CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – University of Virginia President Scott Beardsley has paused the school’s search for a new provost, citing changes to the leadership and governance and the composition of the search committee.

“This is a difficult decision, but I believe it will help us achieve a better outcome in the long term, ensure institutional stability, and continue building trust in our community,” Beardsley wrote in a letter to the search committee, according to a UVA release.

Beardsley said the plan is to relaunch the search in the next academic year with a reconstituted search committee and pledged a process that will be, “fair, transparent and caring.”

Beardsley thanked and praised both the committee and the applicant pool, and encouraged the candidates to apply again when the search resumes.

Brie Gertler, who has been serving as the interim provost since being appointed by former President Jim Ryan in March 2025, will remain in that post.

“Brie is doing an excellent job in the interim role, and her continued leadership will provide the stability we need in this moment,” Beardsley said in a statement.

Gertler said, in a statement, “I am honored to continue to work alongside President Beardsley, the deans and other senior leaders to advance the University’s academic mission,” she said. “I am inspired every day by the strength of this institution and by our extraordinary faculty, staff and students.”

Former Interim President Paul Mahoney formed the search committee in September, but it has had changes to its members.