Christopher Alan Bracey will step back from his role as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and return to the GW Law faculty, President Ellen M. Granberg announced today. He will depart his position on June 30 and take a one-year sabbatical before rejoining the faculty to focus on legal scholarship and teaching.
Bracey has held the role since 2021 and has served in academic leadership at GW for over a decade. During his tenure, Bracey contributed to GW's admission to the Association of American Universities (AAU) and launched three university-wide institutes: the Global Food Institute, the Equity Institute and the Alliance for a Sustainable Future. He also supported the recruitment of the university's most qualified and diverse classes in GW's history, developed new shared governance principles and improved guidelines for academic freedom and free expression.
“Chris has been an exceptional leader and a champion for academic excellence,” Granberg said. “I am grateful that he will continue to contribute to our community as a member of our distinguished law faculty.”
Granberg also recognized Bracey’s critical role in developing the university’s new strategic framework and budget model, as well as his steady leadership during multiple presidential transitions.
“On a personal note, Chris has been an invaluable partner and close friend throughout my presidency,” Granberg said. “I have appreciated his counsel, welcomed his candor and admired his commitment to our students, faculty and staff.”
Bracey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the university’s top academic leadership role.
“Serving as provost has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Bracey said. “I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together—from joining the AAU to establishing institutes that will drive innovation and positive change for decades to come. I'm now looking forward to returning to my scholarly roots and working directly with students in the classroom once again.”
Granberg also announced that John Lach, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (GW Engineering), will serve as interim provost while a national search is conducted.
Lach has served as dean of GW Engineering since 2019 and previously held multiple academic leadership roles at the University of Virginia.
“I am honored by the opportunity to serve GW in this capacity,” Lach said. “Provost Bracey has set a high standard for academic leadership, and I look forward to working with students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends across the university to maintain our momentum and build on the foundation he helped create.”
A national search for GW’s next provost will launch in the coming months.