UVA Batten School Forms Dean Search Committee
A 12-person committee is now searching for a new leader for the University of Virginia policy school.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in People
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The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy has officially launched a search for its next dean following the departure of Ian Solomon. A 12-person committee is leading the process to fill the vacancy.
Why it matters
The search process is essential to determine the future leadership direction of the school after Ian Solomon left his post to become president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
The school has appointed a 12-person committee to oversee the selection process. Ian Solomon held the position of dean for 7 years prior to his resignation.
The players
Ian Solomon
He served as the dean of the Frank Batten School for seven years before transitioning to the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
Eileen Chou
She is currently serving as the interim dean for the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
Benjamin Converse
He is a co-chair of the newly formed search committee tasked with finding the school's next leader.
Megan Barnett
She serves as a co-chair of the search committee alongside Benjamin Converse.
Heidrick & Struggles
This executive search firm is providing external assistance to the committee during the recruitment process.
The details
Co-chairs Benjamin Converse and Megan Barnett are leading the committee, which is currently soliciting input through listening sessions with students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles is assisting the university in identifying candidates for the role.
Timeline
Aug. 2, 2026: Ian Solomon stepped down as dean.
Oct. 9, 2026: The search committee held its first meeting.
Oct. 14, 2026: The school announced the search committee formation.
Market Landscape
The formation of this search committee adheres to the institutional standards set by the University of Virginia Provost Office search guidelines. This process reflects standard administrative transition procedures at major public research universities.
Students, faculty, and alumni have the opportunity to participate in listening sessions to provide feedback on the future of the school. Nominations can also be submitted directly through the official provost website.
The takeaway
The search for a new dean is a critical phase for the school to maintain its academic and leadership standing. Stakeholders should remain engaged through official university channels to ensure their perspectives are represented in the search process.
Further reading
For more information on administrative leadership transitions, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Crossword -- January 29 - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper.
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