Exhibit 10.1


EXECUTION VERSION


 


AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, INC.


AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.


AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT





 


THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), entered into as of this 31st day of May, 2016, amends
and restates effective as of July 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), that certain Executive Employment Agreement
entered into as of November 4, 2011, as previously amended and restated as of August 1, 2014, by and among American Public University
System, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (the “Company”), American Public Education, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the “Parent”) and Karan H. Powell (the “Executive”).


 


WHEREAS, the Company is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Parent; and


 


WHEREAS, effective as of the
Effective Date the Company desires to employ the Executive as President of the Company and the Executive desires to be employed
by the Company in that capacity, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.


 


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which hereby are acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:


 


1.          Employment.
On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Parent agrees to cause the Company to, and the Company agrees to employ
the Executive, and the Executive agrees to be employed by the Company, for the term set forth in Section 2 hereof and in the position
and with the duties set forth in Section 3 hereof.


 


2.          Term.
The employment of the Executive by the Company as President as provided in Section 1 hereof shall be deemed to have commenced
on the Effective Date. Unless sooner terminated as hereinafter set forth, the term of this Agreement shall end on July 1, 2018;
provided, however, that this Agreement will automatically renew for additional one (1)-year periods (each
a “Renewal Term”) on each anniversary thereafter unless the Company and Parent deliver to the Executive written
notice of intent not to renew at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the term or any Renewal Term. If this Agreement
is renewed for one (1) or more Renewal Terms, such Renewal Term shall be on the basis stated herein. For the avoidance of doubt,
the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the Executive’s employment will not automatically terminate or end solely as
a result of the expiration of the Agreement at the end of the term or any Renewal Term.


 


3.          Position
and Duties. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Executive shall serve as the President of the Company or in another position
of equal or greater title, authority and responsibility, as assigned by the board of trustees of the Company (the “Board”),
with duties and responsibilities as the Board may from time to time determine and assign to the Executive. The Executive shall
devote the Executive’s best efforts and full business time to the performance of the Executive’s duties and the advancement
of the business and affairs of the Company.


 




     


     


    

 


4.          Place
of Performance. In connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company, the Executive shall be based at the principal
executive offices of the Company, which the Company retains the right to change in its discretion, or such other place as the Company
and the Executive mutually agree.


 


5.          Compensation.


 


		a.	Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the
Executive an annual base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the rate of $375,000 per year. The Base Salary shall
be reviewed no less frequently than annually and may be increased at the discretion of the Board and the Compensation Committee
(the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Parent (the “APEI Board”). If
the Executive’s Base Salary is increased, the increased amount shall be the Base Salary for the remainder of the employment
term hereunder, except that the Company may reduce the Executive’s Base Salary at any time as part of a general salary reduction
applied to all employees of the Company with annual salaries in excess of $150,000 (the “Senior Executive Group”)
in which case the Executive’s reduced Base Salary shall be the Base Salary for the remainder of the employment term hereunder.
Any such reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary shall be no more than the lesser of the median of the percentage salary
reductions applied to the Senior Executive Group or twenty percent (20%). The Base Salary shall be payable biweekly or in such
other installments as shall be consistent with the Company’s payroll procedures.



 


		b.	Annual Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to
receive a bonus of up to fifty percent (50%) of the Executive’s Base Salary for each year as determined by the Compensation
Committee in its sole discretion (the “Annual Bonus”), based upon the achievement of certain performance goals
established by the Compensation Committee for each year. The Executive will also be eligible to receive an additional percentage
of up to thirty percent (30%) of the Executive’s Base Salary for each year as determined by the Compensation Committee in
its sole discretion, based upon the achievement of certain “stretch” performance goals established by the Compensation
Committee for each year. Any such bonus shall be paid by March 15 of the year following the year of performance.



 


		c.	Other Benefits. The Executive shall be entitled
to receive such other benefits approved by the Compensation Committee and made available to senior executives of the Company.
The Executive also shall be entitled to participate in such plans and to receive such bonuses, incentive compensation and fringe
benefits as may be granted or established by the Company from time to time. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent
the Company from changing carriers or from effecting modifications in insurance coverage for the Executive.



 




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		d.	Vacation; Holidays. The Executive shall be entitled
to all public holidays observed by the Company and vacation days in accordance with the applicable vacation policies for senior
executives of the Company, which shall be taken at a reasonable time or times.



 


		e.	Withholding Taxes and Other Deductions. To the extent
required by law, the Company shall withhold from any payments due the Executive under this Agreement any applicable federal, state
or local taxes and such other deductions as are prescribed by law or Company policy.



 


6.          Expenses.
The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive (in accordance with the policies
and procedures in effect for senior executives of the Company) in connection with the Executive’s services under this Agreement.
The Executive shall account to the Company for expenses in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Company.


