Our Team
Joisanne Rodgers, Director, Contemporary Student Services
Dr. Joisanne Rodgers (she, her) is a first-generation college student, a post-traditional student, a lifelong learner, and an educator passionate about post-traditional and contemporary students. Dr. Rodgers has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years in various roles, including admissions and recruitment, advising and success coaching, housing and residence life, marketing and outreach, retention initiatives, and student success initiatives. As Director of Contemporary Student Services, Dr. Rodgers leads a fantastic team of advocates and champions serving Mason’s contemporary student population. The team collaborates and partners throughout the Mason community to support contemporary student belonging, thriving, and success.
Dr. Rodgers earned a bachelor’s in political science and dance studies from Allegheny College, a master’s in student affairs in higher education from Western Kentucky University, a specialist’s in leadership from American College of Education, and a doctorate in leadership with a focus in higher education from American College of Education. Her research interests include post-traditional and contemporary students, mitigation and elimination of institutional barriers, and student success and retention.
Shyama Kuver, Associate Director, Contemporary Student Services
Shyama Kuver (she, her) is an artist and educator and is passionate about creating campus spaces that are welcoming for all of Mason’s community members. She grew up in pre-tech San Francisco, where she was inspired by its rich cultures.
On campus her position is designed to assess the gaps in service that may emerge for contemporary students and how Mason can uniquely provide support for those students. By utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methods, Shyama works in collaboration and cross-functionally with stakeholders both on and off campus to make Mason a place where all students can thrive as they pursue their goals
Matt McLaughlin, Assistant Director,
Off-Campus Students
Matt McLaughlin (He, They) is an enthusiastic advocate for contemporary students. Matt comes to Mason from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Master’s degree in College Counseling and Student Affairs as a single parent, adult learner, and off-campus student. The experience inspired him to work with and support contemporary students at Mason. As off-campus coordinator, Matt will supervise and support the contemporary student advisor program and the contemporary student lounge at Mason. He will also work closely with campus and community partners to provide students with resources and support for living off-campus. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to him!
Louise Higgins, Office Manager, Contemporary Student Services
Louise Higgins (she, her, hers) is the Office Manager for Contemporary Student Services. She is honored to support a dedicated and enthusiastic team devoted to all George Mason University students’ well-being. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Louise has a diverse background. Most recently, she was at Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason. One of her proudest accomplishments has been her research support for the exhibit, Revolutionary Rights. In her free time, Louise enjoys spending time with her four grown children who live in the area.
Kayla Moore, Graduate Professional Assistant
Kayla Moore (she, her) is a Graduate Assistant for Contemporary Student Services. She is getting a Masters of Social Work and is supporting our work in supervising our Contemporary Student Ambassadors, connecting with our cross-functional teams, and working on our Justice-Impacted Student Initiatives.
Our Contemporary Student Staff Team
The Contemporary Student Staff team is a group of contemporary students (just like you!) that act as peer mentors to give information about available student resources, highlight opportunities for student involvement, and provide social support! Contemporary Student Mentors are not academic advisors: they cannot give information on what classes to choose for the upcoming semester, whether or not you should drop a class, or advise you on your studies (if that is what you need, click here). They can, however, give you more information about the university, help you get involved, how to find off-campus housing, and provide advice and support on how to make the most of your off-campus student life! Set up a virtual meeting with a contemporary student mentor by clicking here.