George Mason President Alan Merten Announces Retirement

After 15 years in office, George Mason University President Alan G. Merten has announced that he will retire in June 2012.

Merten, 69, said that he and his wife Sally believed that it was the right time for his retirement.

“I’ve accomplished way beyond what I thought I’d accomplish and could have stayed longer,” Merten said. 

Reminiscing on his tenure at Mason, Merten said, “I’ve enjoyed being president. There is a lot of overlap in that I have made a difference and become a part of GMU and GMU has become part of me.”

He said his favorite part of his tenure at Mason has been interacting with the students. He enjoys bumping into students and alumni everywhere he goes.

“I am proud of the pride the people have in the university, students and faculty staff,” Merten said.

Since the recent retirement announcement, the well wishes have already begun to pour in on the university’s website. “Thanks for a fantastic 15 years Dr. Merten," wrote Bill Rohland. "The progress Mason has made under your leadership has been amazing. From a 'small commuter school' to a national powerhouse.”

Since assuming the role of President in July 1996, Merten has taken the university in many directions to transform it in size, quality, and reputation. According to Merten, about 10,000 students have been added and the overall entrepreneurial culture of the school has been extended. 

Merten is excited about the massive changes in biological science in both research and teaching. He has also been pleased with the people he has hired over the years including Professor Vernon L. Smith, a Nobel Prize winner in Economics, as well as Coach Jim Larranaga, the basketball coach that has led Mason to great success.

He came to Mason with a diverse background, holding a degree in computer science and having worked for the Pentagon as well as a military social aide for President Lyndon B. Johnson. He taught executive programs at Michigan University where he eventually became a professor and associate dean. This led to positions as a dean at multiple colleges and eventually landed him his interview with Mason.

Merten is originally from Wisconsin but said that Virginia, where he met and married his wife Sally, will always be home. After he retires, Merten is thinking of leasing a house from the university so he and his wife can stay nearby and continue to be active in the community. He has already been approached by various boards eager for his participation and expects to be very busy. 

Merten said that he has been slightly frustrated in the past by the challenges in communicating the needs of the university and Northern Virginia as a whole to political leaders. Upon retirement, Merten intends to continue his efforts to support science technology, engineering and math.

“It’s important that the country builds up the capacity to do the right thing," Merten said. "We’ve slipped and lost the ability to do this as a country.”

Merten said that running for political office is not on his agenda. He has been turning down suggestions to do so since his twenties.  

“After I retire, I expect to be busy and take it a little easier,” Merten said.

He looks forward to having more control over his schedule and plans to spend more time with his wife, two children and four grandchildren. He will continue his yearly trips to the Grand Canyon as well as other outdoor activities. He will also be on hand to assist the new university president as needed.

The letter in which Merten announced he would retire can be accessed at http://alanmerten.gmu.edu/.