By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The University of Virginia is getting ready for a leadership change after selecting longtime Darden School of Business Dean Scott C. Beardsley as its next president.
UVA’s Board of Visitors voted unanimously Friday to appoint Beardsley, who has led the Darden School of Business since 2015. He is set to take up the role Jan. 1, succeeding interim President Paul Mahoney.
In his role as dean, Beardsley oversaw budgeting, fundraising, academic planning and national outreach. Board members cited that experience running a large academic unit as a key factor in selecting him to lead the university.
In a statement, Beardsley said he was “deeply honored to be named the 10th president of the University of Virginia.” He said he plans to carry forward UVA’s legacy while preparing the university for “the evolving landscape of higher education and health care,” and said he intends to bring “a results-driven and student-centered approach.”
The vote follows a presidential search that drew public attention and debate.
As previously reported by The Center Square, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger had urged the Board of Visitors earlier this fall to pause the process until new board members could be appointed and confirmed, citing concerns about board authority and public confidence. Faculty representatives also raised transparency concerns after former President Jim Ryan stepped down in June.
The board ultimately moved forward with the search and selected Beardsley unanimously.
UVA officials said the search began in July and included more than 40 listening sessions and meetings with faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents. The university worked with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller and narrowed a field of more than 60 candidates before making its selection.