With heavy hearts, we share that our friend and former College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Dean Bill Reeder has passed away after an extended illness. In addition to his numerous, remarkable achievements noted below, it was Bill’s spirit and vision for a community arts school within CVPA that inspired what began as the Potomac Music Academy and has become our thriving Mason Community Arts Academy.
Bill was the founding dean of CVPA, joining George Mason University in 2001 to lead the newly formed college after a distinguished career as an operatic tenor and arts administrator. He served as dean until May 2015, and continued to work in the Arts Management program, one of three new academic programs, including Film and Video Studies and Computer Game Design, that were launched under his leadership. Bill was at the helm of a long-held community vision for an arts center serving Manassas and Prince William County. Bill’s advocacy led to the creation of the Hylton Performing Arts Center on what is now the Science and Technology Campus.
We will be forever grateful for all of Bill’s support, and the pride he took in how effectively his goals for a community arts program came to fruition with the Academy. Memorial details will be shared at a later date.