During a regular meeting, the Board of Trustees of the American University in Bulgaria appointed Dr. J.D. Mininger as President of the university. The appointment follows an academic year in which he served as Interim President, leading AUBG through the process of selecting a new institutional leader.
“Dr. Mininger brings a deep understanding of AUBG that he developed in his role as AUBG Provost since 2022, and genuine commitment to the community and to our mission. The collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and thoughtful leadership that he showed during the past academic year in his role as Interim President were key to moving AUBG forward in a period of transition. We are confident that he will lead the university with integrity and purpose while enhancing the university’s academic reputation and student experience,” said AUBG Board of Trustees Chair Jenik Radon, Esq.
Dr. Mininger joined AUBG in 2022 as Provost. He holds a PhD in comparative literature from the University of Minnesota and has specialized at the Humboldt University and the Free University of Berlin, as well as the Søren Kierkegaard Research Center at the University of Copenhagen. Before joining AUBG, Dr. Mininger served as Vice President for academic affairs at LCC International University in Lithuania and taught philosophy and literary studies at a number of international academic institutions.
“Thank you for the trust you place in me. I am honored, and I truly hope to continue earning that trust. For me, the greatest reason to apply for and accept this role is the people of AUBG,” said J.D. Mininger. “Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. I look forward to continuing to support all of you and the work we do together.”
Dr. Mininger’s appointment comes at an important moment for AUBG as the university continues to strengthen its role as a community that prepares engaged, responsible, and globally minded leaders. With students from more than 40 countries, dual U.S. and Bulgarian accreditation, and a global network of alumni making an impact across sectors and societies, AUBG enters its next chapter with a strong foundation, a clear sense of purpose, and a continued commitment to educating leaders for a changing world.
