Sen. Tim Kaine: VA Tech President Tim Sands’ Departure “has the earmarks of previous well-publicized efforts to oust Presidents at other Virginia public universities—VMI, UVA and George Mason”

UPDATED 9:30 am – On a call with reporters a few minutes ago, Sen. Tim Kaine said the following.

“I’m really worried about this and you’ve got to put this in context. There have been major efforts in my view, politically motivated to oust the president at VMI a couple years back, General Wynn, and then to oust the president of UVA, Jim Ryan. There was a major effort by the Trump administration to oust the president of George Mason, Greg Washington, that was unsuccessful, but it was full tilt, full press to try to get him out of office. I do have information that’s been shared with me by folks connected to President Sands’ announcement yesterday. I’m not at liberty to talk about them, but I will tell you my concern. I believe there may have been an effort to force Tim Sands to step down before Governor Spanberger filled seats on the Virginia Tech board. She has five vacancies on the board that come up on July 1.  The current board is all composed of appointees of Governor Youngkin. And Tim Sands, in my view, has done a remarkable job. I mean, his results speak from themselves. Just look at the look at his letter to the Virginia Tech community about what he’s done in his decade plus of leadership there. But I think there is a desire by certain members on that board to force him out, even though he doesn’t deserve to be treated like that, so that the board can pick a president before Governor Spanberger is able to put this administration’s stamp on the Virginia Tech board. And so I urge Governor Spanberger to get to the bottom of this and to not allow yet again…”

See below for statements by Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner on the announcement by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands that he will be leaving after 12 years. According to Sen. Kaine, “This action has the earmarks of previous well-publicized efforts to oust Presidents at other Virginia public universities—VMI, UVA and George Mason.”

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KAINE STATEMENT ON VIRGINIA TECH PRESIDENT TIM SANDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement regarding Virginia Tech President Tim Sands’ 12 years of service at the university:

“I’m deeply troubled by the sudden departure of President Tim Sands at Virginia Tech. He has been an exceptional leader for over a decade—a period of significant growth for the university, including through its deepened partnership with Carilion Clinic in the Roanoke region and its impressive Innovation Campus in Alexandria. This action has the earmarks of previous well-publicized efforts to oust Presidents at other Virginia public universities—VMI, UVA and George Mason. I urge Governor Spanberger to get to the bottom of this latest attack on Virginia higher education and take all necessary action to insulate university leadership from politically-motivated schemes.”

STATEMENT OF U.S. SEN. MARK R. WARNER

~ On VT President Tim Sands ~

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on Virginia Tech President Tim Sands:

 “Over the last twelve years, President Tim Sands has led a period of major growth and transformation at Virginia Tech, positioning the university as a more competitive global research institution. He strengthened Virginia Tech by prioritizing research and innovation, expanding enrollment while maintaining university competitiveness, and building lasting industry partnerships. As a result, Virginia Tech graduates are better prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly changing workforce. In the time we have worked together, I have appreciated his candor, his drive, and his focus on expansion. I thank President Sands for his dedication to Virginia Tech and the Commonwealth.

 “As the university looks ahead, it is essential that Virginia Tech takes the time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for its next leader — one that reflects the institution’s stature and ensures it secures a world-class president to build on this strong foundation.”