James E. Ryan

James E. Ryan is an American legal scholar, academic administrator, and author who has served as the 16th president of the University of Virginia since 2018. A former professor and dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, his career has been distinguished by significant scholarship on law and education, particularly issues of educational equity and school finance. Prior to his academic leadership, Ryan was a prominent attorney, clerking for Chief Justice William Rehnquist and arguing cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Early life and education

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ryan grew up in the Midwest before his family settled in New Jersey. He attended public schools, where he developed an early interest in debate and public policy. For his undergraduate studies, he enrolled at the University of Virginia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in American studies. He then pursued a Juris Doctor at Yale Law School, where he served as an editor for the Yale Law Journal and graduated with honors. His legal education was influenced by prominent scholars of constitutional law and civil procedure.

Legal and academic career

After law school, Ryan clerked for Judge J. Michael Luttig on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and then for Chief Justice William Rehnquist at the Supreme Court of the United States. He practiced law at the Washington, D.C. firm of Bredhoff & Kaiser, focusing on labor law and appellate litigation, and later served as a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1998, he joined the faculty of the University of Virginia School of Law, teaching constitutional law, education law, and civil rights. His scholarly work, including the book Five Miles Away, A World Apart, examined the persistent effects of school segregation and housing policy on educational opportunity.

Presidency of the University of Virginia

Ryan became the 11th dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2013, where he launched initiatives to strengthen the connection between education research and classroom practice. In 2018, he was selected as the 16th president of the University of Virginia, succeeding Teresa A. Sullivan. His tenure has focused on increasing affordability through initiatives like the Affordable Excellence program, expanding access for Pell Grant recipients, and advancing the university's 2030 Strategic Plan. He has also overseen significant capital projects, including the construction of the School of Data Science and renovations to the Rotunda, while navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and national debates on university history and free speech.

Public service and other roles

Beyond academia, Ryan has served on numerous boards and commissions related to education and law. He was a member of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and has served on advisory boards for organizations like Teach For America and the National Center for Teacher Residencies. His 2017 commencement address at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, titled "Wait, What?," became a popular book on asking essential questions. He frequently contributes to public discourse through writings in outlets like The Washington Post and appearances on programs such as PBS NewsHour.

Personal life

Ryan is married to Katie Ryan, a former teacher and nonprofit leader; they have three children. An avid runner, he has completed several marathons. He maintains a strong connection to the University of Virginia community, often participating in student events and university traditions. His family resides in the President's House on the UVA grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:Presidents of the University of Virginia Category:American legal scholars Category:Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty Category:University of Virginia School of Law faculty Category:Yale Law School alumni Category:University of Virginia alumni Category:People from Pittsburgh