Leadership and Administration

At the American Institute of Universities (AIU), our students and their future impact are our primary priority. This commitment is woven into our mission to attract and engage the most dedicated “Work-Study Scholars” from across the globe, providing them with a “Different on Purpose” experience. We support our learners with a holistic environment where academic rigor meets practical, hands-on creativity, ensuring they graduate not just with a degree, but with the mastery and spirit required for “Greater Works”.

Welcome Letter From University President- Prof. Bismark K. Agbemble

Dear AIU Community,

On behalf of the leadership team, faculty, staff, and partners, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the future of higher education—where we prioritize skills development for Greater Works.
We founded the American Institute of Universities (AIU) in 2024 as a nonprofit collaborative work-study institution to address a critical gap in global education. With over 70 years of combined experience in higher education, our founding team recognized that the traditional, passive model of learning was no longer sufficient for the 21st-century workforce, particularly with the rapid spread of Artificial Intelligence.

Why We Founded AIU

AIU is “different on purpose” because we define our success solely by the holistic success of our students. We believe true education is driven by practical skills that turn dreams into reality. Our university serves as an oasis thriving with creativity, where students move from theory to practical skills for nation-building.

Our Vision Ahead

Our ultimate aim is to ensure that every student graduates not merely with a degree, but as a transformative citizen equipped to confront societal challenges and champion justice. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, we are committed to:

  • Students: Providing 100% financing and a pathway to 100% employment or deployment upon graduation.
  • Parents: Ensuring your children are nurtured in a safe environment anchored in profound ethical and moral principles as Champions for Christ.
  • Faculty and Staff: Supporting your mission to demonstrate integrity through scholarship and the use of innovative technologies.
  • Partners and Trustees: Expanding our global footprint across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia to pioneer holistic human flourishing.

We achieve this mandate through a unique work-study learning model, nurturing every student’s heart, head, and hands. By integrating technical competencies—such as strategic leadership and project management—with behavioral competencies like ethics and integrity, we prepare our scholars for the global marketplace.
I invite you to join us on this journey. At AIU, academic excellence means having the skills for Greater Works.

AIU Executive Leadership

Name : Prof. Bismark Agbemble
President

Education : Harvard University, Liberty University- MBA, PhD, Graduate Certificate

Role : Oversees the global vision and strategic direction and execution of AIU threefold mandate. Ensures integration of academic, moral principles and technical skills excellence in all programs.

Name : Dr. Marcus Chen
Chief Designated Administrative Officer

Education : Ph.D in Educational Leadership, Memphis University.

Role : Serves as the Executive Director for the AIU Academy Platform, managing high-level administrative operations and regional strategy.

Name : Dr. David Okafor
Deputy Executive Director for Operations

Education : Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Virginia

Role : Directs the university’s operational framework, ensuring that the online delivery and administrative functions support a seamless student experience.

Administrative & Academic Directors

Name : Dr. Sarah Jenkins-Ross
Director of Instructional Design & Quality Assurance

Education : Ph.D. in Public Policy In Education- Georgetown University

Role : Specializes in project management and ensures that all course structures meet global accreditation standards.

Name: Dr. Simon Fletcher
Director of Information Technology

Education: Ph.D. Learning Management Technologies, University of Michigan

Role: Leads the implementation of the triply redundant AWS infrastructure that powers AIU’s asynchronous global campus.

Name : Sean Connor
Director of Admissions

Education : Master of Science – Behavior Management, Clemson University

Role : Manages the student experience, including enrollment support, student interaction, and personal counseling services.

Academic Program Chairs

Name : Dr. Christoper Flynn
MBA Program Chair

Education : Ph.D. in Business Administration, Eastern University

Role : Leads the Curriculum Committee and oversees courses in Financial Management and International Finance

Name : Dr. Melissa Greenfield
MEI Program Chair

Education : Ph.D in Entrepreneurship Innovation, Virginia Commonwealth University

Role : Specializes in Consumer Behavior and Brand Management, shaping the Master’s in Management curriculum.

Name : Barbara Scholfield
Dual Enrollment & Audit Program Chair

Education : MBA, Norfolk State University

Role : Leads the Marketing Research and International Marketing divisions for the Dual Enrollment Program social Adult learners and Secondary School Students Globally

Student Support Services

Name : Michelle Sherman

Role : Facilitates student access to library resources, including the Library and Information Resource Network (LIRN).

Name: Meredith Olsen

Role: Professional Education Coordinator | Harvard Graduate School of Education- Certificate Program

Name : Gloria Dorcus Nalumu

Role : Project Manager- Africa Campus

Name: Lisa Kirchhof

Role: Master Trainer

Name : Enyam Torsah

Role : Project Executive Director- Africa Campus

Name : Ssemusu Ananias

Role : Project Executive Director- Implementing Partner ECEL- Africa Campus