YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Randall Rhodes as AUA’s provost. Having previously served as AUA provost from 2015-2020, Dr. Rhodes returns for a second term, bringing extensive experience in academic administration and higher education leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Rhodes back to AUA at this exciting juncture in its history,” said AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian. “It is a time of growth and expansion of our student body, our faculty, our academic programs, our facilities, and our research capacity. This growth involves changes in our policies, procedures, management, and organizational structure. Dr. Rhodes brings the experience and skills needed to successfully navigate these changes, and to help lead the faculty of this remarkable University to reach even greater heights of achievement.”
Dr. Rhodes first joined AUA in 2015 from Frostburg State University in Maryland, USA, where he served as associate provost. During his first tenure at AUA, the University experienced significant growth, including the expansion of degree programs and student support services. His leadership and experience as a higher education administrator contributed to the development and implementation of institutional strategies and initiatives that supported the University’s advancement. Dr. Rhodes also successfully secured competitive USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) grants for several major University initiatives, including the Student Residence Facility, Triangle Park, and Media Lab.
From 2020-2026, Dr. Rhodes served as president of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. During his tenure, he secured substantial competitive grants from the U.S. Department of State through the “Supporting American-Style Higher Education in Iraq” program. He also led AUK’s 10th Anniversary celebration and gala, which generated significant support for scholarships and helped to found the University’s endowment.
Dr. Rhodes holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Chicago. Earlier in his career, he held faculty and administrative positions at several U.S. higher education institutions in upstate New York. At Frostburg, he received awards for teaching, service, and academic excellence. He also held numerous leadership roles in academic affairs, accreditation, strategic planning, and student success.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
