American University of Phnom Penh

The vision for AUPP originated with Dr. Chea Vandeth along with Dr. Kem Reat Viseth, the former Director of the School of Graduate Studies of the National School of Management and Dr. Kenneth Dunn, a Fulbright Scholar to Cambodia, who together conceptualized a new university that would embody international best practices and offer academic programs of the highest quality. AUPP was organized as a non-profit institution with the mission of contributing to the human resource development of Cambodia. In 2013, AUPP began operations with 40 students at a temporary campus in Toul Kork.

A Board of Trustees was formed to direct the course of the University and oversee its development. At the same time an International Advisory Board was created including experienced educators, administrators and business leaders from the U.S. and Cambodia. This board was tasked with advising AUPP on its management, governance and academic structures, programs and services.

The U.S. Embassy offered its support with the following statement: “AUPP collaborates with the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia to enhance the academic, professional, and social opportunities for AUPP students”.

AUPP has further solidified a Micro Campus and Dual Degree agreement with the University of Arizona and a Dual Degree agreement with Fort Hays State University. These agreements will, for the first time, allow Cambodian students to receive accredited American degrees without having to leave Cambodia.

AUPP’s first President, Dr. Sharon Siverts, was appointed in July 2014.

AUPP's new President, Dr. Kenneth Dunn, was appointed in 2016.

AUPP moved into its new campus in 2017, located at 278H Street 201R, Russei Kéo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This modern facility has been designed to enhance and support a model academic teaching and learning environment, incorporating the newest technologies, a learning center library, a modern FIFA regulation football field and student services that will complement academic offerings. The environment will allow students to develop their full potential, and acquire the necessary education and relevant skills to be competitive in the 21st century.

AUPP’s management is composed of qualified and experienced administrators with experience in American and other western institutions. AUPP employs highly qualified faculty members who have terminal degrees in their respective fields and international experience.

AUPP signed a Micro Campus agreement with University of Arizona (U of A) and a Dual Degree agreement with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) at the AUPP campus in Phnom Penh, under which they will enter into a cooperative arrangement to deliver dual degree programs to AUPP students. This is the first time that a U.S. degree can be completed by Cambodian students entirely in Cambodia. The programs offered by AUPP with U of A and FHSU are “dual degrees”, meaning that students who finish four years of study at AUPP will receive one bachelor's degree from AUPP and another one from an American Partner University. This agreement also allows AUPP students to study abroad at U of A or at FHSU in the United States for one or two semesters depending on their choice of Major.[3][4]

AUPP offers the following majors in partnership with University of Arizona or Fort Hays State University:

1. Bachelor of Science in Business in Management, Marketing, Finance and Accounting (Dual Degree with University of Arizona)
2. Bachelor of Arts in Law (Dual Degree with University of Arizona)
3. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Dual Degree with University of Arizona)
4. Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism & Hospitality Management (Dual Degree with Fort Hays State University)
5. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management (Dual Degree with Fort Hays State University)
6. Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (Single Degree with AUPP)
7. Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs (Single Degree with AUPP)

AUPP students at a Wikipedia workshop in September 2018.

Student learning and development are promoted inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to AUPP’s rigorous academic programs, meaningful out-of-classroom learning opportunities further AUPP’s mission of developing critical thinkers and socially responsible leaders. AUPP believes student involvement is a crucial part of the college experience and enhances students’ learning and preparation for successful careers.

AUPP’s student clubs include an IT club, yoga club, movie making club, football club, and several others. Students are also involved in service-learning projects (social responsibility). The elected student government provides leadership opportunities, organizes field trips, and organizes a speaker series which further round out students’ education.

AUPP’s internship program allows students to gain experience, build confidence, and enhance leadership capabilities by working as interns in various local organizations or on summer internship opportunities overseas. The school also actively engages students in providing post graduate job opportunities and assists in getting students into advanced degree programs.