Central European University Announces New Leader

Central European University, a prominent center for advanced research and policy analysis founded by George Soros in 1991, named John Shattuck its next president and rector in Budapest. The appointment of Shattuck, a human rights visionary whose career in advocacy, government, and academia spans more than three decades, reinforces the university’s commitment to promoting open society values. 

Before becoming CEO of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2001, Shattuck served as assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor under President Clinton. He played a critical role in establishing the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the Former Yugoslavia, restoring a democratically elected government to Haiti, and negotiating the Dayton Peace Agreement to end the war in Bosnia. Shattuck also served as U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic in 1998, during the country’s transition from communism to democracy.

Prior to government service, he was vice president of Harvard University. Shattuck’s distinguished career began at the American Civil Liberties Union, where he served as executive director of the Washington office and national staff counsel. He handled a number of prominent civil rights and civil liberties cases, including on behalf of those under illegal surveillance during the Nixon administration.

Central European University has developed an international reputation for promoting active civic involvement and rigorous public policy research. Established with the support of Vaclav Havel and other leading intellectuals and former dissidents, the university is committed to advancing human rights, constitutional government, rule of law, and respect for diverse cultures and opinions.

The graduate school currently draws students from nearly 100 countries, making it one of the most international universities in Europe, and provides generous financial support to most students as part of its mission. Its alumni, many of whom devote their careers to the promotion of open societies, include the first elected member of the European Parliament from the Roma community.

Shattuck will succeed current president Yehuda Elkana, who is stepping down after ten years of dedicated service.