Spanberger Ousts Virginia Tech Rector, Installs 2 Board Replacements
Updated
Updated · WDBJ · May 28
Spanberger Ousts Virginia Tech Rector, Installs 2 Board Replacements
13 articles · Updated · WDBJ · May 28
John Rocovich was removed from the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, ending the rector’s service before his term was due to expire on June 30, 2027.
Edward Baine was appointed to finish Rocovich’s term through 2027, while Sharon Brickhouse Martin was moved up immediately to fill another open seat ending June 30, 2026 before starting her full term on July 1, 2026.
Spanberger’s office did not publicly detail the reason in the latest announcement, though earlier reporting said Rocovich’s removal was tied to alleged violations of the board’s code of ethics and state statutes.
Rocovich had been reappointed to the board by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2023, and the shake-up adds to Spanberger’s broader effort to reshape a board long influenced by Republican appointees.
How will the board's leadership shakeup affect the critical search for the university's next president?
How might a $66.8 billion energy merger influence the new rector's leadership at the state university?
Why were the specific ethics violations that led to the rector's unprecedented removal kept secret from the public?