Alger to Resign From American U to Become America 250 Fellow

After two years at the helm, American University president Jonathan Alger is stepping down to take a joint appointment announced by the American Council on Education and the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the university announced Wednesday.

As the inaugural America 250 fellow, Alger will work “to advance the role of colleges and universities in strengthening democratic institutions, civic learning, and informed citizenship as the United States marks its 250th anniversary,” according to the AAC&U news release.

Alger previously spent 12 years leading James Madison University, where he spoke regularly about the need for civic engagement and the role universities can play in serving the public good. At American, he founded the Civic Life Initiative and advanced other efforts to accelerate the spread of civic learning in colleges.

In a message to the American campus community, Alger said he was leaving with “mixed emotions.”

“As many of you know, I have long had a passion for the public purposes of higher education and its role in supporting and sustaining a vibrant, pluralistic democracy,” he wrote. “Two years ago when I joined AU, we could not have predicted the challenges that emerged to that vital mission. As I contemplated how best to contribute in this pivotal moment, I was drawn to the opportunity to engage across the entire ecosystem. Building on my decades of frontline leadership, I am excited that my next chapter will help shape the national dialogue on the future of higher education.”

The university’s Board of Trustees appointed David Marchick, dean of the Kogod School of Business, as interim president. Alger will officially step down July 1. In a statement, Charlie Lydecker, chair of the AU Board of Trustees, thanked Alger for his contributions to American.

“His new endeavors are important national opportunities to further issues at the core of his career, and we wish him well,” Lydecker said.