UVA Alumni Magazine Focuses on Leadership Transition

The September issue of Virginia Magazine, the University’s official alumni publication, devotes significant attention to the resignation of President Jim Ryan and the questions it raises for UVA’s future.

In the alumni response section, Jefferson Council President Joel Gardner is quoted on the qualities needed in the University’s next leader:

“We’re looking for someone to move the university back to the center, to depoliticize the university, to pursue true intellectual diversity, to create that level playing field for the free exchange of ideas, and someone who will judge students, faculty and administrators based on merit, achievement and character, and not other factors.”

The Jefferson Council has long emphasized the importance of free speech, civil discourse, merit, and intellectual diversity as essential to UVA’s identity as a world-class institution. This moment is an opportunity for the Board of Visitors and the broader UVA community to ensure the next chapter of leadership strengthens these foundations and restores a depoliticized university.