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.
Former student-athlete and longtime trustee Charlie Lydecker, SPA/BA '85, was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees earlier this summer. Lydecker, who came to AU on a swimming scholarship and has remained deeply engaged in the life of the University, has served as vice chair of the board since 2023 and as a trustee since 2005. Read more.
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.