Changes to UVA leadership include new Darden dean

In moves among deans during a busy spring and summer, Yael Grushka-Cockayne was appointed to lead the Darden School of Business, Ian Solomon announced that he was leaving the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy after seven years at the helm, and Malo André Hutson agreed to stay on for another semester at the School of Architecture.

Grushka-Cockayne, a longtime Darden professor and most recently its vice dean, was appointed in June as the school’s 10th dean and the first woman to lead Darden in its 70-year history. She fills the vacancy created when Scott Beardsley was elected as UVA’s 10th president.

Grushka-Cockayne has been on the Darden faculty since 2009 and had served as vice dean since February 2025. Her research and teaching focus on data science, forecasting, project management and behavioral decision-making. She also holds a courtesy appointment as professor of data science in UVA’s School of Data Science.

“Darden’s strength has always been its people and the deeply human approach to business education: rigorous, student-centered, grounded in discussion, community, and committed to developing responsible leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world,” Grushka-Cockayne said. “In an age of artificial intelligence and constant change, our mission is more relevant than ever.”

Batten Dean Solomon is leaving to become president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, an 85-year-old foundation established by the grandsons of John D. Rockefeller. He stepped down Aug. 2 and was scheduled to serve as special adviser to the provost through Sept. 1.

During his tenure, Solomon grew Batten’s enrollment and expanded the school’s academic offerings. Solomon launched the Bridge to Batten program for first-generation and lower-income applicants, the BattenX program for adult learners, and graduate certificate programs in public leadership and public policy. The school also expanded its physical footprint beyond its home in Garrett Hall with additional space in the new Karsh Institute for Democracy building.

Solomon held several positions in the federal government before coming to Batten in 2019. He was legislative counsel to then–U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and a senior adviser to former U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

“I have loved the Batten School since my first day nearly seven years ago,” Solomon said. “It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve this community and to live in Pavilion X on the Lawn.”

Associate Dean Eileen Chou will serve as interim dean. A search for a new dean will begin in the fall.

Architecture Dean Hutson, who announced last year that he would not seek reappointment when his five-year term was up at the end of the spring 2026 semester, agreed to stay through the fall as the search for his successor continues.

Several candidates to replace Hutson came to Grounds for interviews, but “after careful consideration of stakeholder feedback and deliberations by the search committee,” Beardsley and Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Brie Gertler decided to extend the search, Gertler wrote in an email.

“Malo’s experienced, steady leadership and dedication to the School will ensure continuity as we continue the search for the next dean,” Gertler wrote.