Dean Ian Baucom Taking Leave for 2019 Fall Semester; Brie Gertler Named Acting Dean

MAY 14, 2019 John Carfagno, Director of Communications
Ian Baucom, Buckner W. Clay Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and Brie Gertler, Commonwealth Professor of Philosophy and acting Dean
Ian Baucom, Buckner W. Clay Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and Brie Gertler, Commonwealth Professor of Philosophy and acting Dean

Dean Ian Baucom will be taking leave for the Fall 2019 semester. Brie Gertler, Commonwealth Professor of Philosophy and interim Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities, has accepted the role of acting dean until Baucom’s return.

Baucom said it’s hard to believe how swiftly time has passed since moving to Virginia and beginning his UVA career in 2014.

“Thinking back on my first term as dean, I’m grateful to everyone in the College and Graduate School and across Grounds for the great work that was accomplished,” Baucom said. “I am deeply inspired by the many faculty, staff, students and friends of the College who came together to help us make real progress in a variety of areas.”

Gertler is looking forward to helping advance Baucom’s vision.

“In a short time under Ian’s leadership, A&S has implemented the Forums, launched the New College Curriculum Pilot for students, invested significantly in the Graduate School, hired more than 150 outstanding faculty, and helped to advance research in democracy, brain science, environmental science and more. The enterprise is on much better financial ground,” Gertler said. “I’m honored that Provost-elect Liz Magill asked me to serve as acting dean, and I’m excited to help build on the momentum we have in the College.”

Gertler will serve as acting dean from July 1 to January 1, and the process to select a new associate dean for the arts and humanities has already begun. Baucom will be on Grounds in the fall for key meetings and events, including the public launch of the "Honor the Future" campaign and the new curriculum faculty vote.

“Brie has been outstanding as Associate Dean,” added Baucom. “She’s been a great thought partner and has worked exceptionally well to move major projects forward, especially our graduate education initiative. I’m thrilled she is taking on this role. This gives me the opportunity to work on my scholarship – I’m writing a book on higher education – as well as the chance to recharge before beginning my second term. I’m looking forward to 2020 and beyond, and, in President Jim Ryan’s words, to help make UVA both a great university and good university that lifts Charlottesville, the Commonwealth, and the world.”