AAC&U Announces the Appointment of Jeremy C. Young as Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives

Washington, DC—The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) announced today the appointment of Jeremy C. Young as Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, effective April 1. Under the direction of the president and in close coordination with the Membership, Advancement, Communications, and Educational Affairs Offices, Young will identify and assess potential strategic initiatives and projects that align with the association’s mission and values. He will also assist in strategic planning to ensure strong financial support for AAC&U and its ongoing programs and in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

“Jeremy’s background and experience, coupled with his deep commitment to the principles and values for which this association stands, make him particularly well suited to the role of senior advisor at this moment of enormity for higher education,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella. “My colleagues across the association and I look forward to working with him in service of our mission and our members.”

Young comes to AAC&U from PEN America, where he was Director of State and Higher Education Policy, overseeing state-level policy engagement across all US free expression programs. He also directed PEN America’s Freedom to Learn program, which focuses on government censorship of colleges and universities. Previously, he served as communications and marketing manager at the American Historical Association and was assistant professor of history and director of the Institute of Politics and Public Affairs at Utah Tech University. He has also taught at Grand Valley State University, Indiana University, and Indiana State University. Young holds a BA in history and music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and an MA and PhD in US history from Indiana University.

“At a moment of great challenges for colleges and universities, liberal education has never been more necessary or more important,” Young said. “I am honored to join the preeminent organization in the United States advocating for liberal education as a central pillar of democratic societies, and to help grow and strengthen AAC&U’s vital work at this critical time.”

About AAC&U

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education. Through our programs and events, publications and research, public advocacy, and campus-based projects, AAC&U serves as a catalyst and facilitator for innovations that improve educational quality and equity and that support the success of all students. In addition to accredited public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and state higher education systems and agencies throughout the United States, our membership includes degree-granting higher education institutions around the world as well as other organizations and individuals. To learn more, visit www.aacu.org.