Barbara “Barb” Gomperts was first hired by George Mason University’s English Department in 1998. She worked as the English Department’s Graduate Coordinator until she was later hired as the English Department’s Office Manager in 2003.
During her employment at Mason, Barb received a master’s degree in English: Teaching of Writing and Literature in 2008 and an additional master’s degree in Nutrition Science in 2019, making Barb a 2x George Mason University master’s alumna. Barb also taught English classes at North Virginia Community College from 2009-2010.
Barb was awarded the Employee of the Month award in September 2000, the Outstanding Supervisor Award in Fall 2006, the Mary Roper Award in 2008, and she was recently celebrated for her 25+ years of service at Mason. She was also the first and only recipient of the Supporting Well-Being and Embracing Living Life (SWELL) Award in 2013. In addition to these awards, Barb has been nominated for a variety of accolades across the George Mason University campus.
"Barb knows it all, without acting like a know-it-all. When I think of the phrase 'building community,' she immediately comes to mind."
To celebrate her service, the English department is proud to award her the inaugural Barbara Gomperts Staff Excellence Award. This award recognizes a member of the English department staff for exceptional performance in their position while honoring the dedication and attention Barb has put into the department.
Each year a committee will be tasked with soliciting nominations and making decisions, taking particular care to evaluate nominees according to how they fulfill their job duties, adapt to the changing needs of the department, and contribute to the department’s ongoing success. The committee is encouraged to consider the achievements of nominees over many years and to take into account whether and when nominees have been previously recognized with this award.
Much of the success of the English department depends on the excellence of our staff. We seek to provide greater recognition of those who contribute so much to the department.
When Barb is not managing the English department, you may find her baking, DIYing a home improvement project, or spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Please join us is congratulating Barb!
May 09, 2025