Scott Sprenger, President of The American University of Rome
PWA ~ Via E.Q. Visconti 103 - 00193 | ROME - Italy ~ pwarome.org ~ info@pwarome.org 2
by Adriana Caló | PWA Editor / Partnership Articles
Can you describe your career path and how it led you to your current position?
“Career path” may not be the
right term, as mine has
zigged and zagged
unexpectedly—across roles,
sectors, and countries—as
compelling opportunities
emerged. I began by
studying French literature, a
field not known as a
successful career path. And
yet, here I am: president of a
university in Rome—a city,
culture, and language I knew
little about before arriving
nearly five years ago.
So, there’s no direct line between my academic background and my current role, and that’s more common
than people realize. A New York Federal Reserve study found that about 75% of college graduates end up
in careers unrelated to their majors. Some might find that unsettling—I find it liberating. It means
students don’t need to feel trapped in a field they’re not passionate about just to secure a job.
One of my favorite career books, You Majored in What?, makes a similar case: that most career journeys
are nonlinear, and that a liberal arts education provides strong preparation for navigating a rapidly
changing job market.
What are some significant achievements in your career that you are particularly proud of?
When I was offered the presidency at The American University of Rome (AUR), the search firm pointed
out a theme in my leadership career of which I was not fully aware: stepping into difficult situations and
helping turn them around.
Scott Sprenger, President of The American University of Rome
PWA ~ Via E.Q. Visconti 103 - 00193 | ROME - Italy ~ pwarome.org ~ info@pwarome.org 3
I began my role at AUR during the height of COVID-19, when the university was facing a severe
financial crisis due to low enrollment. Just a few years later, we’ve reached the highest enrollment in
AUR’s history. We’ve also signed an agreement with the Vatican that will allow us to double the size of
our campus and marking a major turning point.
What are some career or leadership lessons you have learned that you would like to pass on to
others?
Leadership, to me, is not about titles or authority—it’s about working collaboratively with colleagues to
solve problems and make meaningful improvements. It’s about showing up with a positive attitude in the
face of challenges, staying focused on long-term goals despite short-term obstacles, and doing your best
work at every level.
Ironically, I never imagined becoming a university president when I was studying literature as an
undergraduate. Yet over time, I’ve come to realize that the most fulfilling part of my career has been
driven by an impulse to work toward making things better—for students, for institutions, and for the
broader community.
Have you encountered gender-specific challenges in your company/university and how have you
addressed them?
Yes. I’ve seen highly qualified women
passed over for leadership roles they
clearly deserved, and I’ve identified
unacceptable pay disparities
disadvantaging women. In the first case,
I made it clear to leadership that the
decision appeared to be influenced by
bias. In the second, I was in a position of
authority and used it to correct the
inequity. These are not just issues of
fairness—they are matters of
institutional integrity.
Scott Sprenger, President of The American University of Rome
PWA ~ Via E.Q. Visconti 103 - 00193 | ROME - Italy ~ pwarome.org ~ info@pwarome.org 4
What are you most proud of in your personal or professional life, and why?
I’m proud of having built a life and career that reflect my values—even when the path has been
unconventional. Living and working across different countries, adapting to unfamiliar cultures, and
building connections across borders has been deeply meaningful.
On a personal level, I’m especially proud of the partnership my wife and I formed in raising our daughter.
Through mutual support, shared responsibilities, and a deep commitment to both family and career, we’ve
worked together to raise a thoughtful, independent, and successful young woman. Striking that balance
between professional ambition and being deeply involved as parents has been one of life’s greatest
challenges—and one of its most rewarding accomplishments.
Looking back, what is one piece of advice you would give to women starting out in their career?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take the next step. Often, confidence follows action—not the other
way around. Take risks, advocate for yourself, and trust that you can grow into new roles. You are
capable of more than you think.
What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing now?
Navigating higher education in a time of global political uncertainty and market volatility is one of the
biggest challenges we face. We're also working to keep our academic offerings relevant in an evolving
job market, while remaining grounded in our liberal arts mission. Balancing innovation with tradition—
and sustainability with access—is a constant, complex effort.
Can you share a bit of your company’s mission and core values?
Our mission is to provide a transformative, globally focused education that prepares students to lead with
purpose and integrity. We value intellectual curiosity, intercultural understanding, equity, and a
commitment to the common good. From curriculum design to campus life, everything we do is aimed at
developing thoughtful, ethical, and globally minded citizens.
How does your mission align with PWA?
Scott Sprenger, President of The American University of Rome
PWA ~ Via E.Q. Visconti 103 - 00193 | ROME - Italy ~ pwarome.org ~ info@pwarome.org 5
We share a deep commitment to empowering women, advancing equity, and nurturing inclusive
leadership. Like PWA, we believe in the power of mentorship, community, and lifelong learning to help
women grow personally and professionally. Our missions are beautifully aligned in both spirit and action.
Why would an abroad student choose your school over any other university?
We offer something truly unique: a rigorous academic education in the heart of Rome, coupled with a
strong global perspective and an intimate, diverse campus community. Our students benefit from small
class sizes, close relationships with faculty, and the transformative experience of living in one of the
world’s most fascinating cities. It’s not just an education—it’s an adventure.
What word sums you up, and why?
Resilience. Because in both life and leadership, it’s essential to stay calm and focused amid uncertainty,
and to keep moving forward—with purpose, clarity, and curiosity.
