Resignations Shake University of Virginia Board Ahead of Spanberger's Inauguration

The University of Virginia (UVA) Board of Visitors experienced significant upheaval as three key members resigned under pressure from incoming Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger. The resignations, which occurred on January 15, 2026, included Rachel Sheridan, the board's rector; Porter Wilkinson, the vice rector; and Paul Manning, a prominent donor who contributed $100 million to the university. These actions follow Spanberger's request for at least five board members, all appointed by her Republican predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, to step down as she prepares to take office.

Report: 3 U.Va. board members resign at Spanberger’s requestJust the NewsNew York TimesWVIR - Charlottesville

The turmoil at UVA is rooted in a series of events that began with the resignation of former President Jim Ryan in June 2025. Ryan's departure was influenced by pressure from the Trump administration, which threatened to cut funding and investigate the university over its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Following Ryan's resignation, the board appointed Scott Beardsley as the new president, a decision criticized for its lack of transparency and community support.

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Spanberger, who was elected in November 2025, has expressed her intention to fill the board's vacant seats and has previously urged the board to halt the presidential search process until new members were confirmed by the Virginia General Assembly. Despite her calls for caution, the board proceeded with Beardsley's appointment, which has drawn criticism from faculty and lawmakers.

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The resignations have sparked a mixed response. Some faculty members and Virginia Democrats have long called for the removal of Sheridan and Wilkinson, citing their complicity in the circumstances surrounding Ryan's resignation. Critics argue that the board failed to adequately defend the university against external pressures, particularly from the Trump administration. In a recent resolution, the UVA Faculty Senate urged Spanberger to review the actions of current board members and appoint qualified individuals to fill all vacancies.

Report: 3 U.Va. board members resign at Spanberger’s request

While three board members have resigned, it remains unclear whether the remaining members will follow suit or if Spanberger will take further action to remove them. Additionally, the extent of Spanberger's influence over the board's future decisions, particularly regarding Beardsley's presidency, is still uncertain.

New York Times

• “Based on the information available to me at the time, I ultimately became convinced that federal funding was at risk and would result in an immediate loss of financial support to the university,” — Paul Manning, UVA Board Member

Report: 3 U.Va. board members resign at Spanberger’s request

As Spanberger prepares to take office, the future of UVA's Board of Visitors remains uncertain. The governor's actions may lead to a reconstitution of the board, which could impact the direction of the university and its leadership. The situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for the university's governance and its response to external pressures.

WVIR - Charlottesville