Editor’s Note: The student responses below were collected via a Microsoft Form posted to The Cavalier Daily’s Instagram account Friday in the wake of University President Jim Ryan’s resignation. They have been edited for grammar, style and length. We have only included responses from current students. Some students requested to be anonymous, and in those cases, we have identified them by their school and year.
Michael Lipton, Engineering 2026 — Regardless of where you stand politically, Jim Ryan has consistently shown himself to be a stand-up person … and leads with genuine care for the U.Va. community. The programs and values his administration championed — from fostering student self-governance to supporting democratic dialogue and public service — are part of what make this University truly special. I hope he knows that, in many ways, he has succeeded in his mission to make the University both good and great.
Frankely Ramirez, Commerce 2028 — As someone who was able to have the ability to be a part of President Ryan's COLA class, I was completely heartbroken when I heard the news … Now I realize that I am a part of the last class that was able to really experience the University as it was intended to be — a diverse and inclusive community … I find myself wondering how the next years to come will look like without the very important DEI programs we have for students.
Anonymous, Architecture 2026 — My initial reaction is one of horror. This situation contradicts the values of our University, undermining our fundamental principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and democratic governance … It is incredibly frustrating to witness a Board of Visitors that has shown no spine to stand up to this federal intrusion … I have not always agreed with [Ryan’s] decisions during my time here, but I deeply respect his commitment to our University and the grace with which he has guided it. This will surely go down as a dark day in the history of the University of Virginia.
Camden Young, College 2027 — This is not what students, faculty, staff or the greater Charlottesville community wanted. Turning this position into a political agenda will have major consequences. I can only hope that we wake up as a student body and fight to make our voices heard about our values and vision for what we believe this University to be.
Russell Hawes, Medicine 2028 — I served on President Ryan’s Student Advisory Council for two years. It was clear to me that he listened to students and genuinely cared about the University. I did not always agree with the actions or policies of the administration, but I respected President Ryan’s leadership and his commitment to students and higher education … President Ryan led U.Va. with integrity and humility and I will be sad to see him go.
Anonymous, Graduate College student: How can I be surprised at President Ryan’s continued cowardice in the face of an assault on higher education when cowardice is all that he has shown in his time as university president? From allowing riot police to mass arrest peaceful protesters last spring, to even entertaining the idea of dismantling the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; his tenure is one defined by a lack of convictions or even just the commitment to the values he claims this university stands for.
Lillian Dorathy, Batten 2026 — What they don’t get is that while the “Great and Good” vision was outlined by President Jim Ryan, his efforts weren’t forced onto the student body. We embraced it and made it student-led … President Jim Ryan only allowed every single one of us to feel empowered in that truth and did it by making himself accessible and community-oriented … No one wanted to connect, inspire or push us to excellence more than he did and I am only hopeful that our future holds a fragment of what he embodied.
Marie Moemeka, Commerce 2026 — It is incredibly disheartening to see President Ryan leave, but at the same time, the Trump administration has forced the University and many other schools into a lose-lose situation … With this resignation now, though, it’s introduced a pathway for a new University president to act at the disposal of Trump’s administration, which will ultimately do damage to the University and its community. This is not what the students want, and it’s not what we need.
Anonymous, Architecture 2026 — The University isn't seeing another dime from me after this last tuition payment. Discussing the history of slavery is anti-American,anti-U.Va. and/or anti-Jefferson — but this big government overreach, anti-education, anti-independent arm wringing isn't? Groups will worship him but not read what he wrote, and for that we are weak and spineless on the national stage. We may not have much power but I do have my money, and obviously that is what makes the world, Board of Visitors and admin go round.
Lydia Matthews, College 2026 — Losing Jim Ryan is a blow in the fight for independent universities. But, his ideas and values that he leaves with the University is what will carry us forward. … It’s our fight now — the students, professors, administrators, staff, supporters and surrounding Charlottesville and higher academia communities to continue to aim for the University Jim Ryan pushed for. We will be great and good. And we will owe it to Jim Ryan’s leadership.
