The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) proudly celebrates alumnus Dr. Robert Chernak (Ed.D., Higher Education Administration) on his induction into the GW Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on December 5. Dr. Chernak was honored as a special inductee for administration, recognizing his transformative impact on the history, growth, and national prominence of GW Athletics.
Few administrators have shaped the trajectory of GW Athletics as profoundly as Dr. Chernak. During his tenure as Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services, he guided multiple strategic planning processes that laid the foundation for long-term athletic success. He also created the Division of Student Affairs, strengthening the integration of student life, academics, and athletics across the university.
Working closely with then–Athletics Director Jack Kvancz and President Steven Joel Trachtenberg, Dr. Chernak played a central role in GW’s rise on the national stage. He oversaw the hiring of men’s basketball coach Mike Jarvis and women’s basketball coach Joe McKeown, decisions that proved transformative. During this era, GW celebrated a historic men’s basketball Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1993, four women’s basketball Sweet Sixteen runs, and a women’s basketball Elite Eight appearance.
The transformation was especially striking given the state of the programs when Dr. Chernak arrived at GW. At that time, men’s basketball was coming off a 1–27 season, while women’s basketball held a 9–19 record. Through vision, strategic leadership, and institutional support, Dr. Chernak helped foster a culture that enabled both programs to thrive competitively and nationally.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Chernak also served as an Associate Professor in GSEHD’s Higher Education Administration program, shaping future education leaders and reinforcing the deep connection between student success, academic excellence, and institutional mission.
His legacy continues to be honored across campus. An endowed scholarship bears his name, and the scoreboard at Tucker Field is named in honor of the Chernak family—enduring symbols of his contributions to GW.
Dr. Chernak joins a distinguished group of inductees elected by an 11-member committee following a public nomination process. The 2025 GW Athletics Hall of Fame Class also includes Jessica Adair (women’s basketball), Yinka Dare (men’s basketball), Atakan Destici (men’s water polo), Fran Dias (men’s tennis), and Lauren Whyte (volleyball).
Watch the video tribute and interview with Dr. Robert Chernak to learn more about his remarkable legacy and lasting impact on GW Athletics.