 


7.          Confidential
Information.


 


		a.	Obligation of Confidentiality. The Executive covenants
and agrees that the Executive will not ever, without the prior written consent of the Board or a person authorized by the Board
or except as may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, publish or disclose to any unaffiliated third party (other than
in the Executive’s good faith conduct of her position and duties with the Company and/or Parent and on behalf of the Company,
Parent or their affiliates) or use for the Executive’s personal benefit or advantage any confidential information with respect
to the Company’s, Parent’s or their affiliates’ past, present, or planned business, including but not limited
to all information and materials related to any Company, Parent or their affiliates’ business, business plan, product, service,
procedure, method, technique, technology, research, strategy, plan, customer or supplier information, customer or supplier list,
financial data, technical data, computer files, and computer software, including any of the foregoing that is in any stage of
research, development, or planning, and any other information which the Executive obtained while employed by, or otherwise serving
or acting on behalf of, the Company, Parent or their affiliates or which the Executive may possess or have under her control,
that is not generally known (except for unauthorized disclosures) to the public or within the industries in which the Company,
Parent or their affiliates, respectively, do business.



 


		b.	Reasonable Restrictions. The Executive acknowledges
that the restrictions contained in Section 7(a) hereof are reasonable and necessary, in view of the nature of the Company’s
or Parent business, in order to protect the legitimate interests of the Company or Parent, and that any violation thereof would
result in irreparable injury to the Company or Parent. Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened
breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 7(a) hereof, the Company or Parent shall be entitled to obtain from any court
of competent jurisdiction, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief restraining the Executive from disclosing or using any confidential
information. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company or Parent from pursuing any other remedies available
to it for breach or threatened breach, including, without limitation, recovery of damages from the Executive.



 






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		c.	Return of Materials. The Executive shall deliver
promptly to the Company or Parent on termination of employment, or at any other time the Company or Parent may so request, all
confidential materials, memoranda, notes, records, reports and other documents and materials (and all copies thereof), in whatever
form or medium, that contain any of the foregoing, including but not limited to computer data, files, software, and hardware,
relating to the Company’s, Parent’s or their respective affiliates’ respective businesses that the Executive
obtained while employed by, or otherwise serving or acting on behalf of, the Company or Parent or which the Executive may then
possess or have under her control.



 


8.          Non-Competition.


 


		a.	Non-Competition. The Executive covenants and agrees
that for the Restricted Period (as defined below), the Executive will not, in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which
the Company, the Parent or their respective corporate controlled affiliates is engaged or has reasonably firm plans to engage
in business, whether as a principal, investor, employee, consultant, independent contractor, officer, director, board member,
manager, partner, agent, or otherwise, alone or in association with any other person, firm, corporation, or business organization,
work for, become employed by, engage in, carry on, provide services to, or assist in any manner (whether or not for compensation
or gain) a person or entity that engages in any business in which the Company, the Parent, or any of their corporate controlled
affiliates is engaged (a “Competing Business”), where Executive’s position or service for such Competing
Business relates to Executive’s positions with or the types of services performed by the Executive for the Company, the
Parent, or any of their corporate controlled affiliates, or is otherwise competitive with the Company’s, the Parent’s,
or any of their corporate controlled affiliates’ products or services provided, however, that the foregoing will not prohibit
the Executive from (i) serving on a board of directors (or comparable bodies) of other entities where the Parent has given prior
permission, (ii) after the occurrence of both a Change of Control (as defined in Section 11) and the termination of the Executive’s
employment, being employed by (A) a campus-based institution of higher education that derives no more than twenty percent (20%)
of its revenues from online education, provided, that the Executive is not predominantly engaged in supporting the online education,
or (B) an online learning company that does not provide higher education, or (iii) serving as a faculty member, “scholar
in residence” or similar academic position, provided, that the Executive does not engage in administrative matters, other
than to a de minimis extent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ownership by the Executive of less than one percent (1%)
of the outstanding stock of any corporation listed on a national securities exchange shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 8(a).
For purposes of the foregoing, the “Restricted Period” means the period during the Executive’s employment
hereunder and (x) for a period of one (1) year thereafter (to the extent permitted by law), or (y) in the event of a termination
by the Executive of her employment after July 1, 2017 for other than Good Reason, and provided that within thirty (30) days of
notice by the Executive of such termination the Company does not notify the Executive that the Company had grounds for termination
of the Executive’s employment for Cause, for a period until the later of six (6) months after such termination or July 1,
2018.



 







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		b.	Injunctive Relief. In the event the restrictions
against engaging in a competitive activity contained in Section 8(a) hereof shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction
to be unenforceable by reason of their extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason
of their being too extensive in any other respect, Section 8(a) hereof shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period
of time for which it may be enforceable and over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum
extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by the court in the action.



 


		c.	Non-Solicitation. The Executive covenants and agrees
that the Executive will not, during the Executive’s employment and for a period of one (1) year thereafter solicit, induce,
entice, or encourage or attempt to solicit, induce, entice, or encourage any employee of the Company or Parent or any of the Company,
the Parent, or any of their corporate controlled affiliates to render services for any other person, firm, entity, or corporation
or to terminate her employment with the Company, the Parent, or any of their corporate controlled affiliates.



 


9.          Termination
of Employment.


 


		a.	Death. The Executive’s employment hereunder
shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.



 




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		b.	By the Company. The Company may terminate the Executive’s
employment hereunder under the following circumstances:



 


		i.	The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment
hereunder for “Disability.” For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean the Executive
shall have been unable to perform all of the Executive’s duties hereunder by reason of illness, physical or mental disability
or other similar incapacity, which inability shall continue for more than three (3) consecutive months.



