Robyn Hadley, Who Helped Navigate a Pandemic and the Nov. 13 Shootings, To Depart

To the University community,

We write today to share the news that Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Robyn Hadley will be stepping away from her position here at the University, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

Since she came to the University in the summer of 2021, Robyn has led Student Affairs with grace and determination, even in the face of enormous challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic shootings of Nov. 13, 2022. She and her team have made real progress on important initiatives like our “Hoos First” initiative for first-generation students; the Cavalier Fund, which offers grants to low-income students so they can participate in co-curricular activities; and expanded student mental health services through UVA’s Counseling and Psychological Services’ partnership with telehealth provider TimelyMD. Through it all, she has demonstrated the professionalism, wisdom, and deep care for our students for which she will be remembered here at UVA. We are grateful to Robyn and her team for all they have achieved these past few years.

Dr. Christopher Holstege, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the UVA Department of Student Health and Wellness, has agreed to serve as interim Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer while we conduct a search for a new leader for the division. In addition to serving as a senior member of the Division of Student Affairs team since 2013, Chris is a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics within the School of Medicine and a former Chair of the University’s Faculty Senate. He has devoted much of his academic career to the study of toxicology and care of poisonings in vulnerable populations, with current focus on student substance use and misuse.

Cedric Bernard Rucker, who currently serves as Senior Associate Dean in the UVA Office of African-American Affairs, has agreed to serve as interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students while we also conduct a search for a new Dean of Students. He began his professional career here, and after 37 years of service in higher education, recently returned to UVA from the University of Mary Washington, where he served with distinction as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life.

Chris and Cedric are experienced and passionate student affairs professionals, and we are confident they will serve our community ably as we begin a search to fill these two important positions permanently. Please join us in thanking Robyn for her service to the University and welcoming Chris and Cedric to these new assignments.

Sincerely,

Jim Ryan
President

Ian Baucom
Executive Vice President and Provost