The Mason Spirit

Daniel Polsby, Dean of the School of Law, is seen in his infamous vest at the Arlington Campus. Photo by Alexis Glenn

Most days you will find Mason School of Law Dean Dan Polsby walking the corridors of Hazel Hall on the Arlington Campus sporting his signature Royal Robbins field vest. The vest weighs almost 10 pounds and holds all manner of things the dean needs to go about his day, much like a wearable briefcase. Witnesses attest that among the items to be found in the vest are a full-size iPad, eyeglasses, cell phone, earphones (attached to the vest with binder clips), writing utensils, and “the keys to everything,” according to his office manager Rusty O’Connor. She says, “I don’t think we will ever truly know what all is in there.” Polsby admits that unpacking the vest is a nuisance and takes some time, which heightens his distaste for airports and buildings that require a security check. Polsby joined Mason in 1999. He was appointed interim dean in 2004 and became the dean officially in 2005. On June 30, he steps down as dean and returns to law school faculty.