 


		ii.	The Company may
                                         terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for “Cause.” For purposes
                                         of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (A) refusal by the Executive
                                         to follow a lawful written order of the Chair of the Board or the Board, (B) the Executive’s
                                         engagement in conduct materially injurious to the Company or Parent or their respective
                                         reputations, (C) dishonesty of a material nature that relates to the performance of the
                                         Executive’s duties under this Agreement, (D) the Executive’s conviction for
                                         any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony, or (E) the Executive’s continued
                                         failure to perform her duties under this Agreement (except due to the Executive’s
                                         incapacity as a result of physical or mental illness) to the satisfaction of the Board
                                         for a period of at least thirty (30) consecutive days after written notice is delivered
                                         to the Executive specifically identifying the manner in which the Executive has failed
                                         to perform her duties.



 


		iii.	The Company may
                                         terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time other than for Disability
                                         or Cause, for any reason or for no reason at all.



 


		c.	By the Executive. The Executive may terminate the
Executive’s employment hereunder for “Good Reason.” For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason”
shall mean:



 


		i.	the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent
in any material respect with the Executive’s position as contemplated by Section 3 of this Agreement, excluding for this
purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof
given by the Executive;



 


		ii.	any material failure by the Company to comply with any
of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure which is remedied by the Company
or Parent promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive, provided, that in no event will a failure to
pay the Annual Bonus by March 15 of the year following the performance year be considered a material failure by the Company or
Parent to comply with this Agreement;



 




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		iii.	after a Change of Control (as defined in Section 11), the
Executive does not continue as the President of American Public University System (or the most senior resulting entity succeeding
to the business of the Company), or any other more senior office of the Company she holds at the time of the Change of Control;
or



 


		iv.	any material failure by the Company or Parent to comply
with and satisfy Section 15(c) of this Agreement.



 


			In order to constitute Good Reason, Executive must provide
notice to the Company and Parent of the existence of the condition within ninety (90) days of the initial existence. None of the
foregoing events shall constitute Good Reason if the Executive consents in writing to such event. The Executive further understands
and agrees that none of the foregoing events shall constitute Good Reason unless the Company or Parent fails to cure such asserted
grounds for Good Reason within thirty (30) days of its receipt of notice from the Executive. In order to terminate her employment,
if at all, for Good Reason, Executive must terminate employment within thirty (30) days of the end of the cure period if the breach
has not been cured.



 


		d.	Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s
employment by the Company, the Parent or the Executive (other than pursuant to Section 9(a) hereof) shall be communicated by written
“Notice of Termination” to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement,
a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon, if any, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis
for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.



 


		e.	Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement,
the “Date of Termination” shall mean (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s
death, the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 9(b)(i)
hereof, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination, provided, that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance
of the Executive’s duties on a full-time basis during this thirty (30)-day period; (iii) if the Executive’s employment
is terminated pursuant to Section 9(b)(ii) or 9(b)(iii) hereof, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; (iv) if the Executive
terminates the Executive’s employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 9(c) hereof, the date specified in the Notice
of Termination, provided, however, that such date must occur after the cure period provided in Section 9(c); and
(v) if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Executive will be deemed to have a Date of Termination for purposes of determining the timing of any payments
or benefits hereunder that are classified as deferred compensation only upon a “separation from service” within the
meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (the “Code”).



 




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10.         Compensation
Upon Termination.


 


		a.	If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the
Executive’s death, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate, or as may be directed by the legal representatives
of the estate, (i) the Executive’s full Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid,
(ii) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued
vacation pay, in each case, to the extent not theretofore paid, and (iii) all other unpaid amounts, if any, to which the
Executive is entitled as of the Date of Termination in connection with any fringe benefits or under any incentive compensation
plan or program of the Company pursuant to Section 5(b) “Annual Bonus” and Section 5(c) “Other Benefits”
hereof (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Base
Amounts”), at the time these payments are due and the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under
this Agreement.



 


		b.	If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment
for Disability as provided in Section 9(b)(i) hereof, the Company shall pay the Executive the following amounts and shall
have no further obligations to the Executive, provided, that in the case of payments to be made pursuant to section (ii)
below, on or before the sixtieth day following the Date of Termination, the Executive executes a release of claims substantially
in the form attached hereto as Appendix A and all revocation periods applicable to such release have expired without the
release being revoked:



 


		i.	an amount equal to the sum of (A) the Executive’s
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) the product of (x) the Annual Bonus
(to the extent Company and Executive performance were satisfying the performance targets, adjusted for the short period through
the Date of Termination, for an Annual Bonus) and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current
fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, and (C) any compensation previously deferred
by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to the extent
not theretofore paid, (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (A), (B), and (C) shall be hereinafter referred to as
the “Accrued Obligations”) in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination; and



 




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		ii.	an amount equal to the sum of (A) the Executive’s
Base Salary and (B) the Annual Bonus (to the extent Company and Executive performance were satisfying the performance targets,
adjusted for the short period, after the Date of Termination to the end of the calendar year for an Annual Bonus and as to the
remainder of the eighteen (18)-month period following the Date of Termination, only if net income has increased from the same
period in the prior year and the performance targets established for the President of the Company were being satisfied for that
period), in substantially equal proportionate installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for
a period of eighteen (18) months, commencing within sixty (60) days following Executive’s Date of Termination, provided,
that if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs within sixty (60) days prior to the end of a calendar year, payments will
commence in the year after the Date of Termination, and in all cases, the first payment shall include all payments Executive would
have received if payments had been continuous after the Date of Termination; provided, that payments made to the Executive
under this section shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive at or prior to the time of any
payment under disability benefit plans of the Company and which amounts were not previously applied to reduce any payment, provided,
further, that any such reduction shall be done in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.



