University president John T. Casteen, III announced Friday that Arthur Garson, Jr. will become the University's provost.
Garson, who is currently serving as Medical School dean, will take the office July 1.
Garson will succeed outgoing Provost Gene Block, who will become the chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles this summer.
Garson said he looks forward to following a long generation of great leaders.
"We practice useful science throughout the Grounds each day whether it be humanities or science and we practice it together," Garson said.
Although each candidate for the position showed enormous potential, according to Casteen, Garson was the unanimous choice of three selection committees.
"He has a thoughtful and ambitious vision for what the University can become in the upcoming decade and beyond," Casteen added.
According to a press release issued by the University, Garson has served as Medical School dean since 2002. He was influential in the creation of the Master's of Public Health Program and in plans to create the University's clinical cancer center.
Casteen said Garson will lead the University through a critical time while the University seeks global recognition.
Garson's first order of business as provost will be to announce the individual chosen to take over the position of outgoing College Dean Edward Ayers. He will also oversee the future development of the Capital Campaign and creation of the University's newest school -- the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
Casteen plans to present Garson to the Board of Visitors at its next meeting not only as the new provost, but also as an executive vice president of the University.
Leonard Sandridge will also continue to serve as an executive vice president.
Casteen said the selection process for a new provost began after Block announced in December he would be leaving the University. The search committee tried to expedite the section process so the new provost could help in the search for Ayers' replacement.
The procedure to select the new provost involved three different rounds of interviews and reports. The Board of Visitors initiated the first interview for the candidates, followed by the faculty advisor committee and a separate committee compromised of University deans.
The faculty committee that selected the new provost also included Robert Pianta, who was named the next Education School dean today.
Pianta will replace David Breneman who is stepping down this summer.
"Thanks to David Brenaman's leadership I will inherit a strong foundation of programs and external support," Pianta stated in a press release issued by the University.
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