Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger removed John Rocovich from the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors as rector, citing violations of ethics codes for commonwealth appointees, the board’s code of ethics, and statutes requiring board members to act in Virginia Tech’s best interests. The governor’s letter did not specify which conduct was at issue, and the governor’s office provided no additional details when asked. Rocovich had been appointed by former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin and was a major donor to Youngkin and other Republicans. The board had previously changed rules to allow Rocovich a third consecutive term. His removal occurred amid uncertainty after President Tim Sands announced he would step down, with allegations that board members sought to push him out before new appointments could influence the replacement hire.
"“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 statues requiring board members to act in accordance with the best interests of Virginia Tech,” Spanberger wrote in a brief letter that did not touch on specific violations."
"Rocovich's removal is the latest move by the Democratic governor, who shook up university boards on her first day in office and appointed 27 new members. More broadly, Virginia Democrats clashed with former Republican governor Glenn Youngkin throughout much of last year over his board appointments, which were heavy on conservative power players and GOP donors."
"Rocovich, a Youngkin appointee, was a major donor to Youngkin and other Republicans. (He also served prior stints on the Virginia Tech board, from 1997 to 2005 and 2010 to 2014.) Last year, the board changed its rules to allow Rocovich a third consecutive term as rector."
"His ouster comes at a time of uncertainty for Virginia Tech after long-serving president Tim Sands, in the job for 12 years, announced in April that he will step down in the near future. Although few details have emerged about his decision to resign, Virginia senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, alleged that board members sought to push him out. Kaine said that the board wanted to replace Sands before Spanberger appointed new members who might shape the hire."
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