University Counsel Cliff Iler will depart for the University of Arizona in November, according to an announcement by Arizona released Wednesday. This concludes what has been a tumultuous tenure for Iler during which the Justice Department launched several inquiries into the University’s compliance with federal civil rights law, specifically regarding admissions, antisemitism and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The University has also faced several lawsuits this year, including one by Virginia state senators and another in 2024 regarding a case of alleged antisemitism.
Iler was appointed to his position at the University by Attorney General Jason Miyares in April 2022 after previously serving as deputy general counsel at the University of Kentucky. Miyares’s decision to appoint Iler came after he removed former University Counsel Tim Heaphy, who at the time was on leave from his position to work as lead investigator for the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Per Virginia law, the attorney general has power to select legal counsel for state institutions in Virginia, and Iler reported to Miyares while in his position. In contrast, University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella selected Iler following a nationwide search, according to the release, which also noted that in Arizona, legal counsel for public institutions does not report to the state’s attorney general.
University counsel serves as the primary liaison between the Office of University Counsel and the president, senior staff, and members of the Board of Visitors as an advisor on a variety of legal issues. The office also represents the Board in legal and regulatory matters, although the attorney general may appoint external counsel for specific cases.
Iler had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication. University Spokesperson Bethanie Glover redirected questions to the attorney general’s office, but a media representative for Miyares declined to comment.
Throughout the year, the University has faced a variety of legal challenges, including seven investigations by the Justice Department — two of which have now closed — and a lawsuit by Virginia Senate Democrats over Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointments to the Board of Visitors.
Iler was the recipient of several letters by the Justice Department and is currently part of a working group reviewing the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” which outlines a series of conditions the University could choose to agree to for increased access to federal funding.
Iler’s move will take place as the University is reviewing this Compact, which has a deadline of Nov. 21 to sign. Five spots on the Board remain unfilled after a Fairfax County judge ruled July 29 that the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee had the power to block gubernatorial Board appointments.
Iler’s departure follows several high profile departures at the University, including former University President Jim Ryan, Ian Baucom, former executive vice president and provost, and Craig Kent, former CEO of U.Va. Health and executive vice president for Health Affairs, among other top Medical System executives.
Iler’s new position in Arizona will begin in November, although a specific date has not been announced. The announcement comes ahead of a Virginia election which includes a race for attorney general between Miyares and Democratic candidate Jay Jones.
The attorney general’s office has not made any public announcements about whether he will appoint Iler’s replacement prior to the Nov. 4 election, in which Miyares is running for reelection.
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