School of Medicine dean to serve as VCU’s interim EVP and provost

By Grant Heston

Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, has agreed to serve as VCU’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Saavedra will start Dec. 24, following the planned departure of the current interim provost, Beverly Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D.

“Dr. Saavedra is a strong leader, bringing clinical insight, academic rigor and an unwavering commitment to the public mission of higher education,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “Since joining VCU in 2023, he has demonstrated an ability to unify teams and advance a research-driven culture that deeply benefits our students, faculty and the communities we serve.”

This interim appointment reflects VCU’s continued commitment to strong and steady leadership as the national search for VCU’s next provost continues. Interim leadership for the School of Medicine will be shared soon.

“At VCU, academic excellence isn’t just a goal, it’s a promise we make to our students, faculty and the communities we serve,” Saavedra said. “I’m honored to support our work as interim provost and excited to help advance VCU’s mission by championing innovation, partnership and academic distinction across every discipline.”

Warren has served as interim provost since May. The former president of Kent State University previously served as VCU’s provost from 2011 to 2014.

“Dr. Warren rejoined VCU at a pivotal time and brought extraordinary care and clarity to the role, helping to align priorities across our academic enterprise while supporting faculty and student success,” Rao said.