It’s not hyperbole to say that Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis has a hand in almost every function that keeps the University of Virginia running.
Managing a $6.5 billion operating budget? Check. Leading a team to oversee a $2 billion capital construction program? Check. Administering human resources and payroll services for 30,000 employees? That, too.
She’s UVA’s chief administrative, business and operations officer responsible for the financial affairs of the University and the hospital, along with myriad other duties.
And now she’s added one more: acting president.
Davis will lead the University until the Board of Visitors, with community input, selects an interim president and then eventually a permanent president. (Photo by Kelly West, University Communications)
When Jim Ryan resigned the office in late June, Davis stepped into the role in an acting capacity until the Board of Visitors appoints an interim president. Davis will work collaboratively with all University stakeholders, including board leadership, during this timeframe. UVA Today chatted with Davis about her current responsibilities, her added duties, and why she has a love of wild animals, especially owls.
Q. First, what is “J.J.” short for, and how long have you gone by “J.J.?”
A. J.J. stands for Jennifer Jeannie. In my second year at Penn State, there were at least four Jennifers living on the same floor in our dorm. Back in those days, we had a communal phone that everyone on the floor used to call home. When my dad would call and ask to speak to “Jennifer,” he got tired of having to explain which one. So, he started asking for “J.J.” and it stuck.
Q. What exactly are the duties of an acting president?
A. UVA has a Continuity of Operations Plan, which goes into effect in the absence of the University’s president. The plan designates the executive vice president and chief operating officer to serve as acting president until the Board of Visitors selects an interim president.
The plan also outlines the acting president’s priorities, which align with our core mission of producing a rigorous academic environment; preserving critical, innovative research; providing world-class patient care; and ensuring the safety and well-being of the University’s students, faculty, staff, patients, contractors and visitors. I am also focused on providing stability during this transition period.
Q. You already have a pretty big job at UVA. How are you managing the new duties?
A. Exactly how I’ve managed my COO position for the past seven years: relying on UVA’s amazing staff and faculty across the academic and health divisions. I’m a retired volleyball player and it is a team sport. My coaches often said, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Keeping up with the demands of my existing role as COO and this new position is all about bringing the key stakeholders to the table and together working through what needs to be done.
I am also working in concert with my fellow executive vice presidents, deans and vice presidents. UVA is an incredible community, and it takes all of us moving forward in unison to ensure continuity in our work for the betterment of UVA.
Q. What is the process for selecting the interim president? What kinds of input are you hoping to get from the University community?
A. This is the University community’s opportunity to lean in and get involved. The website to nominate an interim president is available to the University community, and for those off Grounds, nominations can be sent by email. It’s the board that is responsible for appointing the interim president and for developing the selection process to hire UVA’s 10th president.
Q. We’re only a few weeks from welcoming students back to Grounds, and a lot of change unfolded during the summer. What kind of experience should new and returning students expect?
A. Simply put, the experiences for our new and returning students should be no different from years past. This isn’t the first time the University and its leadership have overcome challenging times. Faculty and staff from Grounds to Wise to Fairfax are already preparing for a robust start to the new year, complete with welcome events, social opportunities, etc.
I know I’m looking forward to joining my colleagues again this year with helping students move into their dorms, and with hosting the annual Convocation for first-years. Our goal is to make the new school year as consistent and seamless as possible, especially for our thousands of returning students. We are excited to see everyone soon and make them proud to call UVA home!
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