Dear members of the American University community,

As you read in President Alger’s email this morning, Jon has accepted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the first America 250 Fellow, a unique joint appointment with the American Council on Education (ACE) and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). He will also become a Senior Fellow for Civic Leadership at American University. From these positions, Jon will continue leading the national conversation about the future of higher education and elevate the importance of civic leadership and engagement, which have been pillars of his career for many years.  

While at AU, Jon fostered civil discourse and problem solving by founding the Civic Life Initiative. He led the inclusive process to develop the Meet Our Moment strategic plan and prepare students for career success. He helped secure the naming gift for the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education and opened the Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance. President Alger will complete his service on June 30, 2026. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Jon for his meaningful contributions to the community.  

The Board of Trustees unanimously selected David Marchick, dean of the Kogod School of Business, to serve as interim president, effective July 1. Dave enjoys the complete confidence of the board to exercise the full authority of the university president. The board has asked Dave to drive the university's progress in all areas and to accelerate implementation of the strategic plan. Dave intends to return to Kogod as dean when the next permanent president takes office. 

Under Dave’s leadership, Kogod transformed its academic offerings through bold investments in AI, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, earning national recognition. Poets&Quants named Kogod the best AI program in the country, calling it, “the most consequential AI transformation in business education.” The school earned top-50 MBA distinction across major rankings, including U.S. News & World Report, where it climbed 76 spots—the largest rise of any business school over the last four years. Kogod has also ranked among the top 10 schools nationally for entrepreneurship and sustainability. Over the last three and a half years, the school raised $41 million–almost five times the amount raised in the preceding five years combined. 

Dave brings many strengths to the role of interim president. A history major with public affairs and law degrees, he applies a scholar’s curiosity and rigor to leadership. Before leading Kogod, he held leadership appointments in two presidential administrations working on international trade and development; served as a senior executive at the Carlyle Group and partner at Covington & Burling; and played a pivotal role in the 2020 presidential transition. He co-authored two books and taught at Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business and the Georgetown University Law Center. An avid photographer and cyclist, Dave completed an 8-day, 3,000-mile bike race across the country to raise $100,000 for AU scholarships. His breadth of experience and energetic support for students, faculty, and staff make him an exceptional leader. 

The Board offered the interim role with Provost Vicky Wilkins, who strongly supported Dave for the role and decided that her greatest value would be to continue leading our academic mission with her full focus. Her work is crucial to our progress, and the Board is confident that Dave, Vicky, CFO Bronté Burleigh-Jones, and many throughout the University will move us forward with urgency and purpose. Today's challenges and opportunities require a focused and collaborative team, and a community working together toward our common goals. As we align resources with our priorities, we will embrace our shared successes and sacrifices and press forward–not pause–on our ambitions.  

Looking forward, the board will develop a national search process for our next permanent president. We expect to attract highly qualified candidates. Located in the epicenter of democracy, American University is a strong and distinctive institution. We are both an innovative high-impact research university where students and faculty discover together and an outstanding teaching and experiential learning community that propels students into the careers and lives they seek. And what we offer is more relevant and needed than ever. 

The search process will be guided by our commitments to academic excellence, shared governance, and community engagement. The presidential search committee will be a representative body with members from across our community. In the near future, we will share more information about the process and timeline, and we will seek input and provide updates. 

Transitions are moments of opportunity. We have a clear strategy in Meet Our Moment, a strong and experienced leadership team, and a community that is second to none. I have every confidence in our path forward and our bright future.  

Thank you for your continued commitment to American University.