The University of Virginia has hired a former executive at Ernst & Young to be its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, a key position that fell vacant this past summer in the wake of the leadership turmoil at the university.
Patrick D. Hogan, who worked for more than 35 years at Ernst & Young, a global professional-services firm, and most recently oversaw its global quality and risk-management functions, is scheduled to begin work at the flagship university on October 25.
He will replace Michael Strine, who resigned in August. Mr. Strine's status at the university had become the subject of much speculation in the weeks after Teresa A. Sullivan, the university's president, was ousted from her job and then reinstated after faculty, alumni, and students came to her defense. While he denied playing any direct role in Ms. Sullivan's ouster, Mr. Strine's back-channel communications with board members, as demonstrated in e-mails that were made public, led some to question his loyalty to the president. Ms. Sullivan had handpicked him for the job in 2011.
Mr. Hogan, who is a member of the operating board of the university's medical center and whose daughter and son-in-law attended the university, said he was "excited about becoming a part of President Sullivan's team and helping her to move the university forward."
"When you break down the various aspects of the COO's portfolio, you see it's very similar to the work I've done over the past three and a half decades," he said in written remarks. "Working with and learning from UVa's excellent higher-education professionals will accelerate my transition from the corporate to the academic world."
Both Ms. Sullivan and Helen E. Dragas—the rector of the university's Board of Visitors and a key player in forcing Ms. Sullivan's resignation, in June—issued statements on Friday that praised Mr. Hogan.
"We are fortunate to have attracted someone of his experience and proven ability, as well as someone who understands and appreciates our distinctive culture," Ms. Sullivan said.
"I am impressed," Ms. Dragas added, "with Pat's thoughtful nature, demonstrated leadership skills, and his experience in quality assurance, academic-medical-center strategy, and leading change in large organizations."
Mr. Hogan, who will report to Ms. Sullivan, received a five-year contract, the university said. His annual salary will be $450,000.
