James E. Ryan 2018-2025

James E. Ryan became the University of Virginia’s ninth president in 2018 and led the institution through a period of growth and transformation. From crafting to implementing a strategic plan – “A Great and Good University: The 2030 Plan” – Ryan’s tenure was marked by expanded opportunities for students, bold investments in research and innovation, and strengthened connections in the community, across the commonwealth and beyond. From his first moments in office to his final year, he advanced and implemented affordability initiatives that provided opportunity to talented students and a brighter future to families. He launched programs that broadened UVA’s statewide and national presence, while also championing student well-being through new facilities and programs.

Ryan also consistently reinforced and championed UVA’s historic commitment to free expression and civic engagement, earning national recognition. A gifted and empathetic leader, Ryan guided the University through challenges ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, to unprecedented changes in college athletics, to moments of profound tragedy. By the time Ryan stepped down in July 2025, he had, with the help of a talented team of deans and senior leaders, left behind a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected University. Through his vision, leadership and unflagging passion for UVA, Ryan helped position UVA to continue to thrive as a leader in teaching, research, patient care, and public service.

Ryan believed that, in order for the University of Virginia to achieve its full potential, it must be a place that aspires to be both great and good; excellent, but excellent for the purpose of serving the common good. This vision resonated both within and well beyond the University community, reigniting the University’s commitments to excellence, service, access, decency and changing public perception of UVA’s place in the world. Ryan:

Former President James E. Ryan championed a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected University.

• Guided the University through its bicentennial and launched “A Great and Good University: The 2030 Plan,” a bold, collaborative plan to strengthen UVA’s foundation, cultivate a vibrant community, drive discoveries, and embed service as a core value.
• Fully or substantially completed the major initiatives in the strategic plan.

Ryan’s tenure gave rise to new academic capabilities and opportunities for the University to expand human knowledge and improve the quality of life for people everywhere. During his presidency, the University:

Ryan, shown here at the opening of the School of Data Science, led the University in attracting new opportunities for research, education and student experiences.

• Secured state funding for the major renovation of the newly named Shannon Library.
• Secured approval and funding for UVA’s 12th school, the School of Data Science, positioning UVA as a leader in data-driven learning and research.
• Established the Karsh Institute of Democracy with a landmark $50 million gift and broke ground on a new Emmet-Ivy Corridor facility to anchor democratic scholarship and civic engagement.
• Launched the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology with transformative philanthropy and a state partnership, now under construction as a 350,000-square-foot research and patient care hub at Fontaine Research Park.
• Opened Shumway Hall at the McIntire School of Commerce and secured philanthropic funding for the creation of the Center for the Performing Arts.
• Supported the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and created the Year in Wise program, deepening connections between UVA’s college in Southwest Virginia and Charlottesville.
• Established a UVA Northern Virginia campus to expand educational opportunities in the commonwealth and beyond.
• Helped create Public Service Pathways to help students prepare for public service.
• Supported a path-breaking revision of the college curriculum and a new approach to student advising.

Ryan annually celebrated Final Exercises with University of Virginia graduates.

The strength of UVA will always be found in its ability to give talented scholars what Jefferson referred to as the opportunity to “reach for destinies of high promise,” regardless of their financial circumstance, while providing a supportive learning environment. Ryan was an advocate for this Jeffersonian ideal that motivated students needed only a chance to realize their potential. As a first-generation student himself, Ryan helped pave the way for new opportunities for students and families. He:

Ryan, shown here at the opening of a new center for first-generation college students, strove to create opportunities for students from a broad array of backgrounds.

• Expanded SuccessUVA, increasing access for lower- and middle-income families, including full coverage of tuition for Virginia families earning $100,000 or less; and full coverage of tuition, fees, housing, and dining for Virginia families earning $50,000 or less.
• Continued to meet 100% of financial need for all admitted students.
• Admitted UVA’s most socioeconomically diverse entering class in 2024.
• Helped launch and support the Walentas Scholars program for first-generation students.
• Secured a substantial gift to create a scholarship program for students transferring from Piedmont Virginia Community College.
• Created and raised funds for the Cavalier Fund, which offers stipends to students on financial aid that allow them to participate fully in the life of the University.
• Rose to the No. 2-ranked public university for “best value.”

Ryan cuts the ribbon on UVA’s new Hardie Football Operations Center with UVA Athletic Director Carla Williams, football coach Tony Elliott, and supporters Robert and Molly Hardie.

UVA’s Student Health and Wellness became ranked as best among public universities during Ryan’s tenure. He was well-known for being connected to and engaged with students.

Under his leadership, the University delivered major new facilities that enhance wellness, learning, and community:

• Student Health & Wellness Center
• Contemplative Commons
• New upper-class housing along Brandon Avenue and the Emmet-Ivy Corridor
• The Hardie Family Football Operations Center and the Harrison Olympic Sports Center
• The Forum Hotel, expanding hospitality and convening space on North Grounds
• Virginia Guesthouse & Conference Center, adding 217 guest rooms and 29,000 square feet of conference facilities on the Emmet-Ivy Corridor

During his tenure as president, Ryan emphasized culture, discovery, community, and service as cornerstones of UVA’s future, and highlighted those themes with many well-received events such as the popular Run with Jim series.

