President Jonathan Alger announced on May 27, 2026, that he will step down from his role leading American University on June 30, 2026. While the institution prepares for a major leadership transition behind the scenes, its faculty members are keeping the university's name in the headlines by providing crucial historical perspective on national milestones.
On Today, Explained, host Noel King turned to an American University academic to contextualize America's birthday blues. King introduced MJ Rymsza-Pawlowska, noting that she "teaches history at American University, wrote a book about the bicentennial. Let us dip back into the mists of time." Her insights provided a stark contrast to modern-day celebrations, looking back at how a different America handled its 200-year milestone.
The show closed by reiterating the connection, with Noel King signing off and crediting "MJ Rimsha Pavlovska of American University. Her book is History Comes Alive." This academic spotlight underscores the steady, quiet influence of the university's research faculty, even during times of executive upheaval.
Looking forward, American University will have to balance its high-profile public scholarship with the search for a new president to succeed Jonathan Alger. As the campus navigates this transition, its experts will undoubtedly remain key voices in the media.