Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger
"I am deeply concerned by recent developments at the University of Virginia and how these challenges may impact the legitimacy of the current search for the University's next president," wrote Spanberger, a UVA alumna.
The governor-elect's intervention highlights the ongoing governance crisis at one of the nation's most prestigious public universities, where confidence in board leadership has eroded following Ryan's departure and a series of controversial decisions.
"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.
Central to Spanberger's concerns is the board's current composition, which she claims violates Virginia statutory requirements. While she did not elaborate in her letter, critics have noted that only nine of the board's 12 current members are Virginia residents, falling short of the minimum residency requirements under state law. The university has maintained it is in compliance with those requirements.
Five board vacancies currently exist after the Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee rejected appointees nominated by outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin has not attempted to refill those positions since June. When Spanberger is inaugurated in January, she will have authority to make her own appointments to the board, and has indicated she plans to do so promptly.
"That requirement is especially critical for the University of Virginia at this moment, and that legitimate and transparent process must be led by a Board that is fully constituted and commands the trust of the University community and the confidence of the citizens of the Commonwealth," Spanberger wrote.
The governance challenges extend beyond board vacancies. Both UVA's Student Council and Faculty Senate have passed no-confidence votes in the Board of Visitors—an extraordinary rebuke that underscores the depth of institutional discord since Ryan's resignation.
The university has also faced mounting pressure from federal and state authorities. The Justice Department has launched an investigation into UVA, while Virginia Senate Democrats have escalated their scrutiny. State Sen. Creigh Deeds suggested in an October letter that the institution's state funding could be reviewed if administrators did not comply with requests for more information about Ryan's resignation.
While Spanberger lacks direct authority to halt the search before her inauguration, she will have significant power once in office, including the ability to remove sitting board members and appoint replacements.
University spokesperson Bethanie Glover said administrators are reviewing the letter but did not indicate whether they would comply with the request.
"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 U.Va. and the Commonwealth," Glover said.
During her campaign, Spanberger indicated she hoped to reform the board appointment process and change the role of the university counsel, suggesting the position should work directly for the university rather than being appointed by the attorney general.
