Meet the Graduate Division Team

Megan joined the Graduate Division at the end of 2023. As the Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator, she assists with graduate policy development and implementation, as well as the academic appeal and policy exceptions process.  Megan has worked in various departments at GMU since 2014, including Financial Aid, Office of International Programs and Services, and Registrar. She has experience in compliance, student records, immigration, and academic advising. She holds a BA in Social Sciences from Hiram University and a MEd in Higher Education and Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Abilene Christian University.  She has a passion for higher education and student success, stemming from her own diverse educational and cultural background. Megan is a Third Culture Kid (TCK) who grew up in Bahrain and the Portuguese Azores, where she learned to appreciate different perspectives and values. In her spare time, Megan enjoys watching K-dramas, creating blackout poetry, singing all the Disney songs with her two daughters, and traveling with her family.

Pallavi (she/her/hers) is the Director of Graduate Academic and Student Affairs in the Office of Graduate Education within the Provost's Office. She focuses on graduate policy development and implementation, management of the graduate academic appeal and policy exception process, provision of technical assistance to academic units, and carrying out the Office of Graduate Education's diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives. Pallavi joined Mason in 2017 after serving as Director of Legal Clinics for George Washington University (GW) Law School. Her professional life prior to academic administration included teaching and non-profit law. She holds a BA from Brandeis University as well as an MA.Ed and JD from GW. Outside of work, she enjoys time with friends and family and loves experiences and discussions that involve travel and good food.

Akitta (she/her/hers) joined the Office of Graduate Education in 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies with a minor in Business Management and is currently working towards a master's degree in Social Entrepreneurship here at Mason. Akitta serves as the Financial Manager for the Office of Graduate Education by providing oversight to internal graduate student support finances. She also oversees Graduate Education’s internal scholarships, fellowships, grants, awards, and all other forms of graduate student support programs, as well as the subsidized graduate student health insurance.

Rana joined the Office of Graduate Education in 2022. She brings along an extensive experience supporting Mason students pertaining to Registrar, Student Accounts and Financial Aid services. Rana holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from the California State University of Fullerton. She supports the Graduate Education Manager by coordinating internal scholarships, fellowships, grants, awards, and other student support.

In her role supporting the Associate Provost for Graduate Education, Yellia brings a strong corporate background to George Mason, having worked in the headquarters of GE Equity and Playtex Apparel supporting VP’s and SVP’s.

Michelle is the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Graduate Division at George Mason University.