UVA president names committee to help compose University’s next strategic plan

July 13, 2026
Angle view of the Rotunda.

(Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

University of Virginia President Scott Beardsley on Monday chartered a committee of students, staff, Board of Visitors members and faculty leaders, including several alumni, to assist him in developing a long-term strategic plan for the University. 

Jennifer West, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and R. Marc Johnson, who has degrees from the School of Education and Human Development and the Darden School of Business and serves as the vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of the President, will serve as co-chairs. They will guide the committee, which includes 20 other members from across the University.

The committee’s charge includes building on the ideas and suggestions Beardsley has gathered during his “Grounds for Conversation” listening and learning tour, a series of conversations with people across the UVA community, which began shortly after he took office in January and will continue this fall. 

“I’m grateful to this committee for helping shape a strategic plan rooted in our community’s highest aspirations,” Beardsley said. “Together, we will write the next chapter of this incredible university and amplify our global impact and mission of education, research, patient care and public service.”

Beardsley will meet with the committee this summer to lock in its agenda and scope, ensuring work begins in August as the fall semester opens.

The committee’s work will include a communitywide survey as well as in-person and virtual opportunities for community members to offer input. More details will be available on the committee’s website, which will launch soon. 

The goal of this process, Beardsley said, is for UVA to realize its full potential as the nation’s premier public university, an elite academic medical system, and a top-tier global research and educational institution. 

“The University of Virginia is a national treasure and one of the greatest universities in the world,” he said. “This strategic plan will set the stage for excellence across all dimensions of UVA for decades to come.”

The committee’s work will build upon the foundation set by prior administrations, including the strategic plans established by President Emeritus Jim Ryan in 2019 and President Emerita Teresa Sullivan in 2013. It will also be shaped by Beardsley’s strategic assessment of the University and the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.

To guide the process, Beardsley has laid out several key early priorities, including faculty excellence; access and affordability; exceptional student experience; robust research infrastructure, anchored by the Paul and Diane Manning Institute for Biotechnology; global opportunities and impact; world-class patient care; outstanding athletics; and the “Connected Grounds” initiative, a new initiative to link the University’s physical campus, virtual platforms and intellectual community. The plan will also reinforce 鶹ƽ commitment to service across the commonwealth and the world. 

The committee will prepare a final plan for review by the Board of Visitors in April. 

Building on the continuing spirit of “Grounds for Conversation,” Beardsley said the strategic planning effort aims to surface “no-regret moves” and quick wins to improve UVA in the short term, while informing the long-term strategy, future fundraising and Strategic Investment Fund priorities.

In addition to West and Johnson, the members include:

  • Imane Akhanous, a graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences and a master’s student in the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Akhanous is the former chair of the Representative Body of Student Council.
  • Jenn Bair, senior associate dean for academic affairs in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and a sociology professor.
  • Dr. Taison Bell, interim chair of the Department of Medicine, who recently concluded a term as co-chair of the President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships, where he remains an emeritus member. Bell is also an associate professor of medicine and earned degrees from the College and from the Darden School.
  • Anna Brickhouse, a 1990 graduate of the College and a professor of English and American studies.
  • Dr. Aaron Dumont, a neurosurgery professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. Dumont previously was a medical resident and fellow in 鶹ƽ School of Medicine.
  • Noah Dyer, a fourth-year student in the McIntire School of Commerce, captain of the men’s swimming and diving team and president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
  • Nicole Hall, dean of students and senior associate vice president for Student Affairs.
  • Devin Harris, professor of civil engineering and chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
  • Leslie Kendrick, professor of law, dean of the School of Law and a 2006 graduate of the Law School.
  • John Kosky, vice president and chief human resources officer.
  • Lori McMahon, vice president for research and professor of neuroscience. 
  • Andy Pennock, associate professor of public policy and member of the Faculty Senate Executive Council.
  • Stephanie Rowley, professor of education and dean of the School of Education and Human Development, who holds graduate degrees from the College.
  • Ryan Wright, professor of commerce, co-director of AI Research @ UVA and special adviser to the provost for AI research.

Ex officio members include:

  • Carlos Brown, rector of the Board of Visitors, a 1996 graduate of the College and a 1999 graduate of the Law School.
  • Victoria Harker, vice rector and a 1986 graduate of the College.
  • Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
  • Brie Gertler, interim executive vice president and provost.
  • Donna Henry, chancellor, UVA Wise.
  • Mitch Rosner, executive vice president for Health Affairs and CEO of UVA Health.

Media Contacts

Brian Coy

Associate Vice President for Communications and Chief Communications Officer University Communications

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