Dr. Joseph Siegmund has been appointed Chief Academic Officer (CAO) at IAU succeeding Dr. Richard Gayer following over a decade and a half of leadership and service to the university. Dr. Siegmund brings a unique combination of industry leadership, academic experience, and a deeply personal commitment to education, mentorship, and student success as he begins guiding the next chapter of academic development at IAU.
Dr. Siegmund’s journey to academic leadership reflects years of perseverance, balance, and dedication to both family and professional growth. While managing a full-time career, raising three children, and supporting his family through personal challenges, he pursued higher education with a clear purpose: to complete a goal he had started nearly two decades earlier and to demonstrate to his children the lifelong value of education and skills development.
Already successful in business leadership before returning to school, Dr. Siegmund believed that combining practical industry experience with formal academic achievement would strengthen both his professional foundation and future opportunities. That belief ultimately led him to complete his PhD in Business Administration from Northcentral University in 2017 after a seven-year academic journey.
Throughout that process, Dr. Siegmund balanced the responsibilities of work, family, education, and caregiving during periods of serious family illness and loss. He often describes the experience as a lesson in resilience, time management, faith, and the importance of maintaining a strong support system.
“Education is not simply about earning a degree,” Dr. Siegmund shared in reflecting on his academic path. “It is about growth, perseverance, and creating opportunities for the future.”
Dr. Siegmund’s professional and academic background combines decades of industry experience with a passion for higher education and business leadership. His expertise includes business administration, organizational leadership, strategic management, and practical workforce development. His career in industry spans more than 26 years, including leadership and entrepreneurial experience that shaped his practical approach to teaching and student mentorship.
He joined IAU as an adjunct faculty member in 2008, teaching at the Palmdale location, where he quickly became recognized for his commitment to student engagement, applied learning, and academic quality. Over time, he advanced into leadership roles within the university, including serving as Program Chair of the MBA program.
As MBA Program Chair from 2018-2026, Dr. Siegmund contributed to strengthening academic operations, supporting curriculum development, and promoting career-focused educational initiatives designed to prepare students for real-world professional environments. His leadership emphasized balancing academic rigor with practical skills development – a philosophy shaped directly by his own professional journey.
Effective Summer 2026 Session 2 beginning June 29, in his new role as Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Siegmund brings a vision focused on student-centered education, academic innovation, faculty collaboration, and continued institutional growth. His leadership approach emphasizes practical education, workforce readiness, mentorship, and creating academic environments where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
“International American University has always focused on helping students create meaningful futures through education,” Dr. Siegmund said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen our academic programs, support our faculty, and help students develop both the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving global economy.”
University leadership expressed confidence in Dr. Siegmund’s appointment and his ability to guide the institution’s academic future.
“Dr. Siegmund’s combination of academic achievement, professional experience, and genuine commitment to students makes him an outstanding leader for this role,” the university shared in a statement. “His journey reflects the values of perseverance, growth, and opportunity that define the IAU community.”
As he begins his tenure as CAO, Dr. Siegmund continues to advocate for lifelong learning, balance, resilience, and the transformative impact of education on individuals, families, and communities.