Wyatt Dayhoff, Batten 2026 — Whatever you think of President Ryan, no one can deny that he was a president who strove to connect with students and make the administration accessible and transparent … Mixing up public education with political agendas is a line that we shouldn’t cross, but the Trump administration has crossed this line with glee. It is a profound shame that President Ryan was a victim of this dangerous push to achieve ideological conformity and control over education, and I am absolutely heartbroken.
Anonymous, College 2027 — This news is offensive to what U.Va. stands for regarding free speech and student self-governance. President Ryan is praised for his commitment to the University’s community and making our school feel like much more than an academic institution. His forced resignation is disappointing as a student, but even more so because of the precedent it sets for rigorous public universities to be used as grounds for achieving political agendas.
Febe Reyes, College 2028 — Trump needs to back off public and higher education. He is scared university students will be enlightened as to what is truly happening in the U.S. Likewise, DEI and diversity in general will ALWAYS exist — a piece of paper does not make diverse students official. Rather, the student body itself speaks volumes as to what Jim Ryan had succeeded in doing, which is allowing more minorities to pursue a career
LillyAnne Day-Miller, College 2026 — I transferred to U.Va. because I believed in what it stood for — a University that shaped thoughtful, principled leaders and used education to push the world forward. Jim Ryan represented that vision … A U.Va. that bows to pressure, that allows itself to be bullied by power rather than led by principle — that’s not the U.Va. I signed up for. And if we allow this moment to pass without speaking up, then we’re not just losing a president. We’re losing our identity.
Lily Byers, Engineering 2026 — This is a disgusting overreach of government power and an absolute denial of student self-governance. Jim Ryan, despite his flaws, was a good president who made an effort to connect with students and be a resource in times of need. Jim Ryan made my University experience tangibly better and I am so disappointed to see him be forced to resign like this.
Anonymous, College 2027 — This is a devastating loss. Jim Ryan is the reason I can afford to go to school and I loved seeing how much he cares about each student. President Ryan’s resignation will leave a big mark on U.Va., it will never be the same.
Emma Hinson, College 2026 — President Ryan was more than our University’s president. He was part of our family. He ran with us every week. He opened up his home for us to come and visit … I am infuriated by what the Trump administration has done. They have stripped us of a man who encouraged everyone to be both great and good. The University won’t be the same without Jim Ryan, and the student body will not stand for this overstep of government power.
Jack Wallace, College 2027 — It hurts. It hurts because as students we hope to have positive impacts on those around us — to serve, to listen and to learn. But when our example of positive service is swept aside, it leaves a frightening impression of the consequences of being a good citizen.
Sydney Alphin, College 2026 — I’m devastated. I’m sad to see this presidential administration put an end to more beneficial DEI efforts encouraged and implemented by President Ryan that have made the University a more welcoming, diverse and better University for students to attend.
Claire Hunter, College 2027 — I am heartbroken, angry and very disappointed. There is no University president like Jim Ryan. He created a community of love and service, and was so welcoming to every single student regardless of their opinion of him … His departure has much of the student body and alumni network outraged, and his legacy will not be forgotten.
Connor Rose, College 2026 — What a shame … President Ryan’s leadership was unparalleled in how down to Earth he was — we’ve lost out on a man who truly cares just because the Justice Department wets its pants at the sound of the word “diversity.”
Alex Minter, College 2027 — My immediate reaction was shock, then anger, then grief. Shock that an administration claiming it supports academic freedom has gone so far into doing the opposite, anger that a popular (if flawed) president is leaving, and grief over what will come next. The Board of Visitors is clearly using President Ryan as a scapegoat.
Lily Liau, Batten 2026 — I am incredibly saddened and angry that President Jim Ryan has been pressured to resign. Universities exist to be places of free inquiry, academic freedom and personal growth ... Ryan championed principles of diversity and inclusion, which have strengthened the University community and made our University one of the best. Trump’s attempts to halt these efforts is not only morally disgusting, but it is an overstep of government power and signals that higher education is at risk in our country.
Anonymous, Batten 2027 — Disheartening and short sighted, President Ryan had the students’ best interests at heart and there is no guarantee that another candidate will have the same leadership mentality as he did.
