American University (AU or the University) seeks a strategic and transformative leader to serve as its next Provost. The Provost will have an extraordinary opportunity to build on the University’s strengths and continue its trajectory as a premier institution with excellence in teaching, research, and social impact. The next leader will be a scholar of distinction with a record of resourceful and creative problem-solving, effective execution, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

American University is a dynamic institution in the heart of Washington, DC, with a history of catalyzing impact-driven scholarship and teaching, fostering intellectual curiosity, supporting student thriving, and empowering lives of purpose, service, and leadership. In the last five years, AU has doubled research funding, engaged in innovative cross-disciplinary scholarship and developed unprecedented hands-on learning opportunities for students. The University has also established nine endowed faculty positions and launched or named four distinctive centers and institutes that showcase the strengths of the AU community and incubate innovative ideas. At the foundation of this remarkable upward trajectory is a community of passionate leaders who insist on tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

At a time of renewed energy with the naming of President Jonathan Alger as AU’s 16th president and an anticipated reclassification as an R1 institution, the University is looking for a Provost who will seize the opportunity to galvanize the community around a bold academic vision; strengthen the value proposition for students; ensure effective use of resources; balance an emphasis on teaching with growth in research activity; and inspire trust and support for shared governance.

The successful leader will be an accomplished academic, a respected manager with team- and community-building skills, a persuasive and authentic communicator with a sense of urgency about academic transformation, and a talent for approaching all strategic decisions with an inclusive excellence lens.

President Jonathan Alger has appointed a search committee to conduct this confidential search in partnership with Keight Tucker Kennedy, Pam Pezzoli, and Berlinda Mojica of the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller.

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

Confidential nominations, inquiries, and applications may be directed to the search team. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.

Read full prospectus

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