The University of Virginia appointed longtime strategy professor Michael Lenox as interim dean of the Darden School of Business; Lenox made clear he does not want the permanent post. The move allows UVA to mount a global search for the 10th dean while preserving internal continuity at a top public business school. Interim Provost Brie Gertler signaled a full search aiming to name a permanent dean by fall, with two internal vice‑deans — Yael Grushka‑Cockayne and Melissa Thomas‑Hunt — identified as likely front‑runners. Administrative sources say the interim appointment buys time for a deliberate search amid Darden’s emphasis on MBA teaching excellence and program innovation.