Message to the U.Va. Community from EVP/Provost John Simon and EVP/COO Michael Strine

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Deans, Vice Presidents, Faculty, Staff and Students of the University of Virginia and the Medical Center and the College at Wise,

The decisions of the weekend have generated anxiety on the Grounds and many of you are uncertain about their implications. We know that our community is presently unsettled by the unexpected resignation of President Sullivan.

We recognize that some seek more complete knowledge of events and details, some are still absorbing the news, and many have reached out to offer their understanding and solid support of our present duty. We are particularly appreciative of our academic and administrative leaders who have stepped up to share this challenge by reassuring their faculty and staff with strength, vision and optimism.

The Board of Visitors' action is resolute and authoritative. The BoV will take the next steps on Monday to put an interim President in place and will follow with the establishment of a deliberate, principled and thoughtful search process for our next President.

We are committed to advance the University of Virginia, in partnership, and will support the leadership of the interim and next President.

We encourage all of us, even as we adjust and absorb this change, to focus constructively forward in preparing the institution for its next stage of leadership and our shared commitment to quality and excellence in teaching, discovery and patient care.

We ask that you join us in assuring that the University of Virginia continues to be a leader on the forefront of higher education and health care in the world.

John Simon
Executive Vice President and Provost
Robert C. Taylor Professor of Chemistry
University of Virginia

Michael Strine
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
University of Virginia

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Strine approved distribution of this message.