Video: As Dems Prepare for “Trifecta” and Sharp Changes from Youngkin Starting in January, VA Senate Finance & Appropriations Subcommittee on Education Hears From UVA Interim President, VMI Superintendent, UMW President

This morning, the VA Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Education is meeting, with the agenda including an “Update on Institutional Leadership and Finances” from Lt. General David J. Furness (Superintendent of
the Virginia Military Institute) and Paul G. Mahoney (Interim President at the University of Virginia), as well as an “Overview on Legislative Agenda for the Council of Presidents” by Dr. Troy D. Paino (Council of Presidents Chair and President, University of Mary Washington).

This meeting (see below for video and highlights) should be interesting for a number of reasons, particularly given the fact that Abigail Spanberger will be replacing Glenn Youngkin as governor in just a few weeks (with Democrats holding a governing “trifecta” for the first time in four years), and that we’re likely to see major changes in direction and leadership for Virginia’s colleges and universities – after four years of Youngkin’s horrendous leadership and right-wing-ideological picks for Boards of Visitors – starting in January 2026. Stay tuned…

P.S. For a flavor of what we’re dealing with, see In Response to Youngkin’s “Sad, Whiny” Letter to Spanberger About UVA, VA Senate Majority Leader Surovell Says He’s “truly embarrassed for Gov Youngkin…After 4 yrs he has no understanding of basic VA govt structure” from November 14, as well as Governor-elect [Abigail Spanberger] defended UVa’s integrity. Sitting governor [Glenn Youngkin] attacked her for it.”

Sen. Locke says UVA Rector and Vice Rector chose not to appear today b/c they say they weren’t notified in time; says she finds it “disappointing” that universities have “capitulat[ed]” to DoJ (and that the word “justice” is oxymoronic in this administration). UVA interim president says DoJ could still come back and accuse UVA of violations not specifically covered in agreement that was signed.

LG-elect/VA Sen. Ghazala Hashmi asks UVA interim president about faculty’s role in “shared governance” and the “deep concerns that have been raised about the Board of Visitors.” Also asks about whether UVA should move forward at this point to select a new president.

Paul G. Mahoney (Interim President at the University of Virginia) speaking now, says he wants to clear up misconceptions about UVA’s agreement with Trump DoJ, strongly defends the deal. Says DoJ guidance is “consistent with our internal guidance,” agreement does NOT require UVA to violate Virginia law on DEI. Says there has been a “surge of very high-quality applications” to be UVA’s next president soon after the agreement with DoJ was signed.

VMI Superintendent Lt. General David J. Furness says he’ll be meeting with Gov.-elect Spanberger later today. Says the “good news” and “bad news” is that “we have passionate and committed alumni.” Says he has to be “very very careful” about getting “cross” with the federal government; also says there are issues that “can bring my alumni into a rage” that can impact their philanthropy and the VMI budget.

UMW President/VA Council of Presidents Chair says investment in higher education has “strong ROI,” every dollar invested produces $2 in state tax revenues…says “this is going to be a challenging year” but urges “continued investments” in higher education.

LG-elect, VA State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, participating in this morning’s subcommittee hearing on education (among other things, this means she hasn’t officially resigned yet…)

Average Pell grant award, % of students receiving Pell grants (2020-2021 vs. 2023-2024)

Decline in international student enrollment in Virginia…particularly graduate students. And they pay “full freight,” which means they subsidize Virginia students, so this is really not good.