 


		c.	If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment
for Cause as provided in Section 9(b)(ii) hereof or if the Executive terminates the Executive’s employment other than for
Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive the Base Amounts, and the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive
under this Agreement.



 


		d.	Except where payments are required to be made under Section 10(e),
if the Company terminates the Executive’s employment other than for Cause or Disability or the Executive terminates the
Executive’s employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 9(c) hereof, the Company shall pay the Executive the following
amounts and shall have no further obligations to the Executive, provided, that, in the case of (ii) through (iv), on or
before the sixtieth day following the Date of Termination, the Executive executes a release of claims substantially in the form
attached hereto as Appendix A and all revocation periods applicable to such release have expired without the release being
revoked:



 




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		i.	the Accrued Obligations in a lump sum in cash within thirty
(30) days of the Date of Termination;



 


		ii.	an amount equal to the sum of (A) the Executive’s
Base Salary and (B) the Annual Bonus (to the extent Company and Executive performance were satisfying the performance targets,
adjusted for the short period, after the Date of Termination to the end of the calendar year for an Annual Bonus and as to the
remainder of the eighteen (18)-month period following the Date of Termination, only if net income has increased from the same
period in the prior year and the performance targets established for the successor President of the Company were being satisfied
for that period), in substantially equal proportionate installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices
for a period of eighteen (18) months, commencing within sixty (60) days following Executive’s Date of Termination, provided,
that if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs within sixty (60) days prior to the end of a calendar year, payments will
commence in the year after the Date of Termination, and in all cases, the first payment shall include all payments Executive would
have received if payments had been continuous after the Date of Termination;



 


		iii.	for twelve (12) months after the Date of Termination,
or any longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue
benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in
accordance with the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies
including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel
accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer employees of the Company and its affiliated
companies, as if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated; provided, however, that the Company may
elect, with respect to some or all of such benefits, that in lieu of the continuation of such benefits, the Company may pay to
the Executive a lump sum payment, less applicable withholdings for federal, state, and local taxes, equal to twelve (12) months’
premiums (at the rate and level of coverage applicable at the time of the Executive’s termination) under the Company’s
welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs (at the rate and level of coverage applicable at the time of the Executive’s
termination) for the benefits for which this election is made; provided, further, that if such a lump sum payment
is not permissible without incurring taxes under Section 409A of the Code, the Company may elect to make twelve (12) monthly payments
to the Executive to aggregate to the amounts that would otherwise have been paid a lump sum; and provided, further,
that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under
another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under
the other plan during the applicable period of eligibility; and



 




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		iv.	to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, for twelve
(12) months after the Date of Termination, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits
required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract
or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies (these other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as
the “Other Benefits”).



 


		e.	If within one hundred and eighty (180) days after
a Change of Control (as defined in Section 11), the Company terminates the Executive’s employment other than for Cause
or Disability or the Executive terminates the Executive’s employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 9(c) hereof,
the Company shall pay the Executive the following amounts and shall have no further obligations to the Executive, provided,
that, in the case of (ii) through (iv), on or before the sixtieth day following the Date of Termination, the Executive executes
a release of claims substantially in the form attached hereto as Appendix A and all revocation periods applicable to such
release have expired without the release being revoked:



 


		i.	an amount equal to the sum of (A) the Executive’s
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) the product of (x) the Annual Bonus (to
the extent Company and Executive performance were satisfying the performance targets, adjusted for the short period through the
Date of Termination, for an Annual Bonus) and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current
fiscal year through the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment (the “Change of Control Date
of Termination”), and the denominator of which is 365, and (C) any compensation previously deferred by the
Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to the extent not
theretofore paid, in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Change of Control Date of Termination;



 




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		ii.	an amount equal to the sum of (A) two (2) times the Executive’s
Base Salary and (B) two (2) times the Annual Bonus (to the extent the Company and Executive performance were satisfying the performance
targets, adjusted for the short period), in a lump sum in cash within sixty (60) days of the Change of Control Date of Termination,
provided, that if Executive’s Change of Control Date of Termination occurs within sixty (60) days prior to the end
of a calendar year, payments will be paid on the first payroll date in the year after the Change of Control Date of Termination;



