<< Back to Faculty Ian H. Solomon Dean and Professor of Practice of Public Policy Garrett Hall 200 Areas of focus Domestic Policy & Politics Leadership International and Global Affairs Ian H. Solomon is dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where he leads a multidisciplinary faculty of scholars and practitioners who are committed to creating new knowledge, developing ethical and effective leaders, and advancing solutions to humanity’s greatest policy challenges. Trained as a lawyer, Solomon is a devoted student and teacher of both negotiation and conflict resolution. Over the course of his career, he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of people across the globe by integrating insights from his experiences in higher education, government, the private sector, and international organizations. For four years, Solomon served in the U.S. Senate as legislative counsel to then-Senator Barack Obama. Later, under the Obama administration, he was confirmed unanimously by Congress as the U.S. executive director for the World Bank Group, where he championed private-sector development in Africa and negotiated a range of multi-stakeholder agreements. Solomon has also been a consultant with Mckinsey & Company, an associate dean and visiting lecturer at Yale Law School, and a vice president and lecturer in law at the University of Chicago. Before joining the Batten School, he led his own international consulting practice focused on conflict and collaboration. Now, as Batten’s dean, he aims to cultivate the kind of effective leadership the world needs: curious, evidence-based, empathetic, and equipped to serve our diverse and rapidly changing world. Originally from New York City, Solomon earned his AB from Harvard University and his JD from Yale Law School. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has traveled and worked extensively in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Today, he lives with his family on the Grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Related Content Raising the Bar for Human Development in Africa News Dean Solomon was in Tanzania recently to facilitate the kick-off panel of the African Human Capital Summit, which drew 1,000 people, including almost 100 African heads of state and ministers to delve into the issue of investing in youth education and other societal needs on the continent. Washington Post Journalist Jason Rezaian honored at Founder’s Day News Award-winning writer and former Washington Post bureau chief Jason Rezaian was officially awarded the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, the university’s highest external honor, on Thursday. The medal honors those whose work exemplifies Thomas Jefferson’s commitment to the duty and virtue of public service. Fridays at Batten: A Conversation with the Dean Event Join Dean Solomon for the kickoff of the new “Fridays at Batten” series! The dean will discuss the mission of the Batten School and what to expect this coming semester. Plan to share your thoughts and questions during an “Ask the Dean Anything” open session. Batten Showcase 2022: Leadership in Difficult Times ft. Ian Solomon News In this lecture, Dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and professor, Ian Solomon, shared from his experience and work how to lead in difficult times. Dean Solomon Shares the Batten School Approach to Leadership Education News Batten School Dean Ian Solomon shared with a crowd gathered for UVA's Lifetime Learning series the unique approaches utilized at the Batten School when preparing students for a future of public policy and leadership. Solomon and Williams Selected as Fellows by the National Academy of Public Administration News Ian Solomon, dean of the Batten School and professor of practice of public policy, and Brian Williams, associate professor of public policy, have been selected by the National Academy of Public Administration for inclusion in its 2022 Class of Academy Fellows. President Hinton, Dean Solomon Discuss Leadership with Students and Community Members News In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Garrett Hall, Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, and Ian Solomon, Dean of the Batten School, discussed various topics on leadership, including being authentic and vulnerable as well as showing compassion towards oneself and others. The Batten School Welcomes the Class of 2024 News The Batten School welcomed new students for post-graduate Master of Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership, Minor in Public Policy and Leadership, and Minor in Social Entrepreneurship programs this year in an exuberant kick-off to the semester. Remember Charlottesville with hope, action and a devotion to humanity News In an opinion for The Virginian-Pilot, Dean Ian Solomon encourages everyone to choose hope over despair when remembering the events in Charlottesville five years ago. He shares four distinct lessons to be learned that can help propel democracy forward. View All
Raising the Bar for Human Development in Africa News Dean Solomon was in Tanzania recently to facilitate the kick-off panel of the African Human Capital Summit, which drew 1,000 people, including almost 100 African heads of state and ministers to delve into the issue of investing in youth education and other societal needs on the continent.
Washington Post Journalist Jason Rezaian honored at Founder’s Day News Award-winning writer and former Washington Post bureau chief Jason Rezaian was officially awarded the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, the university’s highest external honor, on Thursday. The medal honors those whose work exemplifies Thomas Jefferson’s commitment to the duty and virtue of public service.
Fridays at Batten: A Conversation with the Dean Event Join Dean Solomon for the kickoff of the new “Fridays at Batten” series! The dean will discuss the mission of the Batten School and what to expect this coming semester. Plan to share your thoughts and questions during an “Ask the Dean Anything” open session.
Batten Showcase 2022: Leadership in Difficult Times ft. Ian Solomon News In this lecture, Dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and professor, Ian Solomon, shared from his experience and work how to lead in difficult times.
Dean Solomon Shares the Batten School Approach to Leadership Education News Batten School Dean Ian Solomon shared with a crowd gathered for UVA's Lifetime Learning series the unique approaches utilized at the Batten School when preparing students for a future of public policy and leadership.
Solomon and Williams Selected as Fellows by the National Academy of Public Administration News Ian Solomon, dean of the Batten School and professor of practice of public policy, and Brian Williams, associate professor of public policy, have been selected by the National Academy of Public Administration for inclusion in its 2022 Class of Academy Fellows.
President Hinton, Dean Solomon Discuss Leadership with Students and Community Members News In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Garrett Hall, Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, and Ian Solomon, Dean of the Batten School, discussed various topics on leadership, including being authentic and vulnerable as well as showing compassion towards oneself and others.
The Batten School Welcomes the Class of 2024 News The Batten School welcomed new students for post-graduate Master of Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership, Minor in Public Policy and Leadership, and Minor in Social Entrepreneurship programs this year in an exuberant kick-off to the semester.
Remember Charlottesville with hope, action and a devotion to humanity News In an opinion for The Virginian-Pilot, Dean Ian Solomon encourages everyone to choose hope over despair when remembering the events in Charlottesville five years ago. He shares four distinct lessons to be learned that can help propel democracy forward.