Jonathan (Jon) Alger, a nationally renowned scholar of higher education policy, has been named American University’s 16th president. Alger, who has served for 12 years as president of James Madison University, will join AU on July 1 upon the completion of President Sylvia Burwell’s changemaking seven-year tenure. 

Under Alger’s leadership, JMU—a publicly chartered university in Harrisonburg, Virginia—increased external research funding by 92 percent from 2019 to 2023 and attained the R2 national research university designation under the Carnegie Classifications. JMU’s endowment more than doubled during his presidency, and the university exceeded the fundraising goal in its recent comprehensive campaign. Alger also championed the creation of the Valley Scholars Program, which has provided full-tuition scholarships to hundreds of first-generation JMU students, and the nonpartisan James Madison Center for Civic Engagement, which promotes democratic participation.

“Jon Alger is one of America’s great university presidents,” said Ted Mitchell, president, American Council on Education (ACE). “His collaborative leadership style, deliberative demeanor, and strategic vision will only accelerate the great progress AU has made under President Burwell.” 

Alger’s selection is the culmination of a highly competitive six-month process led by the Presidential Search Committee, which included faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. Gina Adams, SPA/BS ’80, chair of the AU Board of Trustees, said his commitment to and passion for scholarship, research, learning, and community engagement stood out among a talented pool of candidates.

“His vision for AU, his understanding of the unique attributes of a university community, and his proven ability to address the complex challenges facing higher education have prepared Jon to lead AU moving forward,” Adams said. 

A Harvard-educated lawyer, Alger—who also holds a bachelor’s in political science from Swarthmore College—previously served as senior vice president and general counsel at Rutgers University. As assistant general counsel at the University of Michigan, he played a leading role in two landmark cases on diversity and admissions before the US Supreme Court. Alger has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, law, higher education, public policy, and diversity at JMU, Rutgers, and Michigan.

Earlier in his career, the Rochester, New York, native worked for the American Association of University Professors and the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where he spearheaded the development and implementation of national policies on race-conscious financial aid, racial harassment, and free expression. 

Alger’s scholarly work has appeared in the Journal of College and University Law, the Law of Higher Education, and other publications. He currently serves as vice chair of the national board of directors for the American Association of Colleges and Universities and chair of the Association of Governing Boards’ Council of Presidents. Alger—winner of ACE’s Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments 2021 Mentor Award—is also a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

“At a time when leading a university is more complex than ever, Jon brings a wealth of experience to the presidency,” said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. “He leads with compassion, transparency, integrity, authenticity, moral courage, and humor. I can think of no better exemplar when it comes to American University’s mission of empowering lives of purpose, service, and leadership.”

Alger will join an AU community that is catalyzing impact-driven scholarship, fostering intellectual curiosity, and empowering lives of purpose. Under Burwell’s leadership—and guided by the Changemakers for a Changing World strategic plan—AU has doubled externally funded research, expanded experiential learning to more than 230 opportunities, launched or named four signature centers, and created eight endowed faculty positions. AU is on the cusp of closing its historic $500 million Change Can’t Wait campaign and has begun construction on the $109 million Student Thriving Complex, which marks the largest ever investment in student thriving. 

“Encouraging students to ‘dream big’ is the heart of higher education, and the opportunity to join American University is a dream come true for me and my family,” Alger said. “AU’s stellar academic profile and global impact reflect the unique and inspiring characteristics of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Collaborating with the AU community to create the next chapter of this great institution is an unparalleled opportunity.” 

The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Alger, who met and married his wife Mary Ann, who has an extensive background in business and entrepreneurship, at National Presbyterian Church, just down Nebraska Avenue from campus. Their daughter Eleanor is a screenwriter in Los Angeles. 

AU will host a campus event on April 10 to welcome Alger and his family to the Eagle community.