This month, our Spotlight launches a new series: Faculty Focus. These posts will highlight George Mason faculty who engage with high-impact Stearns Center programming and/or are what we consider our “frequent flyers.” Our inaugural feature shines on Dr. Eunmee Lee, Director of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at George Mason University Korea and a recent participant in the Campus Champions Advocacy Changemakers program (CCAC).
Eunmee’s experience in CCAC offered new perspectives on innovation and leadership in academic support. In her own words: “One of the most valuable lessons I gained was a human-centered and structured approach to innovation. Through course materials, reflective assignments, and collaborative discussions with faculty peers, I learned that meaningful change often begins with carefully observing people’s experiences and identifying practical opportunities for improvement.”
Inspired by insights gained through participating in CCAC, Eunmee launched several impactful initiatives at ARC:
Increasing Visibility: Eunmee designed a cat mascot and logo to create a welcoming identity for ARC (pictured in the featured photo of this post). This small change made the center more recognizable across campus, engaging not only students but also faculty and staff. As a result, ARC saw a rise in consultation sessions, suggesting that increased visibility encouraged more students to seek academic support.
Strengthening Community: She introduced a team leader system and a peer buddy system among ARC’s student consultants, fostering improved communication, collaboration, and mutual accountability. These changes helped consultants support one another, share information efficiently, and reduce errors, even when she was unavailable. Most importantly, they built a stronger sense of community and leadership among the consultants, ultimately benefiting the students they serve.
“The Changemakers experience transformed the way I think about leadership and innovation,” Eunmee explains. “It reinforced the value of reflection, incremental improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. I learned to appreciate how small adjustments can significantly improve students’ experiences.”
Beyond program innovations, she emphasizes the personal and professional connection she feels through Stearns Center programs. “Working at Mason Korea can sometimes create a sense of distance from colleagues and ongoing conversations about teaching and learning. Through these programs, I have remained connected to faculty across campuses, explored innovative approaches to student support, and gained a renewed sense of belonging. For me, the Stearns Center is not only a source of professional development but also a bridge that connects our global Mason community.”
We celebrate Eunmee Lee’s commitment to student success and thank her for her leadership and engagement with the Stearns Center!
Update Friday, October 16, 2026: After publishing this Spotlight post on Eunmee and the ARC, it came to our attention that it has been exactly 10 years since Eunmee opened the Mason Korea Writing Center with Janette Muir (pictured on the far-left in the featured photo of this post)! In Eunmee’s own words: “I taught at INTO Mason (now the Gateway program) on the Fairfax campus before coming to the Mason Korea campus in spring 2016. That fall, I volunteered to tutor students in writing and, with Dr. Muir’s approval, opened the ‘Mason Korea Writing Center’ in my own office. I still remember her saying, ‘Good idea! Go ahead!’ That was the beginning of what is now the ARC.” We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with them!