Gov. Abigail Spanberger announces (see her statement, below) “that she’s removed Rector John Rocovich from the Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and appointed Edward ‘Ed’ Baine to complete his term, which ends on June 30, 2027.” First, some relevant background on Rocovich – presumably at least part of the reason why Spanberger fired him – from the Cardinal News back on April 17:
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors voted in favor of an exception to its own bylaws last year to allow John Rocovich to serve a third term as rector, a move that now has him overseeing the selection and transition of a new university president after Tim Sands announced his intention to step down a year early.
The rector is the elected chair of the board of visitors. The board’s bylaws limit the number of times a member can serve as rector to two one-year terms. Rocovich had served as rector from 2002 to 2004, which initially made him ineligible to serve as rector again for the 2025-2026 year.
[…]
…Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed nearly all of Virginia Tech’s 13-person board, including Rocovich.
According to Spanberger’s letter to Rocovich informing him of his removal, “Your conduct has violated the ‘Code of Conduct for Commonwealth Appointees to Boards, Authorities, & Commissions,’ the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ Code of Ethics, and the governing statutes requiring board members to act in accordance with the best interests of Virginia Tech,” and that constitutes “sufficient cause for your removal pursuant to subsections C and D of § 23.1-1300 of the Code of Virginia.”
Also worth noting a couple reactions:
- VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D): “I am pleased the governor is going to continue to resolve the Youngkin Board of Visitors hangover and their politicization of our universities”
- VA House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore: “I’ve known John for years, and I know he has done nothing but act in the best interest of Virginia Tech. To suggest otherwise is libelous…The Governor owes the Virginia Tech community — and all Virginians — an explanation for this decision. What exactly did John Rockovich do?””
So I’m totally cool with Spanberger moving aggressively to clean up the messes left by Youngkin, including this situation. My only quibble here is why appoint a Dominion Energy executive (“Baine, Executive Vice President, Utility Operations and President, Dominion Energy Virginia, was previously appointed to the Board of Visitors on July 1, 2018 by Governor Ralph Northam and reappointed on July 1, 2022 “), given how polluting – both of the air/water as well as of the Virginia political system? I guess this is the epitome of the slimy, revolving-door, money-talks “Virginia Way,” and yeah, it’s gross…
With that, here’s Gov. Spanberger’s statement:
Governor Spanberger Announces Appointments to Virginia Tech Board of Visitors
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that she removed Rector John Rocovich from the Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and appointed Edward “Ed” Baine to complete his term, which ends on June 30, 2027. Baine was previously appointed to the Board of Visitors on July 1, 2018 by Governor Ralph Northam and reappointed on July 1, 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Additionally, Sharon Brickhouse Martin — who the Governor previously announced would serve a term beginning on July 1, 2026 — has been immediately appointed to fill the open term ending on June 30, 2026. Martin will then begin to serve her full term on July 1, 2026.
“I want to thank Ed Baine and Sharon Martin for their service to the Virginia Tech community and our Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “I trust that these proud alumni will serve with a focus on upholding the excellence of this institution and maintaining the public’s trust.”
Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Edward “Ed” Baine of Richmond, Executive Vice President, Utility Operations and President, Dominion Energy Virginia
