American University hires James Madison University president

Anna Chen
·1 min read

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — American University (AU) named the head of a Virginia college as AU’s next president on Monday.

The university said Jonathan Alger would transition to the position at American on July 1, becoming the college’s 16th president. Alger, a native of Rochester, N.Y., has served as the president of James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Va. for 12 years.

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According to a news release from JMU, Alger said the university has become more “diverse” and “inclusive” and applications and enrollments “continue to break records.”

“Collectively, we have accomplished a great deal at JMU with all of you. The university is better and stronger than ever. We have transitioned into a true national research university and are no longer “the best kept secret” in American higher education,” Alger stated.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors will make a recommendation to the full board for a vote on who will fill in as acting president. JMU’s Board of Visitors will then approve an acting president who will start on July 1 as the search for the university’s next presidents begins.

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