Burwell was an unconventional choice for the role. A former Obama administration official, she knew Washington and its power structure, but she had no advanced degree or academic experience.
Mr. Alger, by contrast, has had a long track record in academia. Prior to his long tenure leading JMU, he served as senior vice president and general counsel at Rutgers University, and while at the University of Michigan, held leadership roles at two of his landmark universities in the United States. I accomplished it. Supreme Court cases on race and admissions. He taught courses in leadership, law, higher education, public policy, and diversity. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School.
In his 12 years at JMU, a public university of about 22,000 students in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Algiers has increased external research funding and doubled its endowment. Under Alger, JMU was elevated to the highest level of college football. Alger created full-tuition scholarships for students who were the first in his family to attend college and launched the Madison Center for Civic Engagement.
“John Alger is known for his involvement in the community, his deep commitment to scholarship and research, and his passion for learning,” Gina Adams, an AU alumnus who serves as the university's board chair, said in a statement Monday. said. “John’s vision for American University, his understanding of the unique qualities of our university community, and his proven ability to address the complex challenges facing higher education prepares him to continue to lead American University into the future.” is completed.”
Some higher education leaders praised AU's choice. “John brings extensive experience as a distinguished scholar in civil rights law and higher education to the chancellorship at a time when university leadership is more complex than ever. Academic Freedom, Shared Governance, and Higher Education Excellence as champions of access to society and as community builders,” Association of American Universities President Lynn Pascrella said in a written statement Monday. “He leads with compassion, transparency, integrity, trustworthiness, moral courage and humor.”
American University has approximately 14,000 students.
“American University's distinguished academic profile and global impact reflect the unique and inspiring characteristics of its faculty, students, and alumni,” Professor Alger said in a written statement. “Educating students to dream big is at the heart of higher education, and the opportunity to attend American University is a dream come true for me and my family.”
This is a developing story. Will be updated.
