UVA Board of Visitors to meet next week while presidential search continues

Next week, the remaining members of the University of Virginia’ Board of Visitors will meet for their December meeting. The agenda is posted and so far there’s no mention of any discussion that might be held by the search committee seeking to find a replacement for former President Jim Ryan.

Ryan was forced to resign in late June amid a series of investigations from the U.S. Department of Justice who claim UVA was in violation of civil rights law by failing to dismantle programs associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has called for a pause in the process until she can appoint five new members after she is sworn in on January 17. Governor Glenn Youngkin responded in a three-page letter asking her not to interfere.

The first round of interviews was held earlier this month as reported to the Faculty Senate from the Special Committee on the Nomination of a President.

“Their experience, vision, and commitment to higher education give us tremendous optimism,” reads the statement as published on UVA’s website. “However, we are not yet at the point of selecting finalists. To responsibly narrow this exceptional pool, we must conduct additional due diligence, hold further interviews, and continue our internal deliberations.”

Democrats in the General Assembly have sought answers in the circumstances that led to Ryan’s resignation. Senator Creigh Deeds (D-11) submitted a Freedom of Information Act request before the elections seeking correspondence. The Cavalier Daily has made 284 pages available for those who want to review the documents.

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