UVA Board Elects Paul Mahoney Interim President After Ryan Resignation

Paul G. Mahoney, a distinguished professor and former dean of the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Law, has been appointed as the university's interim president following the resignation of Jim Ryan. Mahoney will assume the role on August 11, with full presidential authority while a search for a permanent president is underway. His selection followed extensive community engagement through listening sessions and an open nomination process, which emphasized qualities such as leadership within UVA, strong academic credentials, and the ability to build trust across stakeholders. Mahoney succeeds Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, who served as acting president after Ryan's departure amid scrutiny from the Department of Justice concerning the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Board of Visitors highlighted priorities for the interim presidency, including stabilizing trust, attracting talent, supporting UVA Health, and protecting academic freedom amid complex legal challenges. A 28-person committee has begun a roughly six-month search for UVA’s tenth president.