Ryan Shoztic, College 2026 — His leadership was met with criticisms from people on both sides of the political spectrum but never was that a sign of incompetence or carelessness. Rather, it was a sign he was someone who was willing to do what was unpopular to remain guided by reason. Today is a blemish to the principles of self-governance that our founder envisioned for the University and the Jefferson Council especially should be embarrassed by the irony of having their name tied to such a betrayal of our founder’s goals.
Anonymous, College 2028 — There’s a very odd, but nonetheless widespread, misconception that DEI initiatives are discriminatory in some way. It is this very rhetoric that is harmful to the fabric of higher education — academia is strengthened by promotion of diversity in thought, background and lived experience. The Trump administration has relentlessly attacked these ideals within higher education, because its investment proves the president’s agenda to be misleading or blatantly incorrect.
Mira Hu, College 2027 — It's disempowering to know we're merely a political pawn in the administration's greater agenda, and it's frightening to have to anxiously anticipate the impact of this on our community … [Ryan] listened, he cared and he thought critically. I cannot say the same for the administration or the Jefferson Council. Grounds will certainly feel different when we return in August, and I know many of us will miss Jim.
Bethel Dawit, Commerce 2026 — This University is built on brilliance and deep contradiction — founded by a man who championed liberty while enslaving others. President Ryan confronted that legacy with courage … His forced resignation under political pressure isn’t just a loss — it’s a warning. The fight for equity is uncomfortable, urgent and far from over. We must keep going.
Lillian Buchanan, College 2026 — I’m so confused and devastated. I’m a conservative, yet I don’t understand why the administration is doing this … I wish I had Run With Jim. I wish I had gone to his house to meet his dogs. I took his leadership and familiarity for granted, thinking I’d have one more year. I feel like the community is genuinely grieving the loss of our president, politics aside.
Jason Coleman, College 2028 — President Trump and his administration are assaulting the foundations of our education system … This Board, this Education Department and most of all this president seek to strangle and control our education … What happened to U.Va. and President Jim Ryan will not be an isolated event ... Each student and college administrator around the country must stand together against him.
Anonymous, College 2027 — This is a sad day not only for the University but for all universities and democracy itself. When academic freedom and peaceful expression are threatened, it strikes at the core of what higher education and democracy stand for.
Claire Miller, College 2027 — Jim Ryan’s humility, kindness and desire to fight for what he believed in are just some aspects of his legacy as president that will never die … This is the first step in a series of power hungry decisions that are designed to suppress the very things that people like President Ryan was an advocate for such as his unfaltering commitment to DEI and helping every student possible who dreamed of coming to U.Va., despite their background, try to achieve that goal. His legacy will last forever, and there will be consequences to this blatantly controlling behavior.
Zoe Gates, College 2026 — This was highly inappropriate and overreaching. I am most hurt by the lack of voice the students had in this decision. President Ryan made U.Va. feel more like home to countless students who he established trust and communication with … I feel completely powerless and detached from the decision making process at my own University now that this happened. President Ryan represented everything I took pride in at U.Va. This was a horrendous mistake with terrifying future consequences for our students.
Anonymous, College 2026 — This is unjust. President Ryan has led this University through its highs and lows … He is a president who cares even in the face of scrutiny from those around him. To make this decision is to dismantle the history of our University and to disregard the labor, struggles and conflicts that have built this University into what it is today. I cannot picture U.Va. without Jim Ryan, and we as a student body will make sure everyone remembers.
Claudia Dean, College 2028 — This is a disgusting overreach by the Department of Justice and shows how out of touch alumni and Board of Visitors members in favour of Jim Ryan’s resignation are with the needs of the student body.
Anonymous, College 2027 — President Ryan’s forced resignation is very sad news for the U.Va. community. It represents an abuse of power by the Trump administration, also exemplifying the bad place that American politics is currently in. The fact that a beloved president of one of the nation’s top universities was forced to resign due to political pressure is frankly ridiculous.
Claire Barklage, College 2026 — I feel as if this resignation reflects deeper issues at the intersection of higher education and government … Regardless of my own disagreements with University administrative priorities, I hope that public universities can be freed from exterior political motivations and have more self-governance shaped by their students, faculty and local communities … It’s discouraging to see leaders like Jim Ryan pressured to step down, and it raises serious concerns about the current state and future of higher education in this country, no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on.
