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American
Also known as: AU
Washington, DC, US
American University (AU) is a Methodist-affiliated university in Washington, D.C., chartered in 1892, known for public service and internationalism. It began instruction in 1914 and later established the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public Affairs.
Overview
American University (AU) is a Methodist-affiliated research university in Washington, D.C., chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892, at the urging of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst. Founded by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to create a national institution promoting public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism, AU opened for graduate instruction in October 1914 with 28 students and added undergraduate programs in 1925.
The university established the School of Public Affairs in 1934 specifically to train federal employees in public administration, fulfilling George Washington's vision for a national university to train public servants. Today, AU comprises eight schools and colleges serving 13,347 students under President Jonathan Alger, with its stated mission "to advance knowledge, foster intellectual curiosity, build community, and empower lives of purpose, service, and leadership." The institution maintains its connection to the United Methodist Church while requiring no religious affiliation for admission or employment.
As a congressionally chartered institution in the nation's capital, AU has maintained close ties to federal operations through its public affairs programs and partnerships with D.C.-region organizations. Notable alumni include Lonnie G. Bunch III, who served as an AU history professor before becoming founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Key Programs & Events
Project Camelot
Army/CIA-linked counterinsurgency research program. Caused a major scandal when exposed in 1965.
Source: Exposed by Chilean academics, congressional investigation
School of Public Affairs Established
The School of Public Affairs was founded specifically to train federal employees in public administration.
School of Public Affairs Establishment
Founded specifically for training federal employees in public service and administration.
University Opening
AU opened for graduate instruction with 28 students after dedication on May 15, 1914.
Official Opening
American University officially opened as a graduate institution with 28 students and was formally dedicated.
Official Dedication and Opening
American University was officially dedicated and began instruction with 28 graduate students in October 1914.
Official Dedication
The university was officially dedicated after twelve years of development following the congressional charter.
Washington College of Law Established
Founded as the first law school of its kind founded and led by women, Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett.
Washington College of Law Establishment
Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett founded the first U.S. law school established and led by women.
Congressional Charter
American University was chartered by an Act of Congress at the urging of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst to promote public service and train future government servants.
American University Chartered
American University was officially chartered by an Act of Congress.
Chartered by Act of Congress
American University was officially chartered by an Act of Congress, establishing the institution in the District of Columbia.
Congressional Charter Granted
American University received its charter from the U.S. Congress, establishing it as a Methodist-affiliated institution for training public servants.
Chartered by Congress
American University was officially chartered by an Act of Congress.
Departments & Divisions
First U.S. law school founded and led by women, with early graduate Alice Paul becoming a prominent suffragette.
Originally the College of Liberal Arts established in 1925, marking AU's expansion to undergraduate education.
Established in 1925 to provide the first undergraduate programs at the previously graduate-only institution.
Founded specifically for training federal employees in public service and administration.
Hosted Project Camelot, a controversial social science research program from 1964-65.
Quick Facts
Founded
1893
Headquarters
Washington, DC, US
Type
university
Transparency
standard
Status
Active
Connections
1
mapped relationships
Institutional Connections
SORO at American University ran Project Camelot (1964-65).