AUP adds four trustees with finance, law and tech experience

The American University of Paris added four new members to its Board of Trustees in 2026, expanding leadership expertise across higher education, law, finance and technology. The board changes also include multiple outgoing trustees recognized as emeriti and a new chair who took over in June.

Why it matters: - The American University of Paris is broadening board expertise as higher education faces faster technological change and greater pressure to adapt. - The new trustees add experience in law, finance, management and technology, which can shape governance, strategy and institutional oversight. - Two of the four new trustees are AUP alumni, strengthening the university’s alumni ties at the board level.

What happened: - AUP announced four new additions to its Board of Trustees. - Beth Brinkmann and K. Brian Keegan (’79) joined in January 2026. - Luke Laumann (’05) and Mathias Strasser joined in October 2026. - The university said the new trustees bring decades of experience across higher education, law, finance and management.

The details: - K. Brian Keegan, an AUP Economics graduate and NYU Stern School of Business alum, is Managing Director at KB Keegan & Advisors. - Luke Laumann, an AUP International Economics graduate and University of Virginia law graduate, is a Partner at Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP. - Beth Brinkmann is a legal professional who argued 26 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and has taught at the William & Mary and Stanford law schools. - Mathias Strasser is founder and CEO of Scissero Ltd., with experience spanning financial services, technology and the legal sector. - Sonya Stephens, AUP president, said the new trustees bring innovative insight and guidance as the university evolves alongside rapid technological advancement and rising demands in higher education. - The university also recognized outgoing trustees Elizabeth Ballantine, Elliott Burdette (’70), John Klein, Achim Klüber (’77), Christina de Labouchère (’86), Barbara Reno and Jacqueline Routier (’90) as trustee emeriti for their service. - AUP thanked Doris Daughney for serving as Board Chair from 2020 to 2026 and for continuing as a trustee. - Giles Kemp has served as Board Chair since June 2026.

Between the lines: - The board refresh pairs alumni representation with outside expertise, giving AUP a mix of institutional memory and outside perspective. - The emphasis on liberal arts, cross-cultural engagement and professional integrity signals continuity with the university’s mission even as governance changes. - The leadership transition suggests AUP is preparing its board for a period of continued growth and change.

What's next: - AUP said it will continue identifying trustees as the board develops alongside the university. - The new trustees are expected to help guide the institution through academic, financial and technological pressures. - The board will continue under Giles Kemp’s chairmanship, with Doris Daughney remaining involved as a trustee.

The bottom line: - AUP is reinforcing its board with alumni and senior leaders who bring legal, financial and technology credentials at a moment when universities need broader strategic expertise.