cblackw@gmu.edu

Executive Director & Senior International Officer

Dr. Chrishon Blackwell is a scholar practitioner and an organizational scientist. Chrishon has spent the past 16 years in international education with a special focus on developing global strategies that support research, teaching, and engagement across faculty, staff, and students.   Chrishon joins George Mason University from the University of Washington where she held the position of Director of Global Engagement in the Office of Global Affairs. In her role, she sought to build robust and meaningful relationships with faculty, schools, departments, administrative units, and international partners to promote, facilitate, and coordinate opportunities for cross-college and cross-continent collaborations. In her previous roles, Chrishon oversaw programs and initiatives that supported student success, retention, and campus internationalization through summer, short-term, and visiting student programs.   Chrishon is active in several globally focused professional organizations, holds two bachelor’s degrees in political science and business management, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and doctorate in human and organizational learning. Chrishon’s doctoral research focused on the connections between cultural competency, comprehensive internationalization, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In her role as the Senior International Officer and Executive Director of Study Abroad, Chrishon leads the development and implementation of Mason's global engagement strategy. In collaboration with leadership and campus partners, Chrishon and her team work towards advancing the university’s internationalization efforts to grow Mason’s global presence.