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Changing of the Guard

Key University positions filled

Executive Vice President and Provost

Arthur “Tim” Garson Jr. Dan Addison

Arthur “Tim” Garson Jr., a pediatric cardiologist who had served as vice president and dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine since 2002, is the University’s new executive vice president and provost. He succeeds Gene D. Block, who is now chancellor of UCLA.

As provost, Garson will be the University’s chief academic officer, directing academic administration of the institution’s 11 schools, as well as the University Library, Art Museum, three residential colleges, public service activities and numerous University centers. He also will help oversee the creation of the University’s newest school, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.

Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Karen Ryan Dan Addison

Karen Ryan, associate dean for the arts, humanities and social sciences in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, has been named interim dean of the College. Ryan began her new assignment effective July 1, while the search continues for a permanent successor to Edward L. Ayers, who was named president of the University of Richmond.

“Karen Ryan is an experienced and able administrator who will assume responsibility for maintaining the College’s progress in the sciences and the fine and performing arts,” said UVA President John T. Casteen III, who made the appointment. “Now that phase one of the South Lawn project is largely funded, she will be free to focus on expanding the range of goals in the campaign and to address the College’s urgent needs for support of all its academic departments and programs.”

Curry School Dean

Robert C. Pianta Dan Addison

Robert C. Pianta, an expert on early childhood education and a longtime faculty member in the Curry School of Education, was appointed the school’s dean over the summer. Pianta, who joined the faculty in 1986, succeeds David W. Breneman, who stepped down this summer after 12 years as dean. “We are poised to shape national and international debates on what makes a good teacher, how to create schools that really fit students’ needs, and how to promote not only academic achievement, but also health and well-being,” Pianta says of the Curry School’s future.

Dean of the Office of African-American Affairs

Maurice Apprey

After serving for a year as interim dean of the Office of African-American Affairs, Maurice Apprey is now the office’s permanent dean. A professor of psychiatric medicine and the School of Medicine’s former associate dean for diversity, Apprey intends to set higher expectations for minority students.

Specifically, he plans to push African-American students to achieve at a higher level academically. Apprey says he hopes to see more African-American students in distinguished positions, such as honors programs and living on the Lawn, and to send greater numbers on to graduate and professional schools.