During the Commencement Weekend, the AUBG Board of Trustees held its regular May meeting and reviewed the university’s progress, priorities, and strategic direction.
“We are pleased to share that AUBG remains in a strong position academically, financially, and institutionally, with positive momentum across key areas of university life,” said BoT Chair Jenik Radon, Esq.
The Board of Trustees officially elected Dr. J.D. Mininger as the next President of the American University in Bulgaria, following the conclusion of the presidential search process. Read more about this news here.
Below are the highlights of the Board of Trustees Debrief Session.
Admissions
The current recruitment cycle continues to show strong momentum, with admissions and confirmations progressing well at this stage of the cycle. The Admissions team completed an active spring campaign across the Balkans and international markets, while also preparing new initiatives for the next cycle. The team reported its most active recruitment season for Bulgaria to date. The initiatives included fairs and school visits, as well as the traditional Griffin Journey, the largest competition initiative for Bulgarian high school students.
Development and Alumni Relations
The Development Office remains on track to meet its revised FY26 fundraising target. During the spring semester, alumni events were held across Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The EMBA Reunion in March, inspired by Co-Deputy Chair of the Board Svetoslav Georgiev (EMBA ’05), brought together more than 200 EMBA alumni in the first gathering of its kind at such a scale. The BoT members expressed their gratitude for the work of Interim Development Director Borislav Tyulekov and his team during the transition period. With the anticipated return of Vice President for Development Anjela Deyanska, the team, together with the Board, will focus on building a broader strategy for engaging its constituencies.
Academics and Student Experience
The Board received updates on academics, accreditation, and student experience. The NECHE accreditation visit in March was completed successfully, and the university expects the evaluation team’s draft report shortly. A structured approach supporting faculty habilitation, built around a set of interconnected priorities, was also presented.
The faculty survey conducted at the beginning of the academic year helped establish a framework for key projects and policies that are now being implemented. Additionally, beginning with the next Board meeting, the faculty representative to the Board will participate in all Board sessions except executive sessions.
The Executive MBA team organized successful events in Sofia, and is working on partnerships that will expand its regional visibility, including activities in Tirana and upcoming collaborations with international business leaders and organizations.
Student well-being, community engagement and co-curricular programming remained an important priority throughout the academic year. The university continued expanding programs and services supporting students’ personal development, leadership, and sense of community.
Skaptopara III Expansion
The Skaptopara III Wings B&C residence hall project is in its final stage, on track for construction completion by the end of May and fit-out by July. The two new wings will open this fall, providing a modern “home on campus” for our students. The Board members visited the construction site to receive updates on the final phase of the project ahead of its opening this fall.
BoT New Members
The University Council member Robert Goodman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning, was elected to the AUBG Board of Trustees.
