The University of Virginia will press pause on the search for a permanent executive vice president and provost, following a number of changes to the University’s governance and executive leadership and to the composition of the search committee.
In a letter to the members of the provost search committee, University President Scott C. Beardsley thanked them for their outstanding work. “This is a difficult decision, but I believe it will help us achieve a better outcome in the long term, ensure institutional stability, and continue building trust in our community,” he said.
The search committee membership has shifted multiple times since interim President Paul Mahoney formed it in September. Beardsley cited those shifts as a key part of his reason to pause and restart the search.
“Our objective is to select an outstanding provost for the University,” Beardsley said. “We want to give both internal and external candidates an opportunity to enter a process that is fair, transparent and caring.”
He indicated that the process would start anew in the next academic year, “with a recomposed committee that will be expected to remain in place from the beginning to the end of the search.”
Beardsley made the decision in conjunction with Board of Visitors Rector Carlos M. Brown, who was elected to the post on Feb. 20, alongside Vice Rector Victoria M. Harker.
Brie Gertler, who has served as interim executive vice president and provost since March 2025, has agreed to continue in the role.
“Brie is doing an excellent job in the interim role, and her continued leadership will provide the stability we need in this moment,” Beardsley said.
Gertler previously served as deputy provost and senior vice provost for academic affairs.
“I am honored to continue to work alongside President Beardsley, the deans and other senior leaders to advance the University’s academic mission,” she said. “I am inspired every day by the strength of this institution and by our extraordinary faculty, staff and students.”
Beardsley praised the search committee for its integrity and dedication and thanked candidates for stepping forward.
“To this search committee, I am truly grateful for your service. I am also grateful to all the applicants who submitted their candidacy for the role,” he said. “The committee received a strong pool of candidates, and I hope to see them in the applicant pool in the new search. You have my sincere thanks for your patience.”