 


		iii.	for twelve (12) months after the Date of Termination,
or any longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue
benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in
accordance with the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies
including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel
accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer employees of the Company and its affiliated
companies, as if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated; provided, however, that the Company may
elect, with respect to some or all of such benefits, that in lieu of the continuation of such benefits, the Company may pay to
the Executive a lump sum payment, less applicable withholdings for federal, state, and local taxes, equal to twelve (12) months’
premiums (at the rate and level of coverage applicable at the time of the Executive’s termination) under the Company’s
welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs (at the rate and level of coverage applicable at the time of the Executive’s
termination) for the benefits for which this election is made; provided, further, that if such a lump sum payment
is not permissible without incurring taxes under Section 409A of the Code, the Company may elect to make twelve (12) monthly payments
to the Executive to aggregate to the amounts that would otherwise have been paid a lump sum; and provided, further,
that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under
another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under
the other plan during the applicable period of eligibility; and



 




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		iv.	to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, for twelve
(12) months after the Date of Termination, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive Other Benefits.



 


		v.	in the event that it is determined that any payment, benefit,
or distribution described in this Section 10(e) or in Section 11 made by the Company, by any of its affiliates, by any person
who acquires ownership or effective control or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets (within the meaning
of Section 280G of the Code) or by any affiliate of such person, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable
pursuant to the terms of this Section 10(e), Section 11 or otherwise (the “Total Payments”), would be
subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax
(such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”),
then the payments due under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Total Payments will not result in the imposition of such
Excise Tax. The payment reduction contemplated by the preceding sentence shall be implemented by determining the “Parachute
Payment Ratio” (as defined below) for each “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code, and then reducing the “parachute payments” in order beginning with the “parachute payment” with
the highest Parachute Payment Ratio. For “parachute payments” with the same Parachute Payment Ratio, such “parachute
payments” shall be reduced based on the time of payment of such “parachute payments” with amounts having later
payment dates being reduced first. For “parachute payments” with the same Parachute Payment Ratio and the same
time of payment, such “parachute payments” shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero) prior to reducing
“parachute payments” with a lower Parachute Payment Ratio. For purposes hereof, the term “Parachute
Payment Ratio” shall mean a fraction the numerator of which is the value of the applicable “parachute payment”
for purposes of Section 280G of the Code and the denominator of which is the intrinsic value of such “parachute payment.”
For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise
Tax, (A) the entire amount of the Total Payments shall be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning
of Code Section 280G(b)(2) and as subject to the Excise Tax, unless and to the extent, in the written opinion of the Company’s
independent accountants and reasonably acceptable to Executive, such payments (in whole or in part) are not subject to the Excise
Tax; and (B) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit (constituting a part of the Total Payments)
shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Code Sections 280G(d)(3)
and (4). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (Y) the Total Payments exceed three (3) times the Executive’s
“base amount” as defined within Section 280G and (Z) the Executive would receive at least $50,000 more on
a net after-tax basis if the Total Payments were not reduced pursuant to this section (after payment of the Excise Tax), then
the Company will not reduce the Total Payments and Executive shall be responsible for the Excise Tax related thereto. For purposes
of determining the net after-tax benefit, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate
of the federal income taxation applicable to individuals (without taking into account surtaxes or loss or reduction of deductions)
for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of
taxation in the state and locality of the Executive’s residence on the Date of Termination.



  




    		- 13 -	 



     


    

 


		f.	No Duty to Mitigate. The Executive shall not be
required to mitigate amounts payable pursuant to Section 10 hereof by seeking other employment.



 


		g.	No Additional Payments. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Agreement, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event of the termination of her employment,
even if in breach of this Agreement, she will be entitled only to those payments specified herein for the circumstances of her
termination, and not to any other payments by way of damages or claims of any nature, whether under this Agreement or under any
other agreements between the Executive and the Company.



 


11.         Acceleration
of Equity Awards. All equity awards granted to the Executive under any equity incentive plan maintained for Company or Parent
employees that are outstanding immediately prior to the following events shall be vested and fully exercisable as follows: (a)
upon termination of the Executive’s employment by the Executive’s death as provided in Section 9(a) hereof, (b) upon
termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or Parent for Disability as provided in Section 9(b)(i) hereof,
or (c) upon termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company as provided in Section 9(b)(iii) in the twelve (12)-month
period following a Change of Control or by the Executive for Good Reason as provided in Section 9(c) in the twelve (12)-month period
following a Change of Control; provided, that for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) any equity awards that are subject to
performance conditions for a performance period not yet completed will be deemed to be vested and exercisable in a pro-rated amount
equivalent to the portion of the performance period that has passed and assuming achievement of the performance conditions for
that period at the “target” level, and for purposes of clause (c) any equity awards that are subject to performance
conditions for a performance period not yet completed will be deemed to be vested and exercisable in full at the “target”
level. This Agreement is intended to amend all equity awards previously awarded to the Executive to modify vesting as described
above to the extent vesting would not otherwise accelerate under the terms of such equity award grants. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Change of Control” means (i) the dissolution or liquidation of the Parent or a merger, consolidation,
or reorganization of the Parent with one (1) or more other entities in which the Parent is not the surviving entity, (ii) a
sale of substantially all of the assets of the Parent to another person or entity, or (iii) any transaction (including without
limitation a merger or reorganization in which the Parent is the surviving entity) which results in any person or entity owning
fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Parent, provided, that if an event
is a “Change of Control” as defined in this Agreement but is not a “change in control event” as defined
in Section 409A of the Code, any payments which are the same as the payments the Executive would have received under Section 10(d)
if there had not been a “Change of Control” will be paid at the time and in the manner specified in Section 10(d).


