Following a national search, American University President Neil Kerwin named Scott A. Bass as the university’s new provost. Bass was previously vice president for research and dean of the graduate school at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He started at AU July 1, 2008.

As chief academic officer, Bass will provide leadership for AU’s six schools and colleges, University Library, Washington Semester, AU Abroad/Abroad at AU, the Center for Teaching Excellence, Enrollment, Institutional Research and Assessment, Sponsored Programs, the Registrar and the Career Center.

"Dr. Bass has developed an impressive knowledge of contemporary higher education through his work at UMBC and in previous positions," said President Kerwin. "As a key member of UMBC’s senior management group, Dr. Bass has been deeply involved in all significant aspects of the university’s academic mission, and he has played a central role in shaping the strategic plan, which includes faculty development, undergraduate programs and enrollment management."

Bass managed a growing research and graduate enterprise at UMBC, with five major campus-wide research centers directly reporting to him. He had overall responsibility for setting the vision and direction for graduate education and research, including recruitment, new initiatives, program and center reviews, academic policy, progressions and graduation. He was also responsible for technology transfer, sponsored programs, compliance with state and federal scientific regulations and collaborative research partnerships with federal laboratories, government agencies, other universities and the private sector.

At UMBC, Bass oversaw the more than doubling of external grants and contracts (from $36 million to $89 million) and a tripling of federal research and development funding. In graduate education, he created recruitment strategies and new program initiatives that resulted in an 83 percent growth in graduate enrollments, and he launched campus-wide efforts that increased the representation of minorities and women in graduate education.

"I am thrilled to join the AU community and become part of a dynamic leadership team forging an ambitious plan for the university’s future," Bass said. "It is an honor to be selected as chief academic officer of one of the nation’s great academic treasures. I am convinced that with the support and engagement of all members of the AU community, including friends and alumni, we can move forward into an academic golden age reflecting a vision of the new American University— dynamic, diverse, inclusive, creative and contributing in a significant way to a better global society."

Bass replaces Interim Provost Ivy Broder, who has served since summer 2005 after being appointed by then Interim President Neil Kerwin.