CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Paul Mahoney, interim president at the University of Virginia, started in his post Monday and sent a letter the UVA community, declaring that his “immediate goal is to stabilize our affairs,” according to a copy of the letter obtained by Cville Right Now.
“This time last week, I was preparing for a busy semester of teaching and research when I received a call from the Board of Visitors asking me to serve in this role,” Mahoney wrote. “In weighing the decision, one factor was pivotal: the University is my home. In 35 years on the faculty, I’ve been privileged to learn from thousands of students, faculty, and staff across Grounds. If my experience can help the University, it will be a pleasure and an honor as well as a duty to serve.”
Mahoney, a UVA law professor and former dean of the law school, was named the interim president by the Board of Visitors on Aug. 4. Jim Ryan resigned under pressure from the Trump administration last month. UVA is undergoing a national search for Ryan’s permanent replacement, a process that is expected to take 4-6 months.
Among the issues facing Mahoney is the looming Department of Justice investigation that prompted Ryan’s resignation. The DOJ has been investigating whether or not UVA has fully dismantled its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as directed by the administration. The DOJ claims Ryan and UVA were not responsive to requests to confirm they were complying with the federal guidelines.
Calling Ryan a “friend and colleague,” Mahoney thanked the former president who he said, “served with dignity, decency, and good will. I’m delighted that he will return to the faculty, where a new generation of students will benefit from his brilliance and humanity.”
After a sabbatical, Ryan will return to UVA as a professor.
Mahoney also inherits a UVA medical system undergoing massive leadership upheaval after allegations of misconduct.
He concluded his letter by thanking the faculty, staff and students.
“I want to thank all of you, especially for your grace and perseverance in a difficult moment,” Mahoney wrote. “More than anything else, you make this University an exceptional place to live, work, and learn.”
Mahoney’s full letter:
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Dear students, faculty, staff, and friends,
Please accept my greetings and best wishes on my first day as interim President. This time last week, I was preparing for a busy semester of teaching and research when I received a call from the Board of Visitors asking me to serve in this role. In weighing the decision, one factor was pivotal: the University is my home. In 35 years on the faculty, I’ve been privileged to learn from thousands of students, faculty, and staff across Grounds. If my experience can help the University, it will be a pleasure and an honor as well as a duty to serve. My immediate goal is to stabilize our affairs so that we can focus on our core mission of education, research, and patient care. I look forward to working with this remarkable community to advance this great University. I anticipate speaking with many of you in the days and weeks ahead to better understand the challenges and opportunities before us. I’d like to thank J.J. Davis for stepping in as acting President to maintain the essential operations of the University over the past few weeks. I also wish to thank my friend and colleague Jim Ryan, who served with dignity, decency, and good will. I’m delighted that he will return to the faculty, where a new generation of students will benefit from his brilliance and humanity. Finally, I want to thank all of you, especially for your grace and perseverance in a difficult moment. More than anything else, you make this University an exceptional place to live, work, and learn. I view my role as working with you to ensure that you have what you need to do your best work, and I welcome your feedback, questions, and thoughts as we all prepare for the year ahead. Yours truly, Paul G. Mahoney |
