@APUSPRteam 
https://www.instagram.com/americanmilitaryu/
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMilitaryUniversityNuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS) since September 2022, is setting a new global standard for digital higher education. Under his leadership, APUS has achieved record student enrollment, record high student satisfaction, improved academic quality, and expanded access for underserved populations, including military families, veterans, working adults, first-generation learners, and international students. Mr. Fernandes stands out for his relentless focus on innovation and continuous improvement. He is introducing a new model that personalizes learning with AI-powered tools, contextual content, and immersive technology. Initiatives like TuitionWise have removed out-of-pocket tuition for students, while expanding 24/7 mental health services in over 25 languages reflect his commitment to student success. He has also elevated APUS’s reputation. The University is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) & the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); it was named Institution of the Year by the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) for the second time, and it ranks among the top ten online institutions for working adults (APUS is the eighth largest U.S. university based on enrollment). Mr. Fernandes shapes conversations through the Forbes Business Council and appearances on some of the most well-known higher-ed podcasts. His initiatives blend strategic foresight with social responsibility, shaping environmental sustainability and lifetime career services. He is not only leading change but inspiring others. His accomplishments are a benchmark in modern education, showing what’s possible when innovation is combined with seasoned leadership team, well-established front-line leaders and staff.
Finalist
University Leader of the Year Award
Nuno Fernandes
Finalist University Leader of the Year Award
American Public University System - United States
"Nuno Fernandes: Redefining Higher Education with Vision, Transformation, and Impact"
Engage on social media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuno-a-s-fernandes/ (Nuno is very active on this channel and his insight can be seen here. )
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Summary
Key People
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson
University Provost
Academics,
American Public University System
Erika Orris
Senior Vice President, Operations
Operations,
American Public University System
Dr. Jennifer Helm
Vice President, Accreditation
Accreditation,
American Public University System
Mr. Frank Ball
Chairman, APUS Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees,
American Public University System
Gen. Lori Reynolds
Vice Chair, APUS Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees,
American Public University System
Dr. Brian Freeland
Dean
Academics,
American Public University System
Dr. Jeremi Bauer
Dean
Academics,
American Public University System
Dr. Julie Rouge
Dean
Academics,
American Public University System
Dr. Nicholas Wernicki
Dean
Academics,
American Public University System
Acknowledgements
You can see more exciting developments from our university on social media here:
Twitter
@APUSPRteam
@AmericanPublicU
@AmericanMilU
LinkedIn
Nuno is very active on this channel and his insight can be seen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuno-a-s-fernandes/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/american-public-university-system/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/american-military-university/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/american-public-university/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/americanmilitaryu/
https://www.instagram.com/americanpublicu/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/apusuniversity
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMilitaryUniversity
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPublicU
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanPublicUniversitySystem
https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanPublicU
https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanMilitaryU
Images
Be Great Awards Nuno with Beth Brian and Linds on Stage
Be Great Awards Nuno presenting award to Lt. Gen. Lori Reynolds
Nuno smiling in regalia on stage at 2025 Commencement
Nuno ahead of Commencement Line
Nuno at Student Awards Luncheon with Beth Amy and Student
Nuno shaking hands at President's Tea
Nuno on stage at SXSW EDU
Group Photo on steps of Capitol Hill Dome
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
Embarking on an educational journey is a life-changing moment, one that impacts your life and the lives of those around you forever. But it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Growing up in a small Portuguese village of 200, my grandparents, humble farmers who couldn't read or write, profoundly influenced me. Witnessing my parents become the first in our family to graduate from university—a lawyer and a teacher, respectively—highlighted the transformative power of education in shaping our lives.
I’ve always been fascinated by the butterfly effect—the idea that small, seemingly insignificant events can lead to profound outcomes. Shortly after graduating college in Portugal, I had lunch with a former professor whom I deeply respected. He was running late, so I browsed the job board—back then, everything was posted on a wall. I noticed several open positions. One caught my eye, so I wrote it down and later applied.
I got the job, and it changed my life. This led to opportunities in different countries, eventually bringing me to the U.S., where I started my family.
Nearly 25 years later, I realize that if I hadn’t seen that ad, I wouldn’t be President of APUS. This is one reason I am so excited for the future.
At my university’s commencement in June, I shook hands with thousands of students as they received their diplomas. I met students who, just like my parents, were first-generation graduates. Difficult roads often lead to exciting destinations.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Success isn’t just about making one right move. It’s about collaborating with multiple stakeholders to drive consistent outcomes for students. I’ve learned many things including:
• Network, network, network: Keep expanding your circle and nurturing relationships. Send birthday wishes, stay in touch and offer your help without expecting anything in return. I've learned that the more you invest in people, the more doors will open.
• Turn meetings into opportunities: Every conversation—whether with a potential hire, a competitor or a vendor—can lead to new insights or innovations. Approach every discussion with a mindset of creating value.
• Build talent: Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Identify and nurture talent, even if you don’t have immediate roles. When the time comes, you’ll have the right people ready to execute your vision—and they’ll likely be loyal.
• Invest in intellectual capital: Never stop learning. Make it a habit to learn something new every day. Dive into relevant topics. Explore, and challenge conventional wisdom.
• Be decisive under uncertainty: Perfection is the enemy of progress. The perfect time will never come. Take on challenging roles, even if unprepared. With the right mindset, you'll excel.
• Be kind: As Maya Angelou is credited with saying, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel.” Always treat others with respect.
• Average is boring (and rarely successful). Strive to be the best at what you do — and constantly challenge yourself.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Together with our academic leaders, we are on a Global Digital Journey that transcends traditional paradigms and paves the way for a brighter tomorrow, on a global scale.
Imagine a future where AI could enable universities to create a customized course for each student, designed to maximize learning experiences and the competencies they want to develop. The time has come for us to reevaluate our educational approach in higher education. By prioritizing the cultivation of essential skills, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can create a model that not only prepares students for success but also empowers them to shape an exciting future.
Our university – which boasts roughly 88,000 students and 155,000-plus alumni from over 80 countries – is creating a comprehensive ecosystem that spans the entire student journey from admissions to advising to course content and co-curricular activities. This integrated approach is designed to elevate our students’ signature skills in three key areas: Digital Literacy, Critical Thinking, and Growth Mindset.
The result? Our graduates are equipped to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
We’re focused on increasing engagement and further expanding our vibrant global community in several ways. Enhanced dynamic content, reimagining discussion models, leveraging AI for 24/7 support, and transforming our digital classrooms are all part of our strategy.
We have to be ready for tomorrow by embracing progress today.
