The search for the University’s 10th president took about five months. It kicked off in the summer and wrapped up with the appointment of Scott Beardsley, the current dean of the Darden School of Business. The executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller, guided the process and noted that it followed traditional presidential search practices.
This search lasted similarly to the one for the University’s eighth president but ended two months sooner than the search for the ninth president. Despite calls to pause the selection until the new governor, Abigail Spanberger, takes office on January 17, the process continued unhindered.
Here’s a quick look at how the search unfolded.
The journey began when former President Jim Ryan announced his resignation on June 27. A search committee formed on July 25, bringing together members from the Board, university administrators, faculty, and alumni. Paul Mahoney was named interim president during this transition.
The search process included several stages. The committee first hired Isaacson, Miller in August to assist them. They collected input from students, faculty, and alumni through surveys and listening sessions to define what they looked for in a new president. This helped shape the candidate profile.
As the committee recruited candidates, they evaluated them through applications and interviews. In the final phase, the search committee selected finalists, leading to Beardsley’s unanimous appointment by the Board.
From August to December, the search committee held five meetings. Discussions about candidates took place privately to maintain confidentiality. They reviewed community feedback and adjusted their evaluation criteria based on recurring themes like academic leadership and institutional transparency.
Despite calls to halt the process from Gov.-elect Spanberger and the Faculty Senate, the committee continued its work. They acknowledged stakeholders’ concerns but affirmed that the search had been conducted with integrity and fairness.
Interestingly, Beardsley’s search timeline compared favorably to those of previous presidents. The evaluations showed that the number of meetings and community engagement efforts were comparable to past searches for presidents Ryan and Sullivan.
Looking ahead, Beardsley will begin his role on January 1, while the Board plans further discussions in a special meeting scheduled for January 6. The clarity of the meeting’s purpose remains uncertain, but it signifies ongoing governance discussions at the University.
Recent trends in university leadership searches show a growing emphasis on community involvement and transparency. A recent survey revealed that 83% of faculty and students want more input in such processes. This reflects a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity in leadership decisions. Overall, the search for Beardsley marks a pivotal moment in the University’s journey, as new leadership may usher in fresh perspectives and initiatives.
