In the academic world, George is best known for his intensive research and wide-ranging contributions to the field of numerical linear algebra, specifically computation with sparse matrices.
He is also well known at the University of Waterloo for having served in a number of senior administrative positions, notably vice-president, provost, and dean of mathematics.
His doctoral thesis was entitled Computer Implementation of the Finite Element Method and his supervisor was George Forsythe.
He is currently associate provost, information systems and technology at UW, a position he has held since July, 2003, and also has been serving as interim dean of graduate studies since October 2007.
In 1989, George attracted some attention for his decision, as Provost, to bar the Internet newsgroup rec.humor.funny from Waterloo's news service.