At the end of this month, nearly 100 American University faculty and staff will retire as part of the university’s voluntary retirement incentive program.  

“Collectively, these individuals represent an extraordinary commitment to AU, with an average of 24 years of service across the university’s many departments and schools,” Bronte Burleigh-Jones, Kogod/BS ’91, MBA ’93, CFO, vice president, and treasurer, and Marshall Taylor, associate vice president and chief human resources officer wrote in a campus message.

“Their contributions span decades that saw some of the most significant achievements in our history.”

As these Eagles finish up their time on campus, AU Now asked a few long-serving staff members to reflect on how they’ve seen the university change for the better during their tenure.

Ann Joiner, executive director, HR special projects: “The campus itself has expanded significantly over the past 15 years, all with an eye toward improving the student experience. Another improvement has been the effort by the cabinet to be more transparent, particularly with respect to the university’s financials. The forums hosted by Bronté Burleigh-Jones and Vicky Wilkins with both in-person and virtual options, have been a welcome change both for their transparency and for giving employees an opportunity to engage with campus leadership.”

Arboretum manager Mike Mastrota: “The transformation of the campus landscape has been significant and rewarding. AU is now known as a horticultural destination and show place within the city. When the idea [for the arboretum] was first conceived, we had no idea where it might go, but it has exceeded all expectations. I do believe that the sky is the limit in what the AU arboretum can become in the future.” 

Phil Morse, assistant vice president of university police services and emergency management and transportation: “During my tenure, our approach to campus safety has matured. When I started it was largely [focused] on traditional security concepts and technology. Now, we talk about community engagement, threat assessment, and preventive care and safety in terms of behavioral intervention, wellness partnerships, and trauma-informed response. That evolution has made the campus safer on both seen and unseen ways.”

Ann Marie Powell, senior director of dining and auxiliary services: “We’ve implemented innovative dining options that better cater to diverse student needs and preferences, as well as streamlined mail services for more efficient operations. The OneCard system has become more user-friendly, and our Campus store now offers a wider selection of AU spirit wear, fostering school pride and convenience for our community. Additionally, our vending initiatives now focus on healthier choices and convenience. I am proud of the collaborative spirit we’ve fostered across these services, ensuring that students have a voice in how they are managed.”

Andie Rowe, director of employee wellness and work-life: “One of the initiatives I am most proud to have helped develop is the AU Airlie 5K and Fall Festival. This event has been a wonderful opportunity to bring together faculty, staff, students, families, and the broader community at the beautiful Airlie campus, fostering connection and well-being in a truly inspiring setting.”