Emory University Announces Leadership Changes with Fenves as Chancellor

ATLANTA, Ga. — Emory University’s Board of Trustees announced today that President Gregory L. Fenves will become the university’s sixth chancellor. Leah Ward Sears, a current member of the Board and former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, has been appointed as interim president.

Fenves will conclude his term as president on September 1, 2025, when both he and Sears will transition into their new roles. Board Chair Bob Goddard expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating, “I’m honored and excited to announce the appointment of Greg Fenves as chancellor and Leah Ward Sears as interim president.”

Fenves’s tenure as president includes navigating significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Emory has seen transformative growth and development, including successful fundraising efforts through the 2O36 campaign.

To better focus on national engagement and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, Fenves and the Board agreed that reconstituting the chancellor role was essential. The last individual to hold this position was Michael M.E. Johns, who served from 2007 to 2012.

Fenves began his presidency in August 2020 and revitalized the university’s strategic framework, aiming to position Emory as a premier destination for students and faculty. He championed initiatives to enhance access, such as the Emory Advantage program, which eliminated need-based loans for domestic undergraduates.

Reflecting on his presidency, Fenves said, “Serving as Emory’s president has been a great honor… I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am excited to focus more fully on critical objectives that will accelerate our progress.”

Justice Leah Ward Sears, who has been part of the Emory community for 45 years, will lead until a new president is selected. Sears expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me.”

The Board plans to launch a nationwide search for a permanent president shortly after the transition.