New academic leadership appointments at UVA Batten
Eileen Chou, the current associate dean for academic affairs and incoming interim dean of the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, announced two new academic leadership appointments in a message to the UVA Batten community on Friday.
Chou shared her intention to appoint Jay Shimshack, a professor of public policy and economics, to succeed her in leading the school’s academic affairs.
“The Batten School has a powerful mission and extraordinary faculty, staff and students,” Shimshack said. “Even after 12 years at UVA Batten, I am humbled daily by the incredible teaching, research, service and public engagement that happens here. I am delighted and honored to work with Interim Dean Chou to support this special community.”
Chou said Shimshack has built a reputation at UVA Batten for sound judgment and a collaborative approach to leadership, and that colleagues across the school trust his understanding of academic operations.
“I’m incredibly grateful for Jay’s unwavering commitment to the school and for his willingness to serve,” she said. “I look forward to his continued thought partnership as we navigate this transition together.”
Chou also announced her intention to appoint Ben Castleman, a professor of public policy and education, as faculty director of research and engagement, a new position created to support faculty in advancing their research and engagement portfolios.
“Ben brings deep expertise and a proven commitment to impactful research and mission-aligned engagement, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity,” Chou said.
In this role, Castleman will help shape UVA Batten’s approach to raising the visibility and reach of the school’s scholarly work.
“UVA Batten faculty produce research of tremendous importance and relevance to public leaders and policymakers, and engage deeply in policymaking processes,” Castleman said. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with our faculty and staff to elevate and extend the impact of this work.”
The announcements come as Chou prepares to begin her tenure as interim dean on Aug. 3, following news that Dean Ian Solomon is leaving UVA to become president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
