Aroutis Foster has been named the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker Chair and dean of the Baker School of Education. He will join the American University community on August 1, Provost Vicky Wilkins announced today. 

A nationally recognized researcher, collaborative leader, and experienced administrator, Foster has spent two decades advancing how technology can transform teaching, learning, and human development. He currently serves as interim dean and professor of learning sciences and technologies at Drexel University’s School of Education, as well as an affiliated professor of digital media in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.

Foster joins AU at a milestone moment for the Baker School—just two months after the university community gathered to formally dedicate its first named school in 45 years. 

The late Distinguished Professor of Finance H. Kent Baker, CAS/MS ’79, Baker/PhD ’83, MA ’84, PhD ’89, provided the historic contribution, which marks the largest single gift by an individual in AU’s history. Made in honor of his late wife, Linda—a double Eagle who passed away in 2024—the transformational funding establishes permanent endowed resources. In addition to providing for the endowed leadership chair Foster will occupy, this support will expand faculty research, strengthen community partnerships, and provide scholarships to recruit and retain graduate students.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Foster to the American University community as dean of the Baker School,” Wilkins said. “He brings to the role a strong combination of scholarly accomplishment, experience in academic leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit. I look forward to partnering with him to advance the work of our exceptional Baker School faculty, staff, students, and alumni.”

Since 2023, Foster has led Drexel’s School of Education through a period of significant academic and structural transition, overseeing its integration into the College of Arts and Sciences and its academic conversion from a quarter to a semester system. In this role, he led 35 full-time faculty, 27 professional staff, and 700–800 students; managed an $18–$21million budget; and improved the school’s revenue-to-expense ratio from 89 percent to 69 percent in two years.

Foster also raised $1.4 million to launch the ALLIED Hub (Advocacy, Leadership, Learning, Implementation, Ed Policy, and Data), which translates research into practical tools, professional learning, and implementation support for educators and policymakers. His commitment to institutional change is further reflected in his service as cochair of Drexel’s Anti-Racism Task Force—where he directed 130 volunteers across 11 subcommittees—and his contributions to university-wide working groups exploring the educational impacts of generative artificial intelligence tools.

Foster is eager to take the helm during a period of transformative momentum for the school. 

“I am honored and energized to join American University and the Baker School of Education at such a consequential moment for education, human development, and the public good,” he said. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside this remarkable community to build a bold, inclusive future with meaningful impact in Washington and beyond.”

Foster’s scholarship focuses on designing and examining technological learning environments, including digital games and virtual platforms, to better understand how they support student knowledge, identity exploration, and motivation. Since 2013, he has directed the Games and Learning in Interactive Digital Environments Lab, mentoring dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars. He has secured more than $7 million in external grants, including seven National Science Foundation grants and the prestigious NSF CAREER award.

The Jamaican-born scholar earned his doctorate in educational psychology and educational technology from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s with a double major in art and broadcast communications from CUNY-Brooklyn College, graduating cum laude. 

He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a Mellon Mays Fellow, and an alumnus of the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers.

In her announcement, Wilkins expressed gratitude to Rodney Hopson, who has served as interim dean since January 2025 and who will continue to lead the school through the end of July. She also thanked the search committee, chaired by Professor Sarah Irvine Belson and supported by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller for its support of the recruitment efforts.