Meet Scott Beardsley: UVA’s 10th President
Scott Beardsley, the newly appointed 10th president of the University of Virginia (UVA), has an impressive career spanning over 25 years in business. He has worked in 40 countries and has extensive experience in leadership development. Beardsley comes from a family of educators, which shaped his belief in education’s transformative power.
Career Transition to Education
Before stepping into academia, Beardsley was a successful leader at McKinsey & Company, where he played a vital role in global learning initiatives. Despite being recognized for his exceptional business acumen, he faced challenges in transitioning to education due to his nontraditional background.
His doctoral thesis focused on academic leaders with atypical career paths, culminating in his book “Higher Calling.” This background uniquely positioned him to become the Dean of UVA’s Darden School of Business, a role he assumed in 2015.
Personal Background and Education
Born in rural Maine to a family of educators and farmers, Beardsley’s journey took him to Alaska, where he excelled in school, graduating at the top of his class. He earned an electrical engineering degree from Tufts University, motivated more by scholarship opportunities than passion for the subject.
Beardsley has furthered his education with an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
Accomplishments at UVA
- Boosted Darden School’s rankings to No. 1 in various categories including overall MBA program and global experiences.
- Raised an unprecedented $632 million for scholarships and faculty excellence.
- Increased the school’s endowment to over $1 billion.
As the longest-serving current dean at UVA, Beardsley was well-regarded within the university community. Alongside his administrative triumphs, he actively engaged with students, co-hosting events and teaching seminars in the historic Jeffersonian classroom.
Vision as President
Beardsley’s vision for UVA focuses on enhancing its mission of education, research, public service, and patient care. He aims to harness the collective efforts of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to uplift the institution further.
Expressing his commitment to the university, Beardsley stated his desire to “carry the torch forward” and help UVA achieve its full potential. This role represents not just an honor but also a significant responsibility to advance the university’s legacy while fostering innovation and excellence.
