Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, August 3, 2023 — The Board of Trustees of the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) announced today that Dr. Timothy E. O’Connor, has been appointed to serve as the next President of the University.

 

 

Dr. O’Connor has a distinguished career of academic and administrative leadership, including over 30 years of teaching experience, 20 of which were as Professor of History at the University of Northern Iowa. For more than 12 years he served as the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS in Moscow. He is the author of six books, and scores of articles and other publications.

 

 

In announcing the appointment, Chair of the AUCA Board of Trustees David Lakhdhir said, “We are delighted that Professor O’Connor has agreed to become President of the American University of Central Asia. His extraordinary track record as a professor and administrator, combined with his lifelong commitment to international education, brings an exciting combination of proven leadership skills and a profound commitment to advancing the University’s mission.” 

 

 

In accepting his appointment Professor O’Connor said “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the American University of Central Asia at this critical time. AUCA promotes and enables academic freedom and provides a shared meeting place for people of diverse backgrounds and various worldviews, brought together by their passion for lifelong learning, service to the common good, and commitment to sustainable development for the well-being of coming generations. I look forward to working with the University’s excellent faculty and staff, and reaching out to students, in the months and years to come.”

 

 

The American University of Central Asia is an international multidisciplinary learning community in the liberal arts tradition. Located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, its curriculum includes the Preparatory Program (New Generation Academy), undergraduate majors, and graduate programs. AUCA offers U.S. accredited degrees in liberal arts programs through a longstanding partnership with Bard College in the United States.

 

 

Bard College President Leon Botstein said, “Dr O’Connor is a committed educator and vigorous supporter of rigorous liberal arts and sciences education. His work in international education is particularly distinguished. We view him as an excellent addition to AUCA and look forward to deepening the partnership between AUCA and Bard College.”

 

 

Dr O’Connor will be replacing Dr Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bard College, who has been serving as President of AUCA since 2021. Dr Becker will remain active on behalf of AUCA as a member of its Board of Trustees.

 

 

Dr Becker said: “I have known Tim for two decades and think he is an excellent choice for the presidency of AUCA. He is a seasoned administrator, having held senior academic posts in the United States and Russia, and is a committed international educator. His experience and belief in the transformative power of education will prepare him to continue to build on what AUCA has created.”

 

 

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