WASHINGTON, D.C. (Rocktown Now) — Former James Madison University President Jonathan Alger announced recently that he will step down as president of American University at the end of this month to become the first America 250 Fellow, which is a joint appointment with the American Council on Education and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

The role represents the culmination of Alger’s lifelong commitment to civic engagement and the public purposes of higher education, which have been the two defining themes of his career.

During his tenure at American University, President Alger founded the Civic Life Initiative to foster the skills of civil discourse and problem solving.

Alger served as president of J-M-U from 2012 to 2024 before taking over at American University.