Updated Jan. 22, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.
Interim Provost John Lach did not apply for the permanent provost position, a University spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
The spokesperson said Lach, who has served on an interim basis since July, will return to his prior post as dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences once officials select a permanent provost, which they have finished collecting applications for and expect to name by early summer. Over the past seven months, Lach has played a key role in major University decisions, including signing onto the staff layoffs announcement, leading efforts to plan Fiscal Year 2027 budget cuts amid declining international student enrollment and fielding questions on key issues, including the future of GW’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Lach said in a statement to The Hatchet that serving as interim provost has been a “tremendous opportunity,” and he is committed to the role until officials name a permanent provost. He said the University has work to do that requires effective leadership as they face “significant challenges” and pursue “amazing opportunities.”
“I’m grateful to have had this experience, but I love being a Dean am looking forward to returning to GW Engineering when the permanent Provost arrives,” Lach said in a statement.
Lach in recent months has also helped launch and implement of GW’s new strategic framework, managed FY2026 budget cuts amid Trump-era policy shifts and a structural deficit, helped oversee the creation of GW’s new budget model and guided the Graduate School of Education and Human Development through “right-sizing” initiatives sparked by enrollment declines.
The provost oversees GW’s overall academic enterprise and directly supervises the University’s 10 schools and colleges, institutes, museums and certain administrative divisions. They also manage the recruiting, hiring and advancement of over 2,800 faculty.
Lach assumed the interim position after former Provost Chris Bracey stepped down as the University’s chief academic officer on June 30. Jason Zara, SEAS’ associate dean for academic affairs and professor of biomedical engineering, took over as the engineering school’s dean on an interim basis.
Granberg on Friday said the search advisory committee for the next provost is currently reviewing the application materials to compile a list of candidates to invite for virtual interviews. She said officials expect the interviews will take place in the first half of February.
John Simon, a consultant at Education Executives who is leading the provost search, told the Faculty Senate in October that the search advisory committee intends to determine finalists by mid-spring, following the first round of Zoom interviews. He said the Office of the President will handle the finalist interviews, and they intend to have a new provost by early summer.
Lach was not present for Simon’s October update, but Senior Senate Office Assistant Jenna Chaojareon left the room to bring Lach back after the update. The spokesperson declined to comment on whether Lach recused himself from the provost search or why he was absent during Simon’s update.
A position profile officials released in October states they plan to hire a provost they believe can strengthen shared governance, expand the University’s research enterprise and navigate the financial complexities of higher education.
Student leaders and faculty in August expressed hope about the search for a new provost but emphasized that the incoming leader should protect and build upon the University’s existing resources and foundation, guiding GW in the right direction amid budget constraints and changes in the higher education landscape under the Trump administration.
Staff Councilmembers in September said they hope GW’s next provost will remain in the position for several years, which could help support staff and dismantle divisions that have led staff to feel subordinate to faculty.
This story was updated to include a comment from Interim Provost John Lach.
