 Profile
When Ben Ladner took the helm as president of American University in Washington, DC in 1994, the institution was struggling under the weight of a “revolving door” presidency, declining enrollments, financial difficulties, accreditation warnings, and low alumni support. Turning around the university was a tall order, but Dr. Ladner moved swiftly to restructure administrative operations, restate the institutional mission, and develop a strategic plan.
Collaborating with the faculty, staff, students and the board of trustees, he set new priorities and goals, all of which were met over a five-year period. Under the rubric of the plan’s title, “Building a Global University,” he launched major initiatives around the world, placing AU at the forefront of global education. He created a new international office with a vice president, doubled the number of students studying abroad, added dozens of programs abroad, and multiplied partnerships with foreign universities. A centerpiece of his efforts was the partnership with Sharjah, United Arab Emirates in establishing and managing the American University of Sharjah, now the leading university in the region. This was followed by the creation of the American University of Nigeria a few years later.
Dr. Ladner’s progressive vision and tireless efforts not only moved the university from crisis to stability and success, they also promoted a compelling institutional image that paid large dividends in enrollments, financial ratings, academic quality, and fundraising.
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