Overview
- Abigail Spanberger asked the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors to delay selecting finalists or a president until she can appoint five members who are then confirmed by the General Assembly.
- UVA said leaders are reviewing her request and are ready to engage with her team, as the search committee had narrowed a pool of more than 60 candidates and planned in-person interviews this month.
- Spanberger cited faculty senate and student council no-confidence votes and argued the board’s legitimacy is in question because five Youngkin appointees were not confirmed.
- Multiple Youngkin board picks were blocked and a judge said several could not serve, with the attorney general’s appeal now before the Virginia Supreme Court.
- Former president Jim Ryan released a 12-page letter alleging Department of Justice pressure and board complicity in his ouster, assertions disputed by Rector Rachel Sheridan and Governor Glenn Youngkin; UVA previously agreed to DOJ oversight steps through 2028.