Scott C. Beardsley serves as the 10th President of the University of Virginia and is a global leader in higher education, innovation, and public service. Before assuming the presidency in January 2026, he served a record three terms as dean of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and as a chaired professor of Strategy, Ethics and Entrepreneurship.

As dean, Beardsley led a financially self-sustaining enterprise, raising a record $632 million with significant funds directed to need-based and merit scholarships. He spearheaded UVA's first permanent Northern Virginia Grounds to expand access to degree and non-degree programs for working professionals, primarily Virginia residents, and enrolled record numbers of first-generation MBA students and those from military and public service backgrounds. He strengthened Virginia's talent pipeline through deeper engagement with regional leaders and delivered major capital projects on time and on budget. Under his leadership, Darden achieved top national and global rankings.

Known for his optimistic, values-driven leadership style, Beardsley chairs UVA's first ethical artificial intelligence institute and is advancing responsible AI innovation in partnership with UVA Health. He brings deep governance and strategy experience from his career as a senior partner and global board member at McKinsey & Company.

Beardsley comes from a family of educators and grew up in Maine and Alaska. He benefitted from a public school education and scholarship support that made higher education possible. A U.S.-French dual citizen, he lives in Charlottesville with his French-born wife and has three children and a daughter-in-law, all with UVA degrees.