Darden Prof. Mike Lenox began his term as interim dean of the Darden School of Business Jan. 1. Brie Gertler, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost of the University, shared the news of his selection in an email to Darden faculty, staff and students Dec. 30, detailing his prior accomplishments and leadership roles at Darden.
The news comes less than two weeks after Scott Beardsley was appointed as the University’s 10th president Dec. 19, leaving a vacancy in his role as dean of Darden. Lenox’s term began Jan. 1 and the University aims to permanently fill the role by fall of this year, according to Gertler’s message to the Darden community.
Lenox joined the Darden faculty in 2008, and since then he has served in several leadership roles throughout the University, including serving as Darden’s Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer for eight years. For the past two and a half years, Lenox served in the role of a special advisor to the dean, in which he provided strategic counsel and led special projects.
Lenox himself is an alumnus of the University, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering in 1993, followed by a master’s degree in systems engineering in 1994.
Though Lenox will serve as interim dean, he will not be a candidate in Darden’s search for its 10th dean, according to Gertler’s message.
In a statement to The Cavalier Daily, Lenox noted that his decision to not be a candidate for the permanent appointment allows him to focus on running Darden as interim dean in the coming months and maintaining Beardsley’s progress. According to Lenox, Beardsley’s leadership was “transformational,” and he aims to continue this momentum into the fall.
“I accepted the position because I wanted to help Darden continue its incredible momentum from under President Beardsley’s leadership as dean,” Lenox stated.
Soon after Gertler’s email, Lenox also shared a message of his own to the Darden community, describing his goals to build on Beardsley’s momentum. Lenox noted this will both prepare both the next dean and the Darden community for continued success as the school approaches its 75th anniversary in 2030. Lenox also promised transparency in his actions as he takes on this new leadership role.
“I have dedicated my life to serving U.Va. and have immense gratitude to be able to lead Darden during this critical juncture,” Lenox’s message reads.
Gertler’s message also shared some of Lenox’s contributions to the University, such as launching and leading U.Va. Innovates — the University’s entrepreneurial hub — and co-leading the development of the 2030 Plan — a strategic outline to improve the University — alongside former University President Jim Ryan. The message describes Lenox as an experienced individual who is familiar with the values needed to maintain Darden’s development.
“Mike has the experience, acumen, integrity and deep familiarity with Darden’s values and programs to propel Darden forward,” Gertler’s email reads.
Lenox currently works as the Tayloe Murphy Professor in Business Administration, and teaches the core MBA strategy course and an MBA elective on strategy in the digital age at Darden, among other offerings.
In his statement to The Cavalier Daily, Lenox stated he worked closely alongside Beardsley in many Darden activities and initiatives. Lenox focused on the importance of students in shaping the school’s future, and noted that Darden will continue to flourish due to contributions of faculty, staff and students alike.
“At Darden, we have a clear and powerful sense of who we are and the value we create,” Lenox wrote. “We deliver the world’s best education experience … led by the world’s best faculty, and supported by the world’s best staff.”
According to Gertler, the University will take the necessary time to identify the next permanent dean, even though the position is expected to be filled by fall 2026. The search process has not yet been outlined, but Gertler emphasized the Darden community will be encouraged to participate in this global search, with more details to be shared in the coming months.
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