Anonymous, Commerce 2026 — Completely in shock … How in the world can you remove diversity initiatives from U.Va., a school built by slaves with a long history of discrimination? I’m not sure that there is another university that has benefited more from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives than U.Va. President Ryan has always focused on being great and good by ensuring our student body represents diverse ideas to bring together the best, from all backgrounds. It is absolutely disgusting that we are letting our government remove a leader who has spent his entire term fostering community and making the University the best it can be.
Sofia Lombard, College 2027 — It’s a shame to see President Jim Ryan, who cared deeply for the U.Va. community, fall victim to the federal government’s attack on higher education. I hope that this poses a grave warning to the jeopardization of DEI and free speech initiatives, and that the U.Va. community stands up against such harsh and disgraceful policies.
Anonymous, Engineering 2027 — I can’t help but feel scared for the students and staff that will be impacted by this, and also for other schools that are under attack from Trump’s administration. I understand why he resigned but I wish he had continued to resist it and show that we are not so easy to fall in line.
Julianna Pledgie, College 2027 — It is heartbreaking to see the man who has shaped my University experience thus far be forced to step down from a position he rightfully earned, and it is even more terrifying to know that the federal administration has harnessed the power to contaminate my public education with their political agenda.
Anonymous, College 2027 — I’m devastated to hear the news of Jim Ryan’s resignation. He was an incredible and dedicated University leader and provided compassion and care to U.Va.’s students. He will not be forgotten.
Anonymous, Batten 2026 — Outrage. Livid. Complete and utter shock. Heartbreak. Melancholy. Disappointment with the administration. Anger over how our community’s values have been co-opted and unfairly altered for partisan gain.
Anonymous, Graduate Engineering 2026 — I was always amazed at the new and creative ways that President Ryan was involved with the student body and how open he was … I’m beyond lucky that I got to spend my four years at U.Va. under Jim Ryan’s presidency and that his name is on my diploma. He was truly loved by the student body for his involvement ... I’m deeply outraged at the reasoning behind his resignation but even deep inside my anger, all I can feel is sadness and an immense powerlessness.
Hobart Nichols, College 2027 — I think it’s horrible that he’s clearly being forced to resign. He’s by no means a perfect president but I feel it’s clear he’s trying to be the best version of a college president he can be, and I don’t think it’s fair for him to be punished for that by the current administration.
Anonymous, Architecture 2028 — I cannot believe it. The precedent this sets for the rest of the nation is absolutely terrifying … What's next? Who will replace him? What's going to happen to us?
Zoe Benton, Engineering 2026 — Honestly, it’s ridiculous … Attacking a public university is one of many dangerous lines this administration has crossed and to have it here at the school that I love was upsetting. I understand Jim’s decision, but I am not happy that he had to make that decision in the first place. It just felt even more like a punch in the gut to hear it from one of the largest news outlets in the nation before hearing it from any U.Va. source.
Anonymous, College 2026 — President Ryan’s resignation is nothing short of devastating, coming at an incredibly difficult time in our nation where individuals like President Ryan are needed more than ever … The U.Va. community will not let President Ryan go without protest. We will fight using every disposable resource to demand his reinstatement.
Anonymous, College 2027 —This is a hugely disappointing decision that will erode the very values that make U.Va. special … President Ryan was committed deeply to the values of the University, and to see him pressured into resignation makes it clear that the Board of Visitors, Department of Justice and Governor’s Office do not care AT ALL about U.Va.’s moral core — student self-governance, transparency and academic non-judgement and exploration. I am ashamed to be tied to the University of Virginia right now, this is not the school I thought I was applying to.
Jake Woodside, Engineering 2027 — I am deeply unnerved by the power the federal executive branch seems to hold over our University. Regardless of one’s views on Jim Ryan’s leadership, the circumstances surrounding his resignation raise serious concerns about the independence of our academic institutions. A university should be a place of intellectual freedom — not one subject to political pressure from outside forces.
Sanjula Chitty, College 2026 — Incredibly disappointed and upset by this news. It’s a major overreach by the federal government and there is the potential for negative consequences on important funding for research and programs that focus on inclusivity and advancement.
