GW Announces Permanent Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

The Office of the Provost has announced that Emily Hammond, interim vice provost for faculty affairs and professor of law, has been named permanent vice provost for faculty affairs, effective immediately.

Hammond has served as interim vice provost since September 2025 and was vice provost for faculty affairs from 2022-23.

"Professor Hammond has been an invaluable colleague in my time as dean and now as interim provost," Interim Provost John Lach said. "Their mastery of all aspects of their office, combined with their collaborative spirit, has ensured their ongoing success as a faculty affairs leader, and I know they will continue to be a strong source of support for our world-class faculty."

The vice provost for faculty affairs oversees all aspects of a faculty member's life cycle from recruitment and hiring through promotion, tenure (where appropriate) and retirement, and works with many leaders and campus partners to foster a culture of academic excellence grounded in faculty achievement. Full- and part-time faculty personnel offices, the Technology Commercialization Office, the Society of the Emeriti, the GW Academic Leadership Academy (GWALA) and the annual Faculty Honors Ceremony are also managed by the vice provost.

In addition to overseeing these key functions, since becoming interim vice provost in September, Hammond has led engagement with the Faculty Senate on federal matters, issues concerning the protection of academic freedom and faculty salary equity, and has co-chaired the search committee for the vice president and general counsel.

"I'm delighted to be returning to this role in a permanent capacity," Hammond said. "Serving the faculty and GW is an honor, especially as we implement the Strategic Framework, cultivate a community of belonging, and contribute to the greater good as world citizens. I am grateful for Interim Provost Lach's leadership and support and am excited about what's ahead for GW as we anticipate Provost Balleisen's arrival."

Hammond is a nationally-recognized expert in energy law, environmental law and administrative law. Prior to serving as interim provost, they served as the inaugural faculty director of academic sustainability programs for the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future. They joined GW Law in 2014 and previously served as senior associate dean for academic affairs.

The Office of the Provost launched the internal search for a permanent vice provost at the beginning of the spring semester. All tenured faculty at the rank of full professor who met the requirements of the position were encouraged to apply.

A majority-faculty committee, comprising members nominated by the Faculty Senate and chaired by Forrest Maltzman, professor of political science, led the search.

"Emily's wisdom, patience and institutional knowledge have enabled them to excel in their interim role," Maltzman said. "Their appointment to permanent vice provost reflects faculty trust in their leadership and will help to ensure that our new provost can hit the ground running."