Sean Decatur, a biophysical chemist with a doctorate from Stanford University, became president of the American Museum of Natural History in April 2023. He is the institution’s first African American president. Prior to this, Decatur served as president of Kenyon College in Ohio, and became a leading voice in the national conversation about higher education.
“I feel as if everything I’ve done in life has led up to the tremendous privilege, responsibility, and opportunity of heading the American Museum of Natural History,” said Decatur. “This great institution, which already has achieved so much during Ellen Futter’s presidency, is ready to take on the next crucial challenges in everything from scientific research to supporting public education, and to expanding access. I look forward eagerly to working with the board, the outstanding staff, and the people of New York in realizing the unparalleled promise of this museum.”
From 1995 to 2008, Decatur served as an assistant and associate professor of chemistry at Mount Holyoke College. He was a visiting scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2004 to 2005 and then served from 2008 to 2013 as a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oberlin College.
Additionally, Decatur is the author of many scholarly articles. He was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2017 and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019.
Not long after Decatur joined the American Museum of Natural History, its $465m Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation opened to the public. Designed by Studio Gang, the new wing is home to research facilities, scientific collections, new exhibits, an insectarium, and a butterfly vivarium. “It will be a great joy to welcome visitors to the new Gilder Center, as it heralds a new era of exploring the wonders of nature at the museum,” said Decatur.