Saying Farewell to a President’s Office Icon

It is with mixed emotions that I share that Corinne Hurst, executive assistant to the president, will be leaving NOVA next month for a new role at George Mason University, where she will serve as the executive assistant to Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation and economic development and president of the George Mason University Research Foundation. I know you join me in congratulating Corinne on this outstanding and well-earned advancement opportunity, but that, like me, you do so with the knowledge that she will be greatly missed.

Corinne has had an extraordinary career at NOVA, having served five NOVA presidents: Belle Wheelan, Robert Templin, Scott Ralls, Mel Schiavelli (as interim twice) and me. For decades, through each transition, Corinne has been the glue keeping things together and the force keeping the office moving forward.

She has always represented the Office of the President with professionalism and compassion, often serving as the first friendly face, voice or email for those contacting the office—from students to senators. Everyone speaking with Corinne knows they are being heard and that their voice matters.

She has served as a mentor and advocate for so many members of the NOVA community and has always been the first to step up when our college called. Corinne has been a force behind and in front of the scenes at decades of commencements, convocations, employee recognitions, NOVA Foundation events and community gatherings. She has ensured that everyone from SACSCOC visiting teams to delegations from the White House found a warm welcome at NOVA. Corinne’s door is always open, and she has consistently been the first to reach out to greet a new NOVA employee, offer a helping hand to a colleague in need and celebrate our students’ success.

Corinne has always made NOVA shine brightly, and I am grateful for having had the chance to work with her over the past few years. Even as we prepare to say goodbye, it is comforting to know that she will just be up the street at our great partner institution, George Mason.

Corinne’s last day at NOVA is September 16, and while she has insisted upon no big celebrations, I hope you will stop by or send her a note before she leaves to share what she has meant to you. So many NOVA success stories start with Corinne, and her legacy at our college will be a lasting one.

Thank you, Corinne!