The twelve remaining remembers of the University Board of Visitors have named the Dean of the Darden School of Business, ending a presidential search before the term of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Scott Beardsley is in his third term heading up Darden.
“We are confident that Scott’s leadership, vision, and commitment to the UVA community uniquely position him to serve as president at this moment,” reads a statement from the Board of Visitors. “He understands the breadth of the University’s responsibilities across education, research, healthcare, athletics, and public service, and he brings a steady, unifying approach grounded in respect for shared governance and academic excellence.”
The Board of Visitors met in a closed meeting on December 19 for an agenda that did not list an appointment as one of the items. They met despite requests from several groups to suspend the search until after Abigail Spanberger takes over as the next governor.
The appointment was not welcomed by several groups who asked the Board of Visitors to pause their search.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that the Board may attempt to act as early as today, December 19, even though this current Board is missing multiple members and has not yet been brought into compliance with statutory requirements under Virginia law,” reads a statement from the Virginia Conference of the American Association of University Professors.
This year, the Virginia Senate failed to confirm five members of the Board appointed by Youngkin after the United States Department of Justice announced several investigations this spring into whether UVA was in violation of civil rights laws. These investigations culminated in the resignation of former President Jim Ryan in June.
“Not only has the Board’s credibility been altered with much of the current student, faculty, staff, and alumni bases, but the present actions threaten future constituencies,” reads a statement from the Student Council sent out shortly before the Board meeting. “Students cannot put their hope into an appointment made despite our Vote of No Confidence, a lack of discussion regarding our needs, and a deficiency in student representation on the committee itself.”
However, the Board went through with the vote and said Beardsley will introduce himself to the community in the coming days.
“Today’s election of the Tenth President reflects the input of many across our community, who support and care for UVA as we do,” the Board statement continued. “Together, we will move forward with unity, purpose, and pride in this extraordinary institution.”
The group Wahoos 4 UVA issued a statement immediately following the announcement expressing disappointment in what they argue is a rushed process that lacked transparency.
“Alumni, faculty, students, members of the General Assembly, and nine of UVA’s deans urged the Board to wait,” reads their statement. “Not because they opposed any of the candidates — to the degree the identities of top candidates were known — but rather, because they understood that process and legitimacy matter, and that leadership of a public university must begin with trust.”
The group’s statement said Beardsley might have the qualities to be president, but by accepting the position he begins from a position of distrust.
UVA put out a press release at 3:46 p.m. on December 19 with comments from Beardsley.
“As president, I embrace the responsibility of carrying forward that legacy while advancing UVA’s mission and ensuring we are prepared for the evolving landscape of higher education and health care,” Beardsley is quoted. “I am committed to excellence and bringing a results-driven and student-centered approach to promote the University’s academic excellence, faculty strength, exceptional patient care, financial sustainability, public service mission, and impact for the long term.”
Here are some additional stories:
- UVA board selects Scott Beardsley as new president, Dean Mirshahi and Hannah Davis-Reid, VPM News, December 19, 2025
- UVA selects Business School Dean Scott Beardsley as next president, Forrest Holt and Avery Davis, WVIR 29News, December 19, 2025
- UVa board defies Spanberger in naming new president, Ryan Mancini, The Hill, December 19, 2025
- Amid Political Jostling and Scrutiny of Its Board, UVa Picks a President, Kate Hidalgo Bellows, The Chronicle of Higher Education, December 19, 2025
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