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Board of Trustees

Safeguarding the University's assets and fostering its capacity to serve others

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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.

Recent News

Community Messages

September 2024 Meeting Summary

The Board of Trustees conducted its annual retreat on September 4-5 at AU's Airlie facility in Warrenton, Virginia. During the retreat, the Board conducted thorough discussions with university leaders on key themes shaping both current operations and future strategy--our academic vision, enrollment trends, and the university budget. Board Chair Adams also announced that President Jon Alger's inauguration will be held March 27-28, 2025. During the business meeting, the Board approved the resolution to officially close the Change Can't Wait campaign and approved School of Public Affairs junior Marcus McNeill as the 2024-25 Student Trustee-Elect. Read more.

Successful Conclusion of Change Can't Wait Campaign

With pride and gratitude, the American University Board of Trustees voted on September 5 to officially close Change Can't Wait: The Campaign for American University. The campaign, surpassing the ambitious goal set more than seven years ago, raised more than $507 million to transform our community and build AU's bright future. Read more.

Jonathan Alger named AU's 16th President

The Board of Trustees announced that Jonathan (Jon) Alger will serve as American University’s 16th president, effective July 1, 2024. Read the announcement, learn more, and watch President-Elect Alger's .

Trustee News

Board Chair Gina F. Adams named FedEx's Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, effective September 24, 2024. Read the .