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Fanta Aw VP Undergrad Enrollment, Campus Life, Inclusive Excellence Office of Campus Life

Additional Positions at AU
Vice President of Campus Life
Degrees
Dr. Aw earned all of her degrees from American University: BSc in Accounting, MA in Public Administration with a focus in organizational development, and Ph.D. in Sociology with a focus in international education, social stratification and transnational migration. Her research focuses on the political economy of international education; transnational migration and diaspora communities; and race relations.

Favorite Spot on Campus
Unity Garden
Bio
Dr. Fanta Aw is Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence at American University in Washington D.C.  Dr. Aw provides senior executive leadership for 14 departments in Campus Life, four in Enrollment Services, and one in Inclusive Excellence. She has over 30 years of experience in higher education administration. She advises American University leadership on matters related to the student experience; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and campus internationalization. Dr. Aw is also the School of International Service’s Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer. She is the 2013 recipient of the University Award for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Position.

Dr. Aw is past President and Chair of the Board of Directors of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the largest membership association of international educators with close to 10,000 members. She has chaired the board of ETS TOEFL. Dr. Aw is a frequent keynote speaker on topics related to U.S. immigration, international educational exchanges, and diversity and inclusion in higher education and is frequently interviewed by major global media outlets.

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Honors, Awards, and Fellowships

  • Diversity Award, 2007, American University, Washington, DC
  • Campus Excellence Award, 2007, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center, American University, Washington, DC   
  • Outstanding Service Award, 1996, 2001, 2005, American University, Washington, DC   
  • Award for Exemplary Service, 1996, Multicultural Affairs, American University, Washington, DC   
  • Best Session of the NAFSA Region VIII Conference, 2005, T.A.L.K.: Taking Action to Learn about “Kulture” , NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Washington, DC

Professional Presentations

  • Designed and facilitated over a 100 immigration, cross-cultural communication, and international education exchange presentations and workshops for NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United Negro College Fund, AMIDEAST, Academy for Educational Development, the College Board, American Council, Hillel, and the IIE (Institute for International Education)   
  • Designed and facilitated intercultural communication and diversity workshops for students and staff at American University   
  • Keynote speaker and workshop leader on immigration, international exchange programs, and intercultural communication, and trends in higher education for the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Educational advising conferences; East Asia and Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, South America, Africa, and Eurasia