FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
A first-of-its-kind memorandum of understanding with an academic university was signed between Defense Logistics Agency Energy and George Mason University at the McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Jan. 8.
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller and GMU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. S. David Wu signed the groundbreaking agreement that will foster employment opportunities for Mason students under the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence Program, Pathways Intern Programs, or other DLA employment programs.
“This ceremony formalizes a relationship with a premier academic institution which will have long-lasting effects for the Energy workplace,” Miller said. “This MOU will allow us to leverage a mutually beneficial recruiting relationship and a pipeline of talent for the future.”
Wu agreed saying, “We are thrilled to have the honor of being the first institution in the region that DLA Energy is partnering with.”
DLA is committed to developing innovative recruitment strategies with a variety of career paths to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, skilled, and agile workforce. Various employment programs are designed to provide students and entry-level associates work experience and potential for subsequent advancement. Under the MOU, GMU students and applicants are given the opportunity to learn more about and apply for DLA Energy programs and, in return, DLA Energy will receive qualified applicants and an on-campus location to provide information regarding DLA employment opportunities.
Gabby Earhardt, director of DLA Energy Supplier Operations, is a PaCE graduate, GMU alumnus, and the architect of the idea.
“One of my most important responsibilities is to ensure DLA Energy builds a strong and capable acquisition workforce that can continue to provide unparalleled support to the Warfighter,” she said. “I feel incredibly fortunate that we are able to rely on George Mason to help provide us that much needed bench strength.”
GMU is the largest and fastest growing public university in Virginia. A research tier one university, it is noted for its strong education tradition and having a diverse student population.
“Fifty percent of the student population are minorities and a large number are the first generation to attend college,” Wu said.
Wu described Mason students as talented and not taking things for granted.
“Mason graduates are known to be hard workers and scrappy with Mason spirit,” Wu said. “I am happy for students to have this opportunity with DLA Energy.”
DLA Energy has 28 interns currently in the PaCE program.
“We are taking what was already a great relationship to the next level,” Miller said.