institution. I’ve seen firsthand how global education transforms lives, builds bridges across cultures, and empowers future leaders to shape a better world.”
That belief has been the driving force behind her work in international education, where she has left an indelible mark. Malur has designed and led more than 130 study-abroad programs, taking more than 2,500 students across 33 countries to explore global systems, institutions, and challenges. Her programs dive into issues such as international trade, security, public administration, global health, emergency response coordination, entrepreneurship, development, and peacekeeping, providing students with real-world insights they carry into their careers.
Malur’s George Mason journey began as a student, earning her bachelor of arts degree in international studies in 1995 and a master’s degree in regional economic development in 1997. During her undergraduate years, she served as student body vice president—and collected her first paycheck from the school—cementing her lifelong relationship with the university.
Since joining the Schar School in 1995, Malur has held numerous leadership positions, including directing the Center for Regional Analysis Survey Research Center and serving as director of marketing and public relations for the Mason Enterprise Center. Her strategic planning and communications expertise, coupled with deep international policy knowledge, have made her an asset in roles that span disciplines and continents.
When COVID-19 grounded international travel, Malur’s commitment to global learning never wavered. Instead, she launched the innovative virtual course, Africa Zooms: African-Led Development, African Solutions to African Challenges, which connected more than 100 students with policymakers, academics, and cultural leaders across the African continent. The program became a model for making global education more accessible to students unable to study abroad in person.
In addition to her global work, Malur is a tireless advocate for student well-being. She is a Certified Mental Health First Aider, a Safe Zone+ Trained Ally and a Career Influencer, always ready to support students academically and personally.
Her leadership extends into high-impact research and policy initiatives. She has supported major federal grants, including the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) and the Democracy, Anti-Corruption, and Criminal Trafficking (DAC) project, bringing her trademark energy and collaborative spirit to complex, interdisciplinary work.
Colleagues and students alike praise her as a mentor, innovator, and champion for education.
“Michal doesn’t just connect students to the world—she helps them see how they can change it,” said a colleague who submitted a letter in support of Malur’s nomination for the award. “This award reflects everything she brings to George Mason: passion, purpose, and a truly global perspective.”
As she prepares to receive this well-earned honor, Malur continues to embody the values of a true Patriot—committed, compassionate, and always thinking globally.