The University of Virginia named Michael Lenox interim dean of the Darden School of Business and publicly noted he does not want the permanent role, triggering a full search for a 10th dean. Lenox, a long‑time Darden faculty member and administrator, takes over as UVA launches a global search with internal vice deans Yeal Grushka‑Cockayne and Melissa Thomas‑Hunt seen as strong internal candidates. The transparent declaration that the interim leader does not seek permanency is a rare governance move intended to reassure stakeholders and clear the field for a competitive recruitment. Business‑school leadership will set strategy on faculty hiring, MBA program changes and priorities such as AI integration and fundraising. How the search balances external expertise with internal continuity will shape Darden’s curriculum, diversity goals and fundraising trajectory over the next decade.