Baucom leaving as University of Virginia’s provost

A top official at the University of Virginia is leaving to become president of Middlebury College in Vermont.

“There are a handful of defining colleges and universities across the globe,” said Ian Baucom in a press release. “Middlebury is one of them.”

Baucom will step down as UVA Provost in March and begin his new post on July 1. He came to UVA in 2014 to be the Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

“As the chief academic officer, the provost is responsible for UVA’s teaching, scholarship, and research at the schools, library, art museums, numerous centers and institutes, and foreign study programs, as well as faculty recruitment and retention,” reads the relevant website on the UVA page.

“Ian has left an indelible mark on UVA, both from his time as dean and his years as provost,” said UVA President Jim Ryan in an article on UVA Today. “Our academic environment has been enriched by his wise and steady leadership and a long list of accomplishments, from improvements to curriculum and advising to investments in research, faculty hires and school leadership.”

Unlike Middlebury College, the University of Virginia is a public whose governing body is appointed by Virginia’s governor. 

Before you go: This article was originally sent out as part of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter in the January 24, 2025 edition. Both are functions of Town Crier Productions. You can support the work by purchasing a paid subscription or contributing monthly through Patreon. You can also send in a check or send an email, but drop me a line first.