Safeguarding the University's assets and fostering its capacity to serve others
Since its founding in 1893, American University has benefited greatly from the devotion, service, intellectual contributions, ethical behavior, and philanthropy of many thousands of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends.
In a very real sense, they also are "trustees" of the institutions by virtue of their dedication, affection, and generosity that help to ensure that the University will faithfully serve this and future generations. Those of us who have been chosen to serve as fiduciary trustees for a period of time—to safeguard the University's assets and to foster its capacity to serve others—enthusiastically and without reservation accept the following additional responsibilities as evidence of the commitment of each trustee. Read the Trustees' Statement of Commitment.
The Board of Trustees winter meeting (February 27-28) focused on important university priorities, including enrollment, strategic planning, university finances, and achievements that make AU distinct. The board approved financial aid, tuition, and fee levels for 2025-26 and will approve the FY26 budget at the May meeting. Trustees also engaged an in-depth discussion about the strategic plan. During the business meeting, Charlie Lydecker (SPA/BA '85) and Gaurdie Banister were elected as 2025-27 board chair and vice chair; Debra Decker (SIS/BA '74) and Steven Poskanzer were elected as new trustees, and Marcus McNeill (SPA/BA '26) and Stephen Silvia were elected student trustee and faculty trustee, respectively. The board also recognized faculty member H. Kent Baker for his historic and transformational gift to name the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education to honor his late wife. Read more.
The Board of Trustees fall meeting (November 21-22) highlighted progress in key areas that support our vision for AU as an innovative higher education community that is addressing the challenges of our world. President Jon Alger reflected on his initial months at AU and discussed key areas of focus for the next strategic plan. Read more.
Board Chair Gina F. Adams was named FedEx's Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, effective September 24, 2024. Read the announcement.
AU's next strategic plan will build on our identity as an engaged anchor institution in the nation's capital devoted to such ideals as public service, democracy, pluralism, justice, and equality. The strategic planning process is guided by the question, "What can or should make AU distinctive?" Learn more about the framework, working groups, and timeline.