Alum David Oxtoby named president of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has named David W. Oxtoby (Ph.D. ’75, Chem) the organization’s new president starting in 2019. A chemist by training, he served as president of Pomona College from 2003 to 2017. He was elected a member of the American Academy in 2012.

In making the announcement, Nancy C. Andrews, chair of the Academy’s Board of Directors, Dean Emerita of the Duke University School of Medicine, and Vice Chancellor Emerita for Academic Affairs at Duke University, said, “We are thrilled that David is ready and excited to help the Academy fulfill its mission to support this still-young nation through its work to understand complex issues and advance the common good.” 

“This is an honor that comes with both a great history and significant responsibility,” noted Dr. Oxtoby. “I look forward to helping the Academy leverage the expertise and extraordinary breadth of its membership to address critical issues and advance the welfare of the nation and the world.”