<< 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 Serving the Greater Good: Discussion with Dean Solomon Event In celebration of The Frank Batten School's 15 year anniversary, Dean Solomon will be the guest on the Alumni Association's series, More Than the Score. Join us for a discussion on how the Batten community is serving the greater good and what the future of leadership and public policy education looks like. 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. Dean Solomon on NPR: The Charlottesville rally 5 years later News Dean Ian H. Solomon was interviewed by NPR for a report on the rally by white supremacists protesting the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee five years ago. The Dean shared that he, too, considers events in Charlottesville a warning. Juneteenth Celebration and Reflection with Dean Ian Solomon Event This Monday, June 20, join Dean Ian Solomon for a morning reflection and celebration in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday. Sesame Workshop President is 2022 Jefferson Medalist in Citizen Leadership News Sherrie Rollins Westin, president of Sesame Workshop and a 1980 graduate of UVA, has been named this year’s recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, an award selected by the Batten School. With Courage and Compassion: Perspectives on Leading, Following and Serving Event Steve Schleicher, a private attorney who accepted a pro bono appointment as a Special Prosecutor in the George Floyd homicide cases, will share his perspectives on effective leadership, followership and the rewards of public service. Ukraine Crisis: Implications for International Policy and Diplomacy Event The Batten School and National Security Policy Center bring together a panel of experts to discuss the global ripple effects of Russia's attack on Ukraine with a focus on policy, diplomacy and humanitarian implications. Deeper Dialogues @UVA: Healing with Dean Ian Solomon Event Theological Horizons hosts the fifth and final installment of the Deeper Dialogues @UVA series featuring Batten School Dean Ian Solomon on the topic of healing. Pavilion X Exhibit Highlights Slavery History of Its Former Residents News “This exhibit is but a small token of my gratitude for the opportunity to give voice to the ghosts of yesterday,” wrote Ian Solomon, the pavilion’s current resident. View All
Serving the Greater Good: Discussion with Dean Solomon Event In celebration of The Frank Batten School's 15 year anniversary, Dean Solomon will be the guest on the Alumni Association's series, More Than the Score. Join us for a discussion on how the Batten community is serving the greater good and what the future of leadership and public policy education looks like.
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.
Dean Solomon on NPR: The Charlottesville rally 5 years later News Dean Ian H. Solomon was interviewed by NPR for a report on the rally by white supremacists protesting the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee five years ago. The Dean shared that he, too, considers events in Charlottesville a warning.
Juneteenth Celebration and Reflection with Dean Ian Solomon Event This Monday, June 20, join Dean Ian Solomon for a morning reflection and celebration in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.
Sesame Workshop President is 2022 Jefferson Medalist in Citizen Leadership News Sherrie Rollins Westin, president of Sesame Workshop and a 1980 graduate of UVA, has been named this year’s recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, an award selected by the Batten School.
With Courage and Compassion: Perspectives on Leading, Following and Serving Event Steve Schleicher, a private attorney who accepted a pro bono appointment as a Special Prosecutor in the George Floyd homicide cases, will share his perspectives on effective leadership, followership and the rewards of public service.
Ukraine Crisis: Implications for International Policy and Diplomacy Event The Batten School and National Security Policy Center bring together a panel of experts to discuss the global ripple effects of Russia's attack on Ukraine with a focus on policy, diplomacy and humanitarian implications.
Deeper Dialogues @UVA: Healing with Dean Ian Solomon Event Theological Horizons hosts the fifth and final installment of the Deeper Dialogues @UVA series featuring Batten School Dean Ian Solomon on the topic of healing.
Pavilion X Exhibit Highlights Slavery History of Its Former Residents News “This exhibit is but a small token of my gratitude for the opportunity to give voice to the ghosts of yesterday,” wrote Ian Solomon, the pavilion’s current resident.