PJ Duffy, College 2027 — I was deeply disappointed, though certainly not surprised. This is yet another example of the current administration undermining the integrity of academic freedom. It will be remembered as both unfounded and unpopular, even amongst the most conservative members of our school community.
Ian Mayergoyz, Engineering 2027 — Trump’s fascist government can not be allowed to control independent universities.
Anonymous, College 2026 — Heartbreaking. We all just saw him speak at graduation there is not a better and more caring man then Mr. Jim.
Ruby Borzekowski, College 2027 — This is absurd and an abuse of power. It baffles me this is because President Ryan stood up for inclusivity at U.Va..
Madison McGriff, Batten 2027 — DEI initiatives create access and opportunity for countless individuals who have historically been excluded, especially at a University built on a legacy of racism … If creating a diverse environment is grounds for removal, what does that mean for the future of public education?
Anonymous, College 2026 — I am extremely heartbroken and infuriated. This is beyond an executive overreach and absolute abuse of power. The University will not be the same without Jim Ryan and it will take our community a long time to recover from this loss.
Sophie Kemprecos, College 2026 — I am horrified, as a student, to be left without say on who runs my school. Alumni and interest groups outside of the University should not govern my school nor my president. The “civil rights lawsuit of discriminatory practices” is no more than a coward’s way to remove a good man from power who was unwilling to compromise my education by fighting it out and losing millions in research funding. Go to hell, get off my Grounds and grow a conscience.
Maddie Mattox, Education 2026 — The administration never once considered the students of this University. This is utterly horrifying.
Finn Hultman, College 2027 — According to Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s 2025 College Free Speech Ranking, U.Va. is first in the nation. This does not matter, of course, because the central ideological tenets of the current administration have nothing to do with the careful development of a rigorous meritocracy and everything to do with the simple obedience of power.
Abdul-Salam Gidado, College 2027 — Truly devastating and a sign of what’s to come for both the University and the country.
Preston Bowden, Law 2026 — I am surprised and appalled by this course of events and recent news … I have disagreed with some of his decisions over the years. Nonetheless, I know he has given his all to our community in ways that have overall benefitted us … However, I am certain that, with whatever comes our way, we will all come together as a community to get through it as we have done through the many troubling times affecting our University and the Charlottesville community over recent years.
Ava Higgins, College 2028 — It is so unfair and such a disgrace. A blatant attack on higher education.
Zac Simonoff, Graduate Commerce 2026 — I was shocked. The fact that a University president that is overwhelmingly supported by the student body can be forced to resign makes me feel betrayed by the federal government.
Anonymous, College 2026 — A shame to democracy.
Anonymous, College 2026 — I have never been more frightened for the future of this University. If students thought it couldn't happen here, they were dead wrong ... the time has come to fight the fascistic government overreach trying to destroy U.Va.
Anonymous, College 2027 — It’s absolutely devastating and horrifying. President Ryan should not have been pressured and forced into this resignation. This administration is run by a dictator and it’s just beyond terrifying.
KayLynn Finch, College 2026 — We love you President Jim Ryan. You will ALWAYS be my president. What happened to you should not have happened to anybody, but especially someone as dedicated as you, and who has made so many improvements to the University to make it, and its students, both great and good. We love you and will miss you tremendously.
Michel Brooks, Architecture 2027 — For students from low-income backgrounds, for foster youth, for those of us adopted out of systems that weren’t built for us to succeed, Jim Ryan made U.Va. possible ... His leadership wasn’t perfect, but it was grounded in making this University a place where stories like mine belong … And it’s yet another reminder that the students who need this University most, low-income students, adopted and fostered youth, first-generation students, often feel like we’re the last ones considered when these decisions are made.
Anonymous, College 2027 — Nothing short of devastating. President Ryan did nothing but make this school a better place. He was an incredible president who was fully committed to his students, he was so friendly and accessible. Students that are here because of “DEI”, including myself as a low-income student, are what make this school special and a better place. There are not enough words to express how deeply saddening this is, both Jim Ryan and the student body deserve better.
Anonymous, College 2027 — It is evident that President Ryan was forced to resign ... At the end of the day, he cares deeply for this University and the students here, meaning he gave up his post in hopes that us students can still have funding to pursue our passions and goals. I am so upset, but ultimately could not be more impressed by President Ryan’s strength and sacrifice for our University.
