96-12-13:  DARDEN SCHOOL DEAN LEO HIGDON TO LEAVE

News Services

Leo Higdon, dean and Charles C. Abbott Professor of Business
Administration in the Darden School, announced Dec. 10 that he will be
leaving the University in June 1997 to become president of Babson
College in Massachussetts.

As dean for the last 3 1/2 years, Higdon has led the curriculum reform
process and established the Batten Center for Entrepreneurial
Leadership. Under his leadership, the school's capital campaign
surpassed its original goal of $45.5 million. Business Week magazine
ranked Darden's MBA program No. 5 in its Oct. 21, 1996 issue, up from
No. 12 in the previous survey.

In a letter to Darden faculty, staff and students, Higdon wrote, "My
past four years at Darden have been very satisfying, and I am proud of
what we have accomplished together. ... In July, I will leave Darden
secure in the knowledge that the school stands on a firm foundation,
poised for continued success."

U.Va. President John T. Casteen III said, "Leo Higdon has been a
consensus builder within the school and among the school's backers. We
all wish him well."