Dr J. Michael AdamsPresident, Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA
Dr. J. Michael Adams became Fairleigh Dickinson University’s sixth president on July 1, 1999, following 15 years as an academic dean at Drexel University in Philadelphia. At Fairleigh Dickinson, he inspired a new mission: to prepare world citizens through global education. He also led the development of major initiatives including the United Nations Pathways Program and the creation of Global Virtual Faculty™, scholars and professionals from around the world who contribute to the classroom via the Internet.
The author of nine books, Dr. Adams’ publications and research cover a wide variety of topics including print, publishing, communication and career development, as well as topics specific to the field of higher education. His most recent book is Coming of Age in a Globalized World: The Next Generation, published in 2006 with co-author Angelo Carfagna.
Dr. Adams began his academic career at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, where he moved through faculty ranks to Senior Graduate Professor and received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. He also served as a US Congressional Fellow, working on higher education legislation and advising US congressional leaders.
Dr. Adams is active with many national and international education organizations. In 2008, he was named President-Elect of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP). He is chair of the IAUP North American Council, and is an IAUP representative to the United Nations. He also serves on the UN/IAUP Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace and is a National Council member of the United Nations Association of the United States of America. Dr. Adams is a member of the Steering Committee of the World Bank’s Researchers Alliance for Development and the Editorial Advisory Board for International Educator, the flagship bimonthly magazine of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Dr. Adams holds a B.S. from Illinois State University, Normal; an M.S. from University of Illinois, Urbana; and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
