Democrats ‘dismayed’ over UVA President appointment, promise January action

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Darden Dean Scott Beardsley is set to start his five-and-a-half-year term as the University of Virginia’s 10th president on January 1, but the ongoing political battle over who gets to control Virginia’s flagship university appears to be far from over, according to political analysts.

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger takes office just two weeks after Beardsley’s start date, on January 17. 11th District Democrat Senator Creigh Deeds voiced concerns over the presidential selection process, specifically its timeline.

He serves in the Virginia State Senate on the committee responsible for approving Board of Visitors appointments.

“I’m a little dismayed at the process, but I’ve learned to be dismayed by things over the last several months with the Board of Visitors,” Deeds said.

Deeds declined to speculate on whether a lawsuit is brewing but noted the board that voted to appoint Beardsley to the position was five members short.

“I think certainly there are two or three different avenues that one could take if one were looking for a way to slow this process down or stymie this process,” Deeds said.

One potential avenue could involve a major shakeup of UVA’s Board of Visitors, which was entirely selected by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

“I remain committed to making my appointments as soon as I am sworn in,” Governor-elect Spanberger said. “I don’t think the Governor of Virginia, Governor-elect of Virginia should ever be making decisions about who the President is or isn’t. I think it’s unfortunate they created some hurdles for the incoming president because of their choice in moving forward.”

Deeds has no doubt lawmakers will act to reform the entire process through the General Assembly this session as well.

“This is on the front burner for the governor-elect. I’m confident it’s something she’s going to take care of early in her term,” Deeds said.

Larry Sabato with UVA’s Center for Politics said Youngkin’s policies, especially in higher education, will face dramatic changes in January.

“I don’t think most people understand how dramatic the change is that’s coming,” Sabato said. “They will be very pleasant changes for Democrats and very unpleasant changes for Republicans, including some of those currently in office in both public elective office and appointive office, including the boards of visitors.”

Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi sent a statement calling once again for the presidential search process to be paused.

Sabato said board members at multiple Virginia universities could face removal, a precedent set by the Youngkin administration.

“It is entirely possible that incumbent members of the boards of visitors at George Mason, UVA and elsewhere will be removed from their positions and substitutes made again very quickly,” Sabato said.

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