Jim Ryan served as the ninth president of the University of Virginia from 2018 to 2025. A respected and accomplished educator and legal scholar, Ryan earned his law degree from UVA and previously served on the School of Law faculty for 15 years. From 2013 to 2018, he served as dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Charles William Eliot Professor of Education.

During his time as president, Ryan, working with dedicated colleagues across Grounds, helped craft and secure approval of a new strategic plan for the University; secured funding and approval for a new School of Data Science; secured lead gifts for the Karsh Institute of Democracy and a new Performing Arts Center; secured funding for the Manning Institute for Biotechnology; and publicly launched a capital campaign that generated more than $6 billion, 20% above the goal, including more than $1 billion in scholarships and professorships.

Ryan was known for his engagement with students, hosting frequent “Run With Jim” events and open houses at Carr’s Hill, teaching a course on “Great Speeches,” and creating a Student Advisory Council.