 




    		- 14 -	 



     


    

 


 


12.         Notices.
All notices, demands, requests or other communications required or permitted to be given or made hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:


   


	 	a.	If to the Company:
	 	 	American Public University System, Inc.
	 	 	111 West Congress Street
	 	 	Charles Town, WV 25414
	 	 	Telecopy: (304) 724-3801
	 	 	Attention: Chair of the Board of Trustees


 


	 	b.	If to the Parent:
	 	 	American Public Education, Inc.
	 	 	111 West Congress Street
	 	 	Charles Town, WV 25414
	 	 	Telecopy: (304) 724-3801
	 	 	Attention: Chief Executive Officer


 


		c.	If to the Executive, to the Executive’s address set
forth on the signature page to this Agreement, or to the home address of the executive in the official records of the Company;
or, in the case of the Company or Parent, to such other address as the Company or Parent may designate in a notice to the other.
Each notice, demand, request or other communication that shall be given or made in the manner described above shall be deemed
sufficiently given or made for all purposes three (3) days after it is deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or at such
time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the return receipt, the delivery receipt, the answer back or the affidavit of messenger
being deemed conclusive evidence of delivery) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation



 




    		- 15 -	 



     


    

 


13.         Severability.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any one (1) or more provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability
of the other provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.


 


14.         Survival.
It is the express intention and agreement of the parties hereto that the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 hereof shall survive the
termination of employment of the Executive and the expiration of this Agreement.  It is the express intention and agreement
of the parties hereto that the provisions of Section 10(d) shall survive the expiration of this Agreement for a period of eighteen
(18) months.  In addition, all obligations of the Company to make payments hereunder shall survive any termination of
this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein.


 


15.         Successors
and Assigns.


 


		a.	This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without
the prior written consent of the Company and Parent shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.



 


		b.	This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the Company and the Parent and their successors and assigns.



 


		c.	The Company and Parent will require any successor or any
party that acquires control of the Company and the Parent (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise)
or all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or the Parent to assume expressly and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company and the Parent would be required to perform it if no
succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” and “Parent” shall mean the Company or
Parent, respectively, as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees
to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.



 


16.         Binding
Effect. Subject to any provisions hereof restricting assignment, this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, legal representatives,
successors and assigns.


 


17.         Amendment;
Waiver. This Agreement shall not be amended, altered or modified except by an instrument in writing duly executed by the parties
hereto. Neither the waiver by either of the parties hereto of a breach of or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement,
nor the failure of either of the parties, on one (1) or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or to
exercise any right or privilege hereunder, shall thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar
nature, or as a waiver of any provisions, rights or privileges hereunder.


 




    		- 16 -	 



     


    

 


18.         Headings.
Section and subsection headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed
to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of
any of the provisions hereof.


 


19.         Governing
Law. This Agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties hereto, and any claims or disputes relating thereto, shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia (but not including the choice of law rules
thereof).


 


20.         Entire
Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof,
and it supersedes all prior oral or written agreements, commitments or understandings with respect to the matters provided for
herein.


 


21.         Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall be deemed
to constitute one and the same instrument.


 


22.         Limitations
Under Code Section 409A. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) on the date of termination of Executive’s
employment with the Company or a subsidiary, any of the Company’s stock is publicly traded on an established securities market
or otherwise (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, (b) if Executive is determined to be a “specified
employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, (c) the payments exceed the amounts permitted to be paid
pursuant to Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) and (d) such delay is required to avoid the imposition of the tax
set forth in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code as a result of such termination, the Executive would receive any payment that, absent
the application of this Section 22, would be subject to interest and additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the
Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then no such payment shall be payable prior to the date
that is the earliest of (x) six (6) months after the Executive’s termination date, (y) the Executive’s death or (z)
such other date as will cause such payment not to be subject to such interest and additional tax (with a catch-up payment equal
to the sum of all amounts that have been delayed to be made as of the date of the initial payment).


 


It is the intention of the
parties that payments or benefits payable under this Agreement not be subject to the additional tax imposed pursuant to Section
409A of the Code. To the extent such potential payments or benefits could become subject to such Section, the parties shall cooperate
to amend this Agreement with the goal of giving the Executive the economic benefits described herein in a manner that does not
result in such tax being imposed.


 


For purposes of
Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive installment payments pursuant to this Agreement including, without limitation,
each severance payment and COBRA continuation reimbursement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct
payments.


 




    		- 17 -	 



     


    

 


Any amount that
the Executive is entitled to be reimbursed under this Agreement will be reimbursed to the Executive as promptly as practical and
in any event not later than the last day of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the expenses are incurred. Any right
to reimbursement or in kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The amount of the expenses
eligible for reimbursement during any taxable year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other
taxable year.


 


Whenever a payment
under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty
(30) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the
sole discretion of the Company.


