Update from Interim Provost Brie Gertler to the Faculty, September 2025

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

The academic year is in full swing, and you are busy teaching, researching, mentoring, writing, creating, and providing clinical care. Since becoming interim provost in early March, I have had many opportunities to talk with faculty from across our twelve schools. Every day, I am inspired by your talent and your commitment—to your research, to our students, and to the communities we serve. 

I am writing as a follow-up to my August message to share some updates about developments and activities across the University. My aim in these occasional messages is to ensure that each of you has a clear glimpse beyond your own department and school, into the broader University that owes its excellence to the work you do.

Leadership Updates

Interim President Paul Mahoney and I have been working together closely since his appointment in mid-August. He meets frequently with the academic deans and other University leaders, and we both regularly take part in meetings of the Faculty Senate and its executive council. We have a strong and collaborative team in place. 

As you are likely aware, searches are underway for the 10th president of the University and for the next executive vice president and provost. All faculty members received an email on Friday about a series of listening sessions this week for the presidential search. I encourage you to participate. Please also consider sharing your thoughts via the presidential search community survey and the provost search community survey.

Earlier this month, the Board of Visitors approved Dr. Mitch Rosner’s appointment as executive vice president for health affairs. I first worked with Mitch during the pandemic and we have collaborated closely over the last several months. He is a tremendous asset to UVA Health and to the entire University. Teresa Edwards recently stepped in as interim CEO of the Medical Center and Dr. Colin Derdeyn is now serving as interim dean of the School of Medicine. President Mahoney, Dr. Rosner, and I will determine when to launch a search for the next dean of the School of Medicine, in consultation with the school's faculty and staff.

President Mahoney and I are now considering the timing of searches for the next deans of the School of Architecture and the McIntire School of Commerce. Architecture Dean Malo Hutson shared the news in the spring that he plans to step down at the end of his term on June 30, 2026. Amanda Cowen has been serving as interim dean of McIntire since July 1. 

Finding the right deans to lead these schools is critically important, and the fact that searches for the next president and provost are underway complicates the timing question. I recently held meetings at the School of Architecture and at McIntire to hear from faculty and staff about the timing of these dean searches, and I am grateful to the many colleagues who participated for their thoughtfulness and candor. We will reach decisions about these searches soon.

AI@UVA

In other news, we continue to explore what an age characterized by the increasing pervasiveness of artificial intelligence means for the University. We have created a new AI@UVA website to aggregate information about AI initiatives across Grounds, including in research, teaching and learning, healthcare, operations, student life, and public service. There's a broad range of interesting work being done on and with AI across Grounds, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you have suggestions about things we should consider adding to the site, please send them to aboutai@virginia.edu. 

Other Timely Updates

• University leaders are preparing for the possibility of a federal government shutdown. A shutdown could occur this week or later this fall, depending on whether and when Congress approves a short-term continuing resolution. We have provided initial guidance to Principal Investigators based on our experience of past shutdowns, and the Office of the Vice President for Research will continue to update the research community as more information is available. Research-specific information will be available on the OVPR site. 
• We are examining the implications of the recent proclamation imposing government filing fees for new H-1B visa petitions. We are communicating with visa holders and managers about this issue, and we will post pertinent information on the University’s Federal Information webpage. That page is updated regularly and provides information about the impact of a broad range of federal changes on the University.

 Fall Activities

• Mark your calendar for October 9 and November 6 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. for faculty social hours at The Garden Room (Hotel E), located near the south end of the West Range. Food will be provided by Feast and alcohol will be available for purchase. Registration is not required. Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development in partnership with the Colonnade Club.
• The University is bustling with other fall activities as well. Public Service Week at UVA is October 6-12, with opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. The Karsh Institute is bringing back its Democracy 360 program October 15-17, exploring democracy from every angle. The 38th Virginia Film Festival has a terrific lineup of films and will take place October 22-26. Visit the University Events Calendar to learn about other events and to submit information about events you are organizing.

UVA thrives because of your dedication. Thank you for that, and for the care you extend to our students, the communities we serve, and each other.

Best,

Brie Gertler

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost