Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Dear UWC-USA community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Mahlstedt as the next President of UWC-USA, effective today.
UWC-USA is a distinctive and vital member of the United World Colleges movement, which calls on education to be a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. At a time of increasing division and uncertainty in the world, that mission has never felt more urgent — or more necessary. Having already strengthened our foundation as Interim Head of School, Dr. Mahlstedt is uniquely positioned to accelerate UWC-USA’s strategic goals and ready to hit the ground running to advance our mission.
Dr. Mahlstedt brings to this role deep experience in international education and a long-standing commitment to the UWC movement. He is already well known to everyone in our community through his current service as Interim Head of School and his prior role as Associate Head of School. Earlier in his career, Dr. Mahlstedt served as Deputy Head of UWC Mostar and English faculty member at UWC Mahindra, where he also led the Experiential Learning and CAS Program. He has also worked with UWC International on national committee development and on the creation of a potential new UWC school in Colombia.
Across these roles, Dr. Mahlstedt has demonstrated the qualities the Board sought in UWC-USA’s next President: a rare combination of visionary academic ambition, rigorous operational and financial stewardship, and a compassionate, student-centered approach that ensures UWC-USA’s long-term vitality. He understands both the promise and the complexity of a UWC education, and he has articulated an inspiring vision for UWC-USA’s future—one that deepens our academic excellence, expands our global impact, and ensures our graduates are uniquely equipped to confront the world’s most pressing challenges.
Dr. Mahlstedt’s appointment follows a rigorous and comprehensive search process. The Board partnered with the executive search firm Perrett Laver, and a five-member Search Committee reviewed a strong field of candidates. Following first-round interviews, six longlisted candidates went through wide-ranging interviews with the Search Committee. Finally, three shortlisted candidates visited UWC-USA and spent time with students, faculty, and staff. The feedback from our community was thoughtful, constructive, and carefully considered. The Search Committee’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Mahlstedt was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Mahlstedt earned his bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Political Science from Middlebury College, his master’s degree in International Comparative Education from Stanford University, and his doctorate in Literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Dr. Mahlstedt said, “I am honored and humbled to serve as the next President of UWC-USA. This is an extraordinary school with an extraordinary mission, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board of Trustees and by this community. UWC-USA’s strength lies in its students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and supporters — all of whom believe in the power of education to build understanding, compassion, courage, and peace. I look forward to working with the entire community to continue to strengthen this remarkable institution and ensure that our students leave UWC-USA prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world.”
The Trustees and Search Committee are deeply grateful to the many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of UWC-USA whose engagement and insight shaped this process. Their participation helped us identify the right leader for this important moment in the school’s history. I am especially appreciative of the tireless efforts of Julia Hesse ’91, chair of the Search Committee, and the other trustees who I had the pleasure of serving with on the committee: Fatymatou Dia Saleem ’09, Aditya Joshi ’91, and Andrew Watson.
Please join the Board of Trustees in congratulating Dr. Mahlstedt, welcoming him into this role, and partnering with us as we invest in this exciting next chapter for UWC-USA.
Sincerely,
Aly Kassam-Remtulla ‘94
Chair, Board of Trustees
UWC-USA