The Bard College Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jonathan Becker as acting president, as the Board of Trustees launches a comprehensive search for a new permanent leader.

On June 6, the American University of Central Asia proudly held its Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026. The event brought together graduates, faculty, staff, families, friends, and distinguished guests to mark the successful completion of an important chapter in the students’ academic journey.

Jonathan Becker, AUCA Former President and VPAA and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Bard College, together with constitutional rights litigator Yael Bromberg, published an article in Forbes.

Jonathan Becker, Member of the AUCA Board of Trustees and former President of AUCA, together with Zarlasht Sarmast, has published an article exploring the growing role of displaced and refugee students in international higher education.

  Bard College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Politics, former AUCA President Jonathan Becker, and AUCA Graduate Zarlasht Sarmast, Civic Engagement Network Coordinator for Bard and the Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century (GHEA21), published an article this week which reframes forcibly displaced and refugee students as important potential civic actors.

From July 7-16, 3 NGA alumni, Nurbolot Piridinov (NGA2022), Erkebai Bakhavadinov (NGA 2021) and Bek-Aiym Talantbek kyzy (NGA 2022) participated in the 9-day international summer school "Get Engaged:Student as a Citizen", hosted at Central European University (CEU) in Budapest, which brought together students and young leaders from across the globe.

On Friday, July 11 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Azizi Group, a leading UAE-based real estate and investment company, to provide $500,000 ($260,000 for AY 2025-26 and $240,000 for AY 2026-27) in financial support for the AUCA Afghan students whose education has been disrupted by the suspension of international funding.

In June 2025, AUCA received devastating news: U.S. government funding for 43 students, covering full tuition, will end abruptly on July 1, 2025. Additionally, 23 students who expected to relocate have lost their financial support. Together, we can ensure they have the chance to complete their education and shape a better future for themselves and the world!

The American University of Central Asia has completed the construction of the Makerspace Learning and Design Center, which opened on Monday, June 24.

On June 1st, the American University of Central Asia proudly hosted the highly anticipated Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2024. This monumental event, the culmination of their academic journey, is a testament to their hard work and dedication.