UVA President Teresa Sullivan announced during a press conference in the Rotunda today (August 24) that John Simon will serve as the university’s next executive vice president and provost.
Simon, a Duke University scientist who has served as vice provost for academic affairs there, will begin work September 1. He said Virginia’s history was a major factor in his decision to take the job.
“When I walked the lawn the first time I was up here in June, I felt I was standing on the grounds that tell the story of higher education in the United States,” Simon said. “It’s a very special feeling. It made this decision almost more emotional than rational.
“If you reflect on the significance of the room we’re all sitting in today, where the open view to the south, which is now filled with modern buildings, was to Jefferson the symbol of limitless freedom of the human mind… the University still stands for that limitless freedom. It’s ingrained in its identity and in my opinion it exemplifies what universities should strive to be.”
Simon’s arrival completes Sullivan’s senior leadership team. Michael Strine began work as UVA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer July 1.
“Finding top notch successors for the two executive vice president positions was a top priority for my first year as president, so I’m personally pleased we’ve found these two extraordinary leaders. Together John Simon and Michael Strine will lead a strong team of deans and vice presidents who are committed to the university and its mission,” Sullivan said.