FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis announced today that Duraunte Cutts has been named the department's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development.
Cutts brings more than a decade of experience in collegiate athletics development, donor engagement, and revenue generation to George Mason. He joins the Patriots after serving as Director of Athletic Development/Associate Athletic Director at Fordham University, where he played an integral role in advancing the university's philanthropic efforts and cultivating relationships with alumni, supporters, and friends of athletics.
"We are thrilled to welcome Duraunte to Mason Nation," said Lewis. "His authenticity, passion for serving student-athletes, and ability to build lasting relationships immediately stood out. Just as compelling is his experience working across every level of athletics fundraising—from annual and major gifts to premium seating, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement. Duraunte understands that fundraising is ultimately about people and creating opportunities that change lives.
His leadership will be instrumental as we align George Mason Athletics with the university's Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign. Together, these efforts will strengthen philanthropic support and create new opportunities for our student-athletes. I am excited for our alumni, donors, and supporters to get to know him, and I am confident he will play a vital role in building on our momentum and advancing the vision outlined in our Patriots United. Together We Thrive. strategic plan."
Prior to Fordham, Cutts spent more than two years at the University of Kansas as an assistant athletic director, overseeing the department's annual fund operations. During his tenure, the unit generated more than $20 million annually in support of Jayhawks Athletics while achieving significant growth in donor engagement and membership initiatives, increasing participation by 28 percent. He also played a key role in leadership giving efforts and alumni student-athlete engagement initiatives.
"I want to thank Marvin Lewis and the university's leadership for the opportunity to join George Mason Athletics," said Cutts. "Throughout this process, it became clear that there is a strong vision for the future and a commitment to doing things the right way. I look forward to building relationships with our alumni, donors, supporters, coaches, and campus partners as we work together to create new opportunities for our student athletes. I'm excited to be part of Patriot Nation and can't wait to get started!"
As Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, Cutts will serve as the chief fundraising officer for George Mason Athletics, leading all philanthropic initiatives that support the department's strategic priorities and the university's mission. As a member of the athletics senior leadership team, he will collaborate closely with Advancement and Alumni Relations, athletics staff, and external partners to strengthen donor engagement and increase support through annual, major, principal, and planned giving efforts.
Before Kansas, Cutts served in fundraising leadership positions at UNLV, where he oversaw the Runnin' Rebels Loyalty Circle Society, the department's premier giving society, and managed the activation of premium athletic assets to enhance donor stewardship. During his time in Las Vegas, he secured major gifts and partnerships with national and regional organizations, including Red Bull and Nevada State Bank.
His previous experience also includes development and corporate partnership roles at Jacksonville University, as well as donor relations and ticket sales positions at Florida State University.
Cutts began his career in professional sports with the Houston Astros and D.C. United before returning to his alma mater, Valdosta State University, where he served as assistant director of ticketing and game operations.
Cutts' appointment comes at a pivotal time for George Mason Athletics as the department continues to build momentum through its five-year strategic plan, Patriots United. Together We Thrive, while advancing fundraising efforts in support of the university's comprehensive campaign.
