Zaluzhny Adviser Daniel Rice Appointed President of American University Kyiv

On Thursday, March 16, American University Kyiv (AUK) announced its new president - Daniel Rice. The appointment was made as a result of an international search process and was approved by the AUK Supervisory Board.

The new president is an accomplished entrepreneur and fundraiser with a strong background in leadership, strategic planning, marketing and education. He has been serving as Special Advisor to General Valeriy Zaluzhny, the Commander in Chief of the Ukraine Armed Forces.

President Rice is a former Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and a Purple Heart recipient. He is a West Point graduate who also holds three Masters degrees and a doctorate in education.

Daniel Rice

Rice is an active voice in speaking and writing about the war in Ukraine, advocating for additional weapons systems with exclusive access to senior leadership of both U.S. and Ukrainian military leadership. He appears frequently on CNN and other news outlets to talk about the war in Ukraine. 

In his new role at AUK, the president will oversee all university operations, providing collaborative leadership to implement a strategy to create an innovative, research-driven environment.

“I am looking forward to joining the AUK team and making a positive contribution to Ukraine’s growth, development and exciting post-war future,” the president said.

Rice also emphasized that one of his tasks would be to raise scholarships for promising young Ukrainian students, with a special focus on the children of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian military veterans and wounded warriors.

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He added that AUK's role in educating these young men and women is critical for rebuilding a post-war Ukraine.

American University Kyiv is the first private university offering a U.S. higher education standard in Ukraine through its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). ASU is one of the largest universities in the United States.