Spanberger asks UVA to pause presidential search

Abigail Spanberger will not be sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor until January 17 but this week sent a letter to the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors expressing concern about how the institution has been governed this year.

“Over the past six months, the actions of the Board of Visitors have severely undermined the public’s and the University community’s confidence in the Board’s ability to govern productively, transparently, and in the best interests of the University,” Spanberger wrote on November 12.

Jim Ryan resigned as UVA’s ninth president in late June in an effort to avoid further investigations from the U.S. Justice Department into numerous allegations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs opposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Months later on October 22, interim President Paul Mahoney signed an agreement with the federal government to settle five remaining investigations.

“This loss of confidence is reflected in the numerous votes of no confidence from both the faculty senate and the student council – constituencies essential to the University’s success and those directly affected by the critical decisions before the Board,” Spanberger continued.

The Governor-elect also noted that the Board of Visitors is not up to full speed.

Governor Glenn Youngkin fired Bert Ellis from the BOV in late March and attempted to replace him with former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

However, the nomination did not make it out of the Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee in a June 9 vote shortly after Cuccinelli attended his first meeting. Senate Democrats who voted against his nomination won a lawsuit to prevent him from continuing to serve.

Youngkin announced four other nominees in late June and they met the same fate in the Virginia Senate.

“As five Board appointees have failed to achieve confirmation by the General Assembly, the Board is not fully constituted and its composition is now in violation of statutory requirements in crucial respects, further calling into question the legitimacy of the Board and its actions,” Spanberger wrote.

A search is underway for Ryan’s replacement and Spanberger asked for that work to be paused until she is in office and can appoint new members. She said this would ensure credibility for the process and remove “any concern that the Board’s actions are illegitimate due to a lack of authority.”

UVA’s deputy spokesperson acknowledged the letter.

“University leaders and the Board of Visitors are reviewing the letter and are ready to engage with the Governor-elect and to work alongside her and her team to advance the best interests of UVA and the Commonwealth,” said Bethanie Glover.

Earlier this month, UVA Today had an update on the presidential search following a Board of Visitors meeting. In-person interviews will be conducted this month before a short list is provided to the Board of Visitors. The appointed body next meets on December 4.

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