A look at the changes in higher education since Gov. Spanberger took office
By Jaylynn Perez | July 6, 2026Within hours of taking office, Spanberger appointed 27 members total across the governing boards at the University, George Mason and VMI.
Jaylynn Perez is a third-year College student from Chesapeake, Va., majoring in Government and minoring in Public Policy and Leadership in the Batten School. She currently serves as news senior associate editor and video staffer. She frequently covers topics such as student self-governance organizations, University governance and local politics.
Within hours of taking office, Spanberger appointed 27 members total across the governing boards at the University, George Mason and VMI.
Here is a closer look at student self-governance organizations at the University, beginning with the organization that administers elections for several of the governing bodies.
Grushka-Cockayne’s appointment succeeds Beardsley — who stepped down as Darden dean when he assumed the University presidency Jan. 1.
The Faculty Senate — a body of approximately 82 elected faculty representatives from across the University’s schools — represents faculty on academic matters affecting multiple schools such as degree programs and major curriculum changes.
Signed as part of Spanberger’s broader Affordable Virginia Plan, the bills sought to address rising healthcare costs through changes affecting medication pricing, insurance practices and patient coverage, according to several legislators.
The University’s full Board of Visitors convened Friday afternoon to hear remarks from University President Scott Beardsley — who outlined preliminary priorities for the University’s next strategic plan — and remarks from the chair and vice chair of the Health System Board.
The Academic and Student Life Committee oversees University operations related to student affairs, including athletics, safety, residential life and dining.
Mitchell said he plans to prioritize building Student Council’s long-term financial stability through an endowment, expanding access and awareness of mental health resources and increasing the Council’s visibility and engagement with the broader student body.
Representatives also swore in third-year College student Saehee Pérez as Student Council vice president for administration and third-year Batten student Harper Tran as vice president for organizations.
Objectives detailed by Gilmore include communication with University administration, overseeing the UBE’s budget, increasing student engagement and conducting an annual internal review.