Presidential Search
Contact Us
Board of Trustees
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Welcoming American University's New President
33:00
We are pleased to introduce Sylvia Mathews Burwell as American University's 15th president.
Presidential Search Timeline
Early Spring 2016
- President Kerwin announces decision to step down (March 28, 2016)
- Presidential Search Committee formed
- Search firms interviewed; Spencer Stuart chosen
- Open slots (one faculty; one student) on search committee filled, based on community nominations
- Five listening sessions with campus constituencies to solicit feedback about:
- Characteristics of the next president
- Opportunities & challenges
- Recruitment & nomination process
Late Spring 2016
- Two listening sessions held
- Community feedback incorporated into draft position specification
- Ad and position specification finalized
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Summer 2016
- Community invited to nominate candidates for President
- Search firm compiles nomination materials
- Committee reviews candidate pool; search firm conducts outreach
Fall 2016
- Committee interviews candidates
Winter 2017
- Finalist interviews
- Committee recommends finalists to Board of Trustees
- Board of Trustees selects final candidate, votes & extends offer
- Board of Trustees makes announcement (January 26, 2017)
Late Spring & Summer 2017
- President Kerwin steps down (May 31, 2017)
- Sylvia Mathews Burwell becomes American University’s president (June 1, 2017)