In addition, he:

• Created a Student Advisory Council to the president; co-taught a first-year seminar; and defended and championed student self-governance.
• Held open houses at Carr’s Hill, hosted lunches, and organized regular runs with students, faculty, staff, and community members, including a final run in 2025 that drew more than half the graduating class.

The Karsh Institute of Democracy, a hub for scholarship and civic engagement, sponsors an annual Democracy360 event.

From democracy to the environment, medicine, and the digital technologies that are rapidly changing how we live, Ryan made translational research a focus for the University. Taking a leadership role along these endeavors of scientific inquiry heightened UVA’s profile as a research university and addressed the grand challenges of our time.

Under Ryan, the University:

• Elevated research as a core pillar of the 2030 Plan by focusing on five strategic areas: democracy, environmental resilience and sustainability, precision medicine, the brain and neuroscience, and digital technology and society.
• Democracy: Established the Karsh Institute of Democracy as a leading hub for scholarship and civic engagement.
• Environmental Resilience: Advanced research on climate, sustainability, and environmental health, supporting resilient communities.
• Precision Medicine: Launched the Manning Institute of Biotechnology, expanded NIH-funded biomedical research, and invested in innovative treatments for improved patient care.
• The Brain and Neuroscience: Expanded UVA’s leadership in Alzheimer’s and neurological research through new centers and NIH support.
• Digital Technology and Society: Advanced responsible AI and data science initiatives, including the formal establishment of the School of Data Science.
• Exceeded $500 million in annual sponsored research for the first time in UVA history.

During Ryan’s presidency, UVA Health expanded across the commonwealth to provide excellent patient care.

There is no more tangible or immediate impact of UVA’s knowledge and expertise within our communities than through the services provided by UVA Health. During Ryan’s tenure, more Virginians received the care they needed. Advances and breakthroughs in UVA labs made their way to bedsides. Access to doctors and vital treatments increased.

During Ryan’s tenure, the University:

• Oversaw UVA Health’s expansion across the commonwealth, including acquisition of hospitals and clinics in Northern Virginia (Culpeper, Haymarket, and Prince William).
• Began implementing a 10-year strategic plan for UVA Health to broaden access to cancer care, eye care, primary care, and specialty services, reaching new regions with multispecialty centers and a mobile care unit.
• Was designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center – one of just 57 in the nation to hold that designation from the National Cancer Institute, and the first in Virginia.
• Was ranked best children’s hospital in Virginia five years in a row.

Ryan inspired belief in the University’s mission. His personal appeal was grounded in his love for the institution, which resonated with donors and resulted in significant fundraising achievements.

Among them, the University:

• Publicly launched and completed the Honor the Future campaign, raising more than $6 billion – 20% above the campaign goal.
• Raised more than $1 billion dedicated to student scholarships and professorships.
• Received gifts from more than 250,000 individuals.
• Inspired a record-breaking percentage of the Class of 2025 – more than 50% – to donate to the campaign last year.

Ryan recognized the essential connection between the University and Charlottesville. His efforts to strengthen partnerships and cooperation defied the traditional “town and gown” relationship. The respect and consideration afforded to all was consistent with the values of the University and forged a new kind of relationship with the community, one marked by a spirit of collaboration, dialogue, and shared goals. The Ryan administration:

UVA’s Pipelines & Pathways program, established during Ryan’s presidency, offers community members the opportunity to train for and establish rewarding careers at the University.

• Strengthened UVA’s partnerships with Charlottesville through the Good Neighbor Initiative and the President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships.
• Created Pipelines & Pathways to connect local residents to University jobs and career advancement.
• In his first year, raised the minimum wage for full-time University employees to $15 an hour, setting a new standard for fairness and inclusion.
• Organized and participated in the annual Community Bridges 5K run, raising proceeds for local nonprofits.
• Raised funds for UVA and local community initiatives through Ryan’s run in the Boston Marathon every year.
• Began creation of new affordable housing opportunities, with the goal of building at least 1,000 new units in 10 years.

Under Ryan’s leadership, the University:

• Commissioned a Universitywide Committee on Free Expression and Free Inquiry in 2021, leading to a formal Statement on Free Expression and Inquiry endorsed by the Board of Visitors.
• Elevated UVA’s national reputation for free expression and leadership development, earning a No. 1 ranking for free speech from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and a No. 3 ranking from Time magazine for producing future leaders.
• Revived Jeffersonian Dinners, hosted at Carr’s Hill and in pavilions, drawing students and faculty together to discuss and debate important issues.
• Created “Double Take,” a story-telling event where students, faculty, staff, and alumni shared their stories in front of a live audience.
• Created “Democracy Dialogues,” which brought together high-profile speakers with different perspectives on issues of contemporary interest.

Ryan provided strength for the entire UVA community during times of crisis, of mourning, and of healing. He was an extraordinary leader during extraordinary times that could have sapped the spirit of the UVA community. Instead, Ryan lifted people up, acknowledged their pain, gave them reason to believe the best was yet to come, and celebrated a UVA community that came together and became stronger for it. He set the example. And the University responded. He:

• Navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the protests following the murder of George Floyd, the tragic on-Grounds shootings in November 2022, and the protests over the conflict in the Middle East, while continuing to advance strategic priorities.
• Departed the presidency on July 11, 2025, leaving a legacy of growth, compassionate leadership, and enduring momentum for the University of Virginia.