Dr. Richard H. Gayer is stepping down from his role as Chief Academic Officer (CAO) at IAU after years of dedicated leadership and service to the university’s academic community. As Dr. Gayer concludes his tenure in the role, the university also welcomes Joseph Siegmund as the incoming Chief Academic Officer, continuing IAU’s commitment to academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and institutional growth.
Dr. Gayer’s professional journey reflects a lifetime of leadership across military service, government, private industry, international business, and higher education. Born to immigrant parents, he often credits his upbringing with shaping his values of perseverance, discipline, and service. He began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed the leadership foundation that would guide his future roles in both executive management and academia.
Following his military service, Dr. Gayer transitioned into senior leadership positions within the public and private sectors. His experience included work with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an international security company, and a major aerospace organization. He also served as a managing director for an international trading company operating across Latin America and the Pacific Rim, while contributing to strategic consulting initiatives in domestic and international markets.
In parallel with his executive career, Dr. Gayer built a distinguished academic profile. He earned a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, an MBA in Financial Management from National University, San Diego, CA, and an MPA in Public Administration and Planning from Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA. He also completed advanced studies in international business and culture at Universidad de Salamanca, Spain.
Over more than 15 years in higher education, Dr. Gayer taught undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting, finance, managerial accounting, international business, and strategy at institutions including Park University, George Mason University, Webster University, and University of California, Los Angeles. His academic work also included teaching programs in Japan and Puerto Rico, as well as serving on doctoral dissertation committees.
Coincidentally, it was through the Capella University Alumni Association, where current President/CEO, Dr. Ryan Doan, found Dr. Gayer and asked him to join IAU as an adjunct faculty member in 2010. Dr. Gayer’s academic leadership and strategic insight quickly became evident. He later advanced to the role of Dean of Academics in 2012 before being appointed Chief Academic Officer in 2015.
During his tenure as CAO, Dr. Gayer helped guide the university through important periods of academic development and institutional growth. His leadership supported academic program expansion, faculty development, operational improvements, and initiatives focused on strengthening student success and educational quality. He also contributed to strategic planning efforts that reinforced IAU’s mission of providing practical, globally focused education.
Although stepping down from his role as CAO, Dr. Gayer’s contributions to higher education, strategic leadership, and international business scholarship continue to reflect a career defined by service, global perspective, and academic commitment. Dr. Gayer will continue to serve IAU in his new position as Advisor to the President. IAU extends its appreciation to Dr. Gayer for his years of leadership and wishes him continued success in his new role.
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