CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia announced Monday that it has launched a new permanent search for its next Provost, the top academic officer of the University. 

Interim executive vice president and provost Brie Gertler has been serving in both of those roles since March 2025, answering calls from Rector Carlos Brown to remain in her position after one year on the job. 

Dean and CEO of UVA Northern Virginia Gregory Fairchild has been chosen by President Scott Beardsley to lead the search committee. After the entirety of the committee is named, it will begin its efforts in early August, delivering its best recommendations to President Beardsley.

Fairchild is a 1992 alumnus of the Darden School of Business and the first ever leader of UVA’s Northern Virginia campus. Beardsley led Darden as Dean from 2015 before his appointment to the Presidency in January.

Renewed efforts to find a new provost coincides with the implementation of the University’s new strategic plan going into the 2026-27 academic year. 

“We are on the precipice of shaping a bold new strategic plan,” Fairchild said in a statement, “and the person who steps into this role will have a rare opportunity to help define UVA’s academic future for the next generation, alongside an incredible faculty and a community deeply committed to excellence.”

The UVA Executive Search Group will aid in the effort.