It is with deep sorrow that the American University of Nigeria (AUN) community mourns the passing of its former President, Dr. Dawn Dekle. A visionary leader, compassionate humanitarian, and passionate advocate for sustainability and community development, Dr. Dekle served as AUN’s fourth substantive president from July 2017 to March 2021.
During her tenure, Dr. Dekle left an indelible mark on the university and the broader Adamawa community. She was instrumental in the establishment of AUN’s School of Engineering—an enduring contribution that expanded the university’s academic offerings and opened new pathways for technological innovation in Nigeria.
Affectionately known as “Madame Sustainability,” Dr. Dekle was a champion of environmental responsibility, launching multiple green initiatives on campus that reinforced AUN’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Her leadership not only earned her accolades but also deepened the university’s culture of sustainability.
Beyond the campus, Dr. Dekle was dedicated to fostering peace and security in the region. Her unwavering support for a crime-free community initiative in Adamawa State earned her special recognition from the Nigeria Police Force. She believed in the power of education and community engagement to transform lives and uplift societies.
Dr. Dekle's compassion was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of uncertainty and global anxiety, she became a source of calm and reliable information. Her daily emails to the AUN community provided credible updates, reassurance, and a sense of unity amidst the crisis—gestures that many still hold dear today.
Following her impactful presidency at AUN, Dr. Dekle returned to the United States, where she continued her commitment to global education as the President of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. This role marked another chapter in her extraordinary 25-year international career in academic leadership, which included service in countries such as Iraq, Mongolia, and Nigeria.
In an emotional message to the AUN community, the AUN President Dr. Dewayne Frazier reflected on Dr. Dekle’s legacy:
“It is with profound sadness I write you today to share with you the passing of our former president and friend, Dr. Dawn Dekle… I have had many Zoom calls with her and she always expressed love for the people of the American University of Nigeria and was extremely helpful for me navigating my first months… President Dekle was the right person at the right time. She left a legacy of integrity and optimism that even lives on today in her successors.”
Dr. Dekle’s portrait continues to hang in the AUN President’s office, a symbol of her enduring presence and leadership. Her untimely passing is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living with purpose, compassion, and love.
The AUN community joins her family, friends, and colleagues around the world in mourning her loss and celebrating her extraordinary life. Plans are underway to create a digital memorial site in the United States where those who knew her can pay tribute and share memories.
May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire future generations at AUN and beyond.