University of Virginia Welcomes New President
The University of Virginia (UVA) has announced the appointment of its 10th president, marking a new era in its leadership. The newly selected president expressed his deep gratitude and humility upon receiving the honor, emphasizing the significance of this role in his career.
He extended his appreciation to the Board of Visitors and the special committee for their confidence in him, acknowledging their dedicated efforts and genuine focus on UVA throughout the selection process. The new president was also thankful to those who nominated him and to the numerous students, faculty, staff, alumni, healthcare professionals, and community members who contributed their perspectives.
Recognizing the leadership of interim President Paul Mahoney during the transitional period, he also paid tribute to President Emeritus Jim Ryan and President Emerita Terry Sullivan for their contributions to the university. He acknowledged the support from Rector Rachel Sheridan, former Rector George Martin, and past and present Board of Visitors members.
The newly appointed president expressed admiration for Gov. Youngkin and Gov.-elect Spanberger, highlighting their roles in supporting UVA as a public university. He took pride in the connection that Gov.-elect Spanberger, a UVA alumna, has with the institution and looked forward to collaborating with them, along with other leaders across the commonwealth, to advance the university’s mission.
UVA’s distinctiveness, according to the new president, lies in its academic excellence and tradition of shared governance, which emphasizes the trust placed in faculty, students, and staff. He praised the university’s commitment to public service, discovery, and rigorous scholarship, which prepares students for impactful lives.
Drawing on his own background, he noted, “I am a product of public school systems,” reflecting on his upbringing in Maine and Alaska. He attributed his educational opportunities to need-based aid and emphasized the transformative power of education.
The new president applauded UVA’s Access UVA initiative and the work of the UVA Health System, with personal connections to the healthcare field through his family. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Dr. Mitch Rosner to further enhance patient care at UVA.
His personal and professional ties to UVA have deepened over the past 11 years, as he and his family have made Charlottesville their home. Living on the Lawn in Pavilion I with his family and golden retriever, Lawnie, he appreciates the community and mission of UVA.
His tenure at the Darden School of Business has provided him with insights into UVA’s unique qualities and the stewardship required for a leading public university. He emphasized the importance of trust and unity in leadership to harness the institution’s diverse strengths across education, research, healthcare, athletics, and public service.
As a former student-athlete, he values the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and integrity learned through sports. He is dedicated to upholding excellence and integrity within UVA Athletics.
In addressing the current challenges facing higher education, he stressed the importance of mission-driven leadership and unity. The new president reaffirmed his commitment to listening and engaging with the UVA community, stating, “I believe that the best way forward is together.”
His optimism for UVA’s future is grounded in the institution’s strong positioning for leadership and innovation. He expressed eagerness to work collaboratively with the UVA community to shape the university’s next chapter.
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