Breaking News: Jennifer Wagner Davis Steps In as Acting University President

Robert Hardie and Rachel Sheridan, the outgoing and incoming Rectors of the Board of Visitors, announced that Jennifer Wagner Davis will step in as the acting University President. This change will take place when President Jim Ryan officially leaves, which he plans to do by August 15 at the latest.

In this interim role, Davis will collaborate with Brie Gertler, the interim executive vice president and provost, and Mitchell Rosner, interim executive vice president and chief executive officer of Health Affairs. Their leadership comes during a time of transition, with three key positions currently filled by interim appointees. This shift follows the resignations of both Provost Ian Baucom, who is heading to Middlebury College, and Craig Kent, the former CEO of Health Affairs.

Hardie and Sheridan highlighted that this plan aligns with the University’s Continuity of Operations Plan, which provides a framework for leadership changes. Once the presidential position is vacant, the Board will quickly form a search committee made up of diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to recommend a new leader.

President Ryan’s resignation came after pressure from the Department of Justice regarding federal funding. Hardie and Sheridan acknowledged the community’s sadness over his departure. They noted that Ryan’s final decision as president prioritized the University’s needs over personal interests.

In their communication, Hardie and Sheridan expressed the importance of the University’s mission—shaping citizen leaders, advancing knowledge, and delivering medical care. They emphasized that academic freedom and open dialogue are crucial now more than ever. Being a public research university, the institution must maintain a strong partnership with both state and federal governments.

Interestingly, according to a recent survey by the American Council on Education, about 70% of university leaders feel that maintaining such partnerships is essential to their institutions’ futures. This statistic underscores the growing belief that collaboration between universities and government plays a vital role in advancing education and research.

As the search for a new president begins, the community is likely to engage in conversations about its future direction. This moment presents both challenges and opportunities for the University as it navigates this transition.

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