Leslie Mason

Background

About Leslie Mason

As a senior executive in higher education and research administration, I’ve built a career on aligning institutional vision with practical strategy—revitalizing organizations, securing sustainable funding, and fostering innovation in research and workforce education. With over 15 years of experience leading grants, compliance, and operations across universities, nonprofit consortia, and education technology firms, I specialize in turning potential into performance. At Glenville State University, I was entrusted to reestablish its Research Corporation as the central hub for sponsored research, successfully building strategic frameworks, strengthening compliance, and cultivating external partnerships. I’m passionate about bridging gaps between public and private stakeholders, ensuring that policy, process, and purpose align to support transformative research and learning. My work spans multimillion-dollar federal and private grants, complex contract negotiation, and collaborative leadership across academia, government, and industry. Areas of focus include-Grant and contract management (federal, state, private)-Research compliance and regulatory oversight -Strategic and fiscal planning -Public and interagency relations -Digital transformation in education I thrive on mission-driven work and believe in the power of education to shape resilient, future-ready institutions.