Administrative Leadership
The president's council is composed of members of the:
- President's Cabinet (Provost and Vice Presidents)
- Academic Deans and Librarian (Academic Leadership)
- Other Senior Administrators
The president's council meets once a month to discuss issues of importance to the university community. A copy of the AU organizational chart is available online.
President's Cabinet
Sylvia Burwell President
Sylvia Burwell became American University's fifteenth and first female president on June 1, 2017. She leads an institution of nearly 13,000 students, 1,300 teaching and administrative faculty, and 2,500 staff.
Mary L. Clark Interim Provost
As Interim Provost, Mary L. Clark is the chief academic officer of American University. Clark is a distinguished scholar and teacher, and an influential leader whose service has positively affected the university.
Fanta Aw Vice President, Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence
Fanta Aw and the Campus Life staff work to integrate students into a diverse university community; promote their intellectual, social, and spiritual development; and in collaboration with the faculty, prepare students for lifelong learning and global citizenship.
Traevena Byrd General Counsel
Traevena Byrd oversees the Office of the General Counsel. The attorneys within the Office of the General Counsel provide, manage, and coordinate all legal services for the university.
Teresa Flannery Vice President, Communication
Terry Flannery oversees the university's official communications areas: University Communication, including the Media Relations and Web Communications offices; University Marketing; and University Publications.
Seth Grossman Chief of Staff
Seth Grossman is responsible for presidential communications, strategy and other duties on behalf of the president.
Doug KudravetzChief Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer
Doug Kudravetz oversees the overall financial and investment management of the university. His executive responsibilities also include controllership and treasury operations, student accounts, procurement and contracts, budget and payroll, capital and facilities planning, facilities management, sustainability, external relations, auxiliary services, public safety, risk management, transportation services, and internal audit.
Courtney SurlsVice President, Development and Alumni Relations
Courtney Surls works with the university leadership, alumni, and donors to support AU's strategic priorities, attract new funding, and build lifelong relationships between AU and more than 115,000 alumni.
David Swartz Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Since joining AU in 2007, Dave Swartz has worked to bring best practices and strong leadership to AU's Office of Information Technology, which provides central support for the university's computing and telecommunications needs. Recognized by Computerworld as a "Best Place to Work in IT" for 2013, OIT performs four distinctive service functions: IT Customer Services and Support, Enterprise Systems, Information Security, and Technology Operations.
David Taylor Secretary, Board of Trustees
David Taylor is secretary to the university's Board of Trustees. He also oversees WAMU 88.5, AU's public radio station, and the Office of Special Events.
Lisa Leff Acting Dean of Academic Affairs and Senior Vice Provost
Lisa Leff works with the provost and academic units to recruit and retain faculty, develop academic programs, support faculty research and teaching, and engage in the intellectual mission of the university.
Christine Chin Dean, School of International Service
Christine Chin, an expert on the political economy of transnational migration, Southeast Asian studies and intercultural relations, is interim dean of the School of International Service. The School of International Service is the largest school of international relations in the United States and is training future leaders to "wage peace" around the world.
Nancy Davenport University Librarian
The university library, headed by Nancy Davenport, serves as a gateway to AU's print resources and electronic information and supports student and faculty research.
John T. Delaney Dean, Kogod School of Business
John T. Delaney became dean of the Kogod School of Business on July 18, 2016. He is a noted scholar in the fields of negotiation, dispute resolution, and labor-management relations. He comes to AU from the University of Pittsburgh where, as dean, he increased enrollment, improved student quality, grew annual fundraising, and surpassed the school's $50 million capital campaign goal a year ahead of schedule.
Cheryl Holcomb-Mccoy Dean, School of Education
Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy joined AU in 2016 as the Dean of the School of Education. In concert with her colleagues in the College of Arts and Sciences, she concentrates her efforts on recruiting and supporting a more research-active and diverse faculty, developing outstanding new curricula in education, and building bridges to school districts and education industries around the globe.
Jill Klein Interim Dean, School of Professional and Extended Studies
Jill Klein leads the School of Professional and Extended Studies (SPExS), which includes the Washington Semester Program, Washington Internships for Native Students, the Washington Mentorship Program, and the Graduate Gateway Program.
Camille A. Nelson Dean, Washington College of Law
Camille A. Nelson, an expert on the intersection of critical race theory and cultural studies, is dean of the Washington College of Law. In 2015, she completed a five-year term as dean of Suffolk University Law School in Boston, where she led the creation of the school's first strategic plan, increased diversity, and achieved success in fundraising, grant writing, and program and partnership development.
Jeffrey Rutenbeck Dean, School of Communication
Jeffrey Rutenbeck directs and develops the School of Communication's academic and professional programs in Journalism, Film and Media Arts and Public Communication.
Peter Starr Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Peter Starr oversees the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers more than 150 majors, minors, master's, PhDs, and certificate programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and education.
Jonathan Tubman Vice Provost, Research, and Dean of Graduate Studies
Jonathan Tubman leads Research and Graduate Studies. His office seeks to develop opportunities for innovation in graduate education and provide infrastructure for academic research.
Jessica Waters Vice Provost, Undergraduate Studies
Jessica Waters leads Undergraduate Studies. Her office oversees the undergraduate living learning communities and the university's general education program. She also provides academic leadership on undergraduate curricular development and reform, and oversees implementation of the university's academic regulations and policies.
Vicky M. Wilkins Dean, School of Public Affairs
Vicky M. Wilkins leads the School of Public Affairs, a nationally top-ranked school offering education in the fields of political science, public administration, public policy, and justice at the graduate, executive and undergraduate levels.
Raina Lenney Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations & Annual Giving
Raina Lenney is responsible for advancing the mission of the university through programs, benefits, and services designed to engage AU's alumni constituency.
Beth Muha Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Beth Muha is responsible for overseeing American University's Office of Human Resources.
William Walker Director, Athletics and Recreation
Billy Walker oversees AU's athletics teams, intramural and club sports, and recreation programs. The Eagles compete in the Patriot League, which emphasizes athletics and academic competitiveness.