 




    		- 18 -	 



     


    

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly
executed this Agreement, or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on their behalf, as of the day and year first hereinabove
written.          


 


	 	AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, INC.
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Wallace E. Boston, Jr.  
	 	 	Name:    
	 	 	Wallace E. Boston, Jr.
	 	 	Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer


 


	 	AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Wallace E. Boston, Jr.  
	 	 	Name:    
	 	 	Wallace E. Boston, Jr.
	 	 	Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer


 


	 	THE EXECUTIVE:  
	 	 
	 	/s/ Karan H. Powell  
	 	Karan H. Powell  


 




    		- 19 -	 



     


    

 


APPENDIX A


 


FORM OF RELEASE


 


THIS RELEASE (“Release”) is entered
into this [_____] day of [_____], 20[__], by and among American Public University System, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (the
“Company”), American Public Education, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”) and Karan H. Powell
(the “Executive”).


 


WHEREAS, the Company, the Parent and the Executive
are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of [________], 2016 (the “Employment
Agreement”), which provides that certain severance payments and other benefits be made and provided by the Company to the
Executive following termination of the Executive’s employment under certain circumstances; and


 


WHEREAS, as a condition of receiving such severance
payments and in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, the Executive has agreed to enter into this Release;


 


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby
are acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:


 


1.          Separation
and Payment. The Executive performed her duties in accordance with the Employment Agreement through [_______]. The Executive’s
Date of Termination (as such term is defined in Section 9(e) of the Employment Agreement) is [_______]. The Executive shall be
entitled to the compensation and benefits set forth in Section 10 of the Employment Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms
of the Employment Agreement and this Release. Other than the payments referred to in Section 10 of the Employment Agreement, the
Executive has been paid all compensation due and owing to her under this Release and under any employment or other contract the
Executive has or may have had with the Company (including but not limited to the Employment Agreement) or from any other source
of entitlement, including all wages, salary, bonuses, incentive payments, profit-sharing payments, leave, severance pay or other
benefits.


 




     


     


    

 


2.          Release. On
behalf of himself and her agents, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, the Executive hereby releases and forever
discharges the Company, and any and all of the affiliates (excluding members), officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel,
and successors and assigns of the Company, from any and all complaints, claims, demands, damages, lawsuits, actions, and causes
of action, whether known, unknown or unforeseen, arising out of or in connection with any event, transaction or matter occurring
or existing prior to or at the time of her execution of this Release, which she has or may have against any of them for any reason
whatsoever in law or in equity, under federal, state, local, or other law, whether the same be upon statutory claim, contract,
tort or other basis, including without limitation any and all claims arising from or relating to her employment or the termination
of her employment and any and all claims relating to any employment contract (including but not limited to her Employment Agreement),
any employment statute or regulation, or any employment discrimination law, including without limitation the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, all as amended,
all state and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination in employment, and other laws and regulations relating
to employment, including but not limited to the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, all as amended.
The Executive agrees, without limiting the generality of the above release, not to file any claim or lawsuit seeking damages or
other relief and asserting any claims that are lawfully released in this paragraph. The Executive further hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally waives any and all rights to recover any relief and damages concerning the claims that are lawfully released in
this paragraph. The Executive represents and warrants that she has not previously filed or joined in any such claims against the
Company or any of its affiliates, and that she has not given or sold any portion of any claims released herein to anyone else,
and that she will indemnify and hold harmless the persons and entities released herein from all liabilities, claims, demands, costs,
expenses and/or attorneys’ fees incurred as a result of any such assignment or transfer. THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES
AND AGREES THAT THIS RELEASE IS A GENERAL RELEASE (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN) AND THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, THE EXECUTIVE IS
SIGNING AND AGREEING TO THIS RELEASE. Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Release or the Employment Agreement
to the contrary, and specifically notwithstanding the foregoing releases, this Release does not relate to, and the Executive does
not release, any rights the Executive may have with respect to any of the following: (a) any claim of the Executive for the
payments and benefits due to her under the Employment Agreement and this Release; (b) any contribution, indemnity, or other
claim the Executive may have under the Charter or Bylaws of the Company (or any successor or similar provision), under any applicable
policy of insurance, or under applicable law as a result of any action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative) by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was a director, officer, executive or agent of the Company or
serves or served any other enterprise at the request of the Company; (b) any claim relating solely to the validity of this Release
under the ADEA, as amended; (d) any non-waivable right to file a change with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
or (e) any rights that may not be waived as a matter of law.


  


3.          No
Admission. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Release shall constitute or be treated as an admission of liability
or wrongdoing by either of them.


 


4.          No
Obligation to Hire. The Executive agrees that neither the Company nor the Parent nor any of their subsidiaries or affiliates
have any obligation to hire, reemploy or reinstate the Executive in the future. The Executive agrees that she will not apply for
employment with the Company, the Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates.


 


5.          Cooperation
and Non-Disparagement. The Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company and the Parent to the extent reasonably requested
by the Company or the Parent for the purpose of transitioning her duties and responsibilities. Such cooperation shall include,
but is not limited to, at the Company’s or the Parent’s request during the six (6) months following her Date of Termination,
the Executive making himself available by telephone to answer questions regarding any matter or project in which she was involved
while employed by the Company or the Parent. The Executive further agrees that, other than as may be required by law or as part
of a governmental investigation or proceeding, she shall make no statements disparaging the Company, the Parent or any of their
subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, or any of their business practices.


