UVA Launches Global Search for New Executive VP and Provost

The University of Virginia has embarked on an extensive global search for a new executive vice president and provost, a position that holds significant influence over the academic landscape of the institution. This effort marks a pivotal step as the university seeks to cement its leadership in education and research.

Guiding this search is Gregory Fairchild, the dean and CEO of UVA Northern Virginia, who will head the search committee. The committee, expected to be fully established by early August, aims to incorporate insights from previous searches to ensure a robust process of identifying and recommending candidates to UVA President Scott Beardsley.

President Beardsley emphasized the critical role of the provost: “The provost is core to all that happens on our Grounds, in our classrooms, labs and through digital and global learning.” The search seeks a leader who can drive academic and research excellence and enhance the university’s student experience.

The previous search for a provost was paused in March by Beardsley and UVA Board of Visitors Rector Carlos M. Brown to guarantee a meticulous and transparent selection process. Brie Gertler, serving as interim executive vice president and provost since March 2025, continues in the role as the search progresses. Beardsley noted the importance of the committee’s role in fostering trust through transparency: “Beyond identifying and cultivating outstanding candidates, a key part of the committee’s mandate is to engender trust by meeting these process aspirations.”

The responsibilities of the provost include overseeing education, research, and the success of both students and faculty across all 12 UVA schools, in addition to UVA Northern Virginia, UVA Global, and online education. The provost also collaborates with various university leaders, including those at UVA Health, to prioritize university initiatives. This includes playing a pivotal role in the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, influencing patient care and life sciences at UVA.

The timing of this search aligns with UVA’s initiation of a new strategic planning process designed to navigate the university’s future. The newly appointed provost will play a crucial role in shaping this future, building on UVA’s recent achievements in undergraduate applications, national rankings, graduate career outcomes, and fundraising efforts, all while maintaining a top credit rating.

Fairchild remarked on the exciting prospects for the incoming provost: “This is an extraordinary moment to join the University of Virginia. We are on the precipice of shaping a bold new strategic plan, and the person who steps into this role will have a rare opportunity to help define UVA’s academic future for the next generation, alongside an incredible faculty and a community deeply committed to excellence.”

Fairchild’s extensive experience at UVA positions him well for this leadership role. An alumnus of the Darden School of Business, he has been part of the university’s faculty for 25 years, culminating in his current role as the first leader of UVA Northern Virginia.

The search for a permanent provost, supported by the UVA Executive Search Group, will assess a diverse pool of candidates, both internal and external, aiming for an appointment in 2026. Detailed qualifications are available in the position description. Interested parties can submit nominations and applications confidentially through the Executive Search Group.