I write to share several updates from the Board of Trustees’ annual retreat last week. Thank you to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who joined us and offered a vivid reminder of what makes American University distinctive: a community committed to learning, service, discovery, and impact on a beautiful campus in the most important city in the world.

Over two days, the Board heard from Interim President Dave Marchick, Provost Vicky Wilkins, CFO Bronté Burleigh-Jones, and members of AU’s leadership team about the university’s priorities and progress. Their presentations reinforced our confidence in AU’s direction and in the work underway to advance our strategic plan, build on areas of excellence, and align our resources with the opportunities and challenges ahead.

We are grateful to Dave for the energy, steady leadership, and care he brings to this role. His work with Vicky and Bronté, the leadership team, and colleagues across the university will help AU keep moving forward during this important period.

Given the dramatic amount of change surrounding the higher education sector, the Board of Trustees believes that it is important to maintain a level of stability for a period of time. Because the execution of our strategic plan and related resource efforts will continue beyond the current academic year, and because of our unanimous confidence in Dave, the Board asked Dave Marchick to serve as interim president for two academic years. Fortunately, he agreed. Dave enjoys the full authority and support of the Board to act as President during this two-year term. We expect to launch the presidential search in fall 2027 and aim to complete it by summer 2028, accompanied by the expected level of engagement with our community.

I’m also pleased to announce that Avery Field has been selected as AU’s student trustee-elect. Avery is a junior majoring in political science and journalism. She has served as a student ambassador and project assistant in the Office of Inclusive Excellence, a BRAID Fellow with Interfaith America, an intern with the Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies, and an orientation leader. Avery will join the Board at our November meeting, and we look forward to learning from her perspective and welcoming her into this important role.

This is a period of transition for all of higher education, but it is also a time to sharpen our focus and build on AU’s strengths. The Board is committed to supporting the work of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders as we advance the university’s mission and make important, informed decisions about our future.

Thank you for all you do for AU.