New Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is changing things at the Hokies. In her latest act, she reportedly fired a long-time board member. Initially, the name of the person wasn’t revealed. Now, we understand that John Rocovich was removed by Spanberger. The decision was questioned by House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore.

On Thursday, Rocovich was fired for allegedly violating the board’s code of ethics. However, any specific information regarding the violation is still not provided by the governor’s office.

In 1997, Rocovich was first appointed to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, and he served until 2005. Then, from 2002 to 2004, he was elevated to rector and served an additional term on the board from 2010 to 2014. In 2023, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed him to yet another term. But for that, the board changed its own bylaws because traditional bylaws strictly restricted members to two one-year terms as rector.

That allowed Rocovich for the 2025–2026 academic year to serve an unprecedented third term as rector. Spanberger’s abrupt firing decision cut off Rocovich’s oversight of the search committee tasked with replacing departed VT President Tim Sands. But his removal created chaos among the Hokies.

“The Governor owes the Virginia Tech community , and all Virginians, an explanation for this decision. What exactly did John Rocovich do?” said 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.”

On the flip side, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell praised the move, writing, “I am pleased the governor is going to continue to resolve the Youngkin Board of Visitors hangover and their politicization of our universities.”

However, Kilgore accused the new governor’s decision of firing for “purely political reasons.” Now, we will wait to know the actual reason for firing, but Spanberger is fast to find a replacement for Rocovich.

Who could be the next rector of Virginia Tech?

To take John Rocovich’s vacant seat on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed Edward Baine. He will take over that seat until June 30, 2027. Being the president of Dominion Energy Virginia and a Virginia Tech alumnus, the new governor finds Baine a perfect fit for that post.

But rector is an elected position, and Baine even served as rector under a past appointment. The first was appointed in 2018 and then reappointed in 2022. That’s why the board will meet on June 2, 2026, to vote on and choose Rocovich’s permanent successor.

To ensure stability, Spanberger has appointed Sharon Brickhouse Martin to fill Baine’s short-term vacancy ending on June 30, 2026. Martin is a prominent Virginia Tech alumna and healthcare executive. From 2019 to 2023, he served on the Board of Visitors. Her four-year term will begin on July 1, 2026.

State Senator Aaron Rouse looks forward to working with the next rector, while he thanked Rocvich for his service. “I look forward to working together to help move Virginia Tech forward and continue advancing its mission of service and excellence.”