UVA Law Professor Kerry Abrams Named Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

In her new role, Abrams will oversee faculty recruitment and retention initiatives University-wide. Simon appointed Abrams to a two-year term, effective May 25.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the University of Virginia by joining the Provost's Office," Abrams said. "UVA is already a terrific place to be a faculty member; my goal is to make it even better by implementing new policies that will enhance our faculty's ability to engage productively in research and teaching."

Abrams, the Albert Clark Tate Jr. Professor of Law, joined UVA's faculty in 2005. She is an expert in both immigration and family law and writes and teaches about family-based immigration, constitutional family rights, citizenship, the marriage equality movement and work-family balance.

In addition, she has served as a member of the UVA Faculty Senate since 2011, including as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.

"I have very much enjoyed getting to know faculty from various schools and departments through my membership in the Faculty Senate, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of faculty in this new role," Abrams said.

The strong relationships Abrams has forged will strengthen faculty advocacy, Simon said.

"Kerry is well known in the University community and has earned the respect of her colleagues on the faculty, and I am confident she will enhance significantly the area of faculty affairs at the University of Virginia," Simon said. "I am delighted she has agreed to serve in this critical leadership position."

Specific issues Abrams will address during her term will include diversity, work-life balance, dual-career hires, peer review and salary equity, according to a statement by the Provost's Office.

Abrams will not teach during her administrative duties, but will continue her appointment on the law faculty, including her involvement in scholarly research and engagement, law school Dean Paul G. Mahoney said.

Abrams succeeds Gertrude Fraser, an associate professor of anthropology, who announced late last year that she would return to teaching full-time. Abrams also follows law professor Alex M. Johnson Jr., director of the Center for the Study of Race and Law, who served for seven years in the role during the 1990s and early 2000s

"Kerry has the judgment, intelligence and interpersonal skills to help recruit and retain an exceptional faculty across Grounds," Mahoney said. "She joins a distinguished roster of Law School faculty who have served in leadership posts at the University."