Athena-Kate Canavos, Batten 2026 — Horrified and devastated about the loss of great leadership at the hands of federal overreach. Even more afraid of the role the federal government will likely have in ushering in the next president.
Anonymous, College 2028 — The student body at the University loves Jim. I have many friends who don’t support DEI and yet love Jim, and feel very connected to him. He made U.Va. feel so much more like a family, and I’m so disappointed he’s gone.
Anonymous, College 2026 — Disgusted and angry. Not only was Jim Ryan an incredible leader, but a wonderful human. I am going to miss running into him on the way to class and seeing his smile when U.Va. wins a game. Shame on the Trump administration for pushing out a great human being.
Henry Davenport, College 2028 — Appalled. He was a wonderful, respectful and well liked man. He was bettering the University. Whoever replaces him will be worse and will cause the prestige and academics of the University to decline.
Hannah Rowlett, College 2026 — It's honestly very disheartening to hear that the president that has been there since your first year has resigned. Now I won't be able to shake his hand at graduation, or finally be able to Run With Jim in my final year at the University.
Anonymous, College 2028 — Devastated both for the University and higher education as a whole.
Anonymous, College 2026 — There’s a gaping pit in my stomach at the resignation of President Ryan. He was a lovely and kind person and the students adored him. I am heartbroken and I know so are the other students. The federal government shouldn’t be forcing University presidents to resign and his job status certainly shouldn’t have been decided by the Trump administration.
Chloe Panos, College 2028 — In just one year at the University so far, I noted to friends and family that I loved how our University president was so involved in student life. After attending Run With Jim and study sessions at Carr’s Hill, Ryan’s care and enthusiasm for U.Va. students were abundantly clear to me. This situation is devastating to the student body … His resignation is truly horrifying and frustrating to all.
Anonymous, College 2027 — Heartbroken and scared that we are being targeted by an aggressive administration. Wishing the best for Jim Ryan in his next steps. We will miss him as a community.
Anonymous, Education 2026 — Friends call him Jim. A University president who can sign their forced resignation with just "Jim" will forever be great and good. He was great — welcomed diversity, challenged the limits of what higher education could be. He was good — opened his heart, home and morning runs. Thank you, Jim.
Maya Zittrain, Commerce 2026 — President Ryan was an incredible leader and role model for the University. He has done such a great job moving us up the rankings and keeping the school great and good. He genuinely has not historically pushed a political agenda at the University — the only thing he stood firm on was making sure all students felt welcomed and supported at the school regardless of background or ethnicity and he was punished for it.
Nick Hopkins, College 2028 — President Ryan is such a great man. He is as genuine as they come. So involved and aligned with his community. Every intention he had was pure. He didn’t deserve to leave like this, but I’m grateful for the time I was able to spend under his leadership. President Ryan, you will be missed very much. Thank you for everything you have done for this place.
Jamie Appelbaum, Commerce 2027 — I am shocked, disappointed and saddened by his resignation. President Ryan was a great and good leader who focused on measurable ways to improve our University and community. He was present with the student body and we all felt his love for us. He led with honor and integrity.
Shannon Ewald, College 2026 — Our University hurts. I did not agree with a lot of what Jim Ryan did … We have to stop being so binary with our opinions. You can still say you don't like someone's policies while acknowledging the alternative will be 100 times worse. This isn't just about Jim, it's about all universities everywhere … What an unforgivable way to have him end his legacy.
Read More
“We intend to stand up and fight”: Virginian politicians on Ryan’s departure
By Ford McCracken | YesterdaySurovell said any attempt by the Board to install a new, permanent president would not be viewed kindly by the Senate.
University and Charlottesville community members Run For Jim one last time
By Leila Mohajer | YesterdayRather than a Run With Jim, Saturday’s run was advertised by the class councils as a Run For Jim.
‘This is not what students want’: Students react to Ryan’s resignation
By Naima Sawaya | YesterdayFollowing University President Jim Ryan’s resignation from his position Friday, The Cavalier Daily asked students to share their reactions via an online form.