 




    	 	- 2 -	 



     


    

 


6.          Modification;
Severability. The Parties agree that if a court of competent jurisdiction finds that any term of this Release is for any
reason excessively broad in scope, duration, or otherwise, such term shall be construed or modified in a manner to enable it to
be enforced to the maximum extent possible. Further, the covenants in this Release shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants
and agreements. If, in any judicial proceeding, a court of competent jurisdiction shall refuse to enforce any of the separate covenants
deemed included herein, then at the option of the Company, wholly unenforceable covenants shall be deemed eliminated from this
Release for the purpose of such proceeding to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants to be enforced in
such proceeding.


 


7.          Certain
Representations. The Parties represent and acknowledge that in executing this Release such Party does not rely and has
not relied upon any representation or statement made by the other Party or the other Party’s agents, representatives or attorneys
with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Release or otherwise.


 


8.          Entire
Agreement. This Release, together with the Employment Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties relating
to the subject matter of this Release, and may not be altered or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both Parties
hereto.


 


9.          Assignment. This
Release and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder may not be assigned by either Party without the prior written consent
of the other Party.


 


10.        Binding
Agreement. This Release shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective representatives,
successors and permitted assigns.


 


11.        Waiver. Neither
the waiver by either Party of a breach of or default under any of the provisions of this Release, nor the failure of such Party,
on one (1) or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Release or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder
shall thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any provisions,
rights or privileges hereunder.


 


12.        Further
Assurances. The Parties agree to take or cause to be taken such further actions as may be necessary or as may be reasonably
requested in order to fully effectuate the purposes, terms, and conditions of this Release.


 


13.        Governing
Law. This Release, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia without
regard to conflicts of law principles. Subject to paragraph 14 below, any action or proceeding by either of the
Parties to enforce this Release shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the State of West Virginia, and the
Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to the
maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.


 




    	 	- 3 -	 



     


    

 


14.        Arbitration. 
Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Release, including the obligations to make payments pursuant
to the Employment Agreement, any modification or extension hereof, or any breach hereof (including the question whether any particular
matter is arbitrable hereunder) shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, in the District of Columbia in accordance with the
rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force (the “Rules”). Such arbitration shall be effected by arbitrator(s)
appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules. The Parties hereto agree to abide by all awards
and decisions rendered in an arbitration proceeding in accordance with the foregoing, and all such awards and decisions may be
filed by the prevailing Party with any court having jurisdiction over the person or property of the other Party as a basis for
judgment and the issuance of execution thereon. The fees of the arbitrator(s) and related expenses of arbitration shall be apportioned
among the Parties as determined by the arbitrator(s). Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the arbitration, all hearings shall
be held, and all submissions shall be made by the Parties, within thirty (30) days of the date of the selection of the last arbitrator,
and the decisions of the arbitrator(s) shall be made within thirty (30) days of the later of the date of the closing of the hearings
or the date of the final submissions by the Parties. The Parties consent to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the District of Columbia
and of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for all purposes in connection with the arbitration. The
Parties consent that any process or notice of motion or other application to either of said courts, and any paper in connection
with arbitration, may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service, or in such other manner as
may be permissible under the rules of the applicable court or arbitration tribunal, provided that a reasonable time for appearance
is allowed.


 


15.        Acknowledgment. With
respect to the Release in paragraph 2 above, Executive agrees and understands that she is specifically releasing all claims
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.), as amended. The Executive
acknowledges that she has read and understands this Release and executes it voluntarily and without coercion. The Executive further
acknowledges that she has had full opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release, and that she has been
advised in writing herein to do so. In addition, the Executive has been given twenty-one (21) days, to consider, execute, and deliver
this Release to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Parent at the Parent’s principal business address, unless the
Executive voluntarily chooses to execute this Release before the end of the twenty-one (21)-day period. The Executive understands
that she has seven (7) days following her execution of this Release to revoke it in writing, and that this Release is not effective
or enforceable until after this seven (7)-day period. For such revocation to be effective, notice must be delivered to the Parent
at the Parent’s principal business address, addressed to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, no later
than the end of the seventh calendar day after the date by which the Executive signed this Release. The Executive expressly agrees
that, in the event she revokes this Release, this Release shall be null and void and have no legal or binding effect whatsoever,
and she shall not be entitled to the payments described in paragraph 1 above, other than the Base Amounts, including pursuant
to the Employment Agreement. The Parties recognize that she may elect to sign this Release prior to the expiration of the twenty-one
(21)-day consideration period specified herein, and the Executive agrees that if she elects to do so such election is knowing and
voluntary and comes after full opportunity to consult with an attorney.


 


[Signature page follows]


 




    	 	- 4 -	 



     


    

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly
executed this Release, or have caused this Release to be duly executed on their behalf, as of the day and year first hereinabove
written.


 


	 	AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM,  INC.	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:	 	 
	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:	 	 
	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	THE EXECUTIVE:	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	Karan H. Powell	 


 








    	 	- 5 -