Fairfax, Va. -- George Mason Sr. Associate Athletic Director Ron Shayka has announced his retirement after 39 years as a leader in the Mason athletic department. 
 
"What a privilege it's been to work alongside so many talented and dedicated coaches and staff over the years." said Shayka.  "I've also been truly blessed to have had opportunities to play a small part in helping our student athletes grow as individuals and chase their athletic dreams. I'll definitely miss those feelings of hope and anticipation that come with the start of every school year."
 
As Senior Associate AD for Finance and Operations Shayka handled both departmental finances and the day-to-day monitoring and administration of all business operations. In addition, he handled program direction, policymaking and personnel issues.
 
"Ron has been a trusted advisor as a member of our Senior Leadership Team," said Assistant VP/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards. "We sincerely appreciate Ron's dedicated, commitment and long-standing service to our university. He has always had the best interest of our student-athletes and coaches in every recommendation and decision he has made. Nearly four decades at one place is a great testament of the special relationship Ron had at our university and the immeasurable impact he had with Mason Athletics. We wish you great happiness on your new journey into retirement."
 
A former player at Penn State University ('81), Shayka career was heavily invested in both men's and women's volleyball at Mason as a coach and a sport administrator. He began his career on the sideline as an assistant coach for the Patriots men's volleyball team in 1982. He was head coach for the Patriots for seven seasons before moving to athletic administration in 1996 as assistant executive director of the Patriot Club, the fundraising arm of athletics, for five years.
 
In 1986, Shayka led the squad to a 27-5 mark as interim head. He left to work at Georgetown University, where he stayed for three years. Shayka returned in 1990, this time coaching six years and compiling a 102-88 record. In eight trips to the EIVA Tournament, Shayka led the Patriots to the championship match three times, and a top three finish five times.
 
Shayka has extensive experience in university, conference and NCAA administrative committee appointments. He served two terms on the NCAA Men's Volleyball Committee (2004-08 and 2013-16), which has a hand in choosing the field for the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship. He was the Chair for a total of four years (2006, 2013-16).
 
The Ambridge, Pa., native was the catalyst in bringing the 2023 National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship, which will take place May 4-6, to EagleBank Arena on Mason's campus. It will mark 33 years since Mason last hosted the NCAA Championship in the respective sport.
 
Shayka served eight years as the president of the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA). He recently stepped down from the USA Volleyball's Rules Committee and Men's Volleyball Commission.
 
A sport administrator for women's rowing, Shayka served on the NCAA Regional Rowing Ranking Committee for three years.
 
Shayka earned a B.S. degree in 1981 from Penn State University, where he was a four-year volleyball letterwinner.