Biography
Michal McElwain Malur is the Director of External Programs for the Schar School of Policy and Government. After joining the Schar School of Policy and Government in 1995, she has served in several leadership roles, including running the Center for Regional Analysis Survey Research Center and serving as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Mason Enterprise Center. Currently, Michal is charged with organizing and leading Schar’s public policy, international trade, public administration and management study abroad classes.
Mrs. Malur takes more than 100 students abroad a year on a host of programs that compare political systems, public administration, study entrepreneurialism, examine global health, development, international trade, peace keeping and emergency response efforts. She has organized and led groups to Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Croatia, Cuba, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, the UAE, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and yearly to Oxford University.
Michal has extensive experience in strategic planning and communications strategies, establishing networks, policy analysis, hosting international delegation visits, and directing large-scale events.
Her academic interests focus on the economic development of regions, including the role of technology, entrepreneurship and institutional development. She has served as the School’s liaison with the International Institute for Regional Development and served on the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Economic Development Coalition, the Board of Directors for the U.S. Border Trade Alliance, and the County Executives of America.
Michal served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Manassas Park and has done consulting work for the Trading Force Limited in London; William-Lynn-James and the Blue Water Bridge Authority in Sarnia, Canada; K. Services International in Abu Dhabi, UAE; and the Institute for Trade and Commercial Diplomacy. Prior to her current post at George Mason University, Michal taught at the La Universidad de Negocios de Asturias in Asturias, Spain.
Michal received her master’s degree in Regional Economic Development and her BA in International Studies from George Mason University.