The University of Virginia appointed Michael Lenox as interim dean of the Darden School of Business as Scott Beardsley moved to the university presidency. Lenox, a long‑time Darden strategy professor and administrator, explicitly told university leadership he does not want the permanent deanship and will serve only while a national search proceeds. UVA has set a timeline to announce a permanent dean by the fall; two internal leaders — Yael Grushka‑Cockayne and Melissa Thomas‑Hunt — are viewed as likely frontrunners. The interim appointment signals a continuity‑first approach while the university organizes a high‑profile search for the school’s 10th dean. For business‑school leaders and trustees, Lenox’s refusal to pursue the permanent post shortens the runway for candidates and concentrates attention on internal succession, curriculum priorities and diversity in leadership at a top public MBA program.