Former Virginia Tech Rector Files Lawsuit Against Governor Spanberger

John Rocovich, the former rector of Virginia Tech, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding her decision to remove him from the university's board of visitors. Rocovich was ousted in late May and replaced by Ed Baine, who is also the executive vice president at Dominion Energy. In her statement, Spanberger cited violations of the Code of Conduct for Commonwealth Appointees and the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ Code of Ethics as reasons for the removal, although she did not provide specific details on the alleged conduct. Rocovich's lawsuit claims that Spanberger did not provide a valid reason for his dismissal, asserting that her actions violated the Commonwealth’s code and constitution. He is seeking reinstatement to the board. Spanberger has appointed Baine to fill Rocovich’s term until June 30, 2027, and has also appointed Sharon Brickhouse Martin to a vacant board position. The situation follows recent tensions in Virginia's higher education system, including disputes over the selection of a new president for the University of Virginia.