Cody W. Edwards is Dean of the College of Science and Professor of Biology at George Mason University, where he provides strategic and academic leadership for 12 departments and programs, 16 research centers, and a $90M annual budget. A dedicated leader in higher education, Edwards advances student access and success, faculty development, research growth, and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen Mason’s mission as Virginia’s largest public research university.

Before becoming Dean, Edwards held a series of senior leadership roles at George Mason, including Interim Dean, Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs, Associate Provost for a Sustainable Earth, Associate Provost for Graduate Education, Founding Director of the STEM Accelerator, and Executive Director of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. In these positions, he led transformative initiatives such as implementing innovative budget models and administrative support assessment, guiding strategic planning efforts for George Mason University, the College of Science, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, launching innovative dual-enrollment partnerships with regional school districts, advancing graduate education strategy through the development of new programs, and expanding access, enrollment, and student success for undergraduate and graduate populations through targeted investments in academic programs, mentoring, and experiential learning opportunities.

An evolutionary biologist and expert in conservation genomics, Edwards’ research explores the evolution, systematics, and conservation of vertebrates, with a focus on rodents and carnivores. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, mentored more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, and discovered several new species of mammals across Mexico, Central America, and South America. His work has been supported by federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, as well as numerous private foundations and industry partners.

As a leader in science education, Edwards has built enduring partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and international institutions, secured major philanthropic investments, and expanded access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities. His efforts have increased enrollment and advanced student success outcomes while elevating Mason’s national profile in sustainability, biodiversity, and applied science.

Edwards earned his PhD in Zoology from Texas Tech University and his MS and BS in Biology from Angelo State University. He also serves as a Research Associate with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and Texas Tech University’s Natural Science Research Laboratory.