Dear Wahoos,
For months, the Faculty Senate has asked the Rector and Vice Rector for clear, factual explanations of what led to President Jim Ryan’s resignation. Senators have asked in writing, in meetings, and repeatedly in the spirit of shared governance. Each time, they were told that very little could be shared, that they had to wait, or that the details could not be disclosed.
Yesterday, Rector Sheridan sent a letter to the Faculty Senate after it became public that a resolution calling for her and the Vice Rector’s resignation was forthcoming. Her letter only deepens our concern that the Board’s leadership has not been transparent with the UVA community.
Read Rector Sheridan’s letter here: https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/Rachel%20Sheridan%20letter.pdf
This morning, former President Ryan shared his own detailed account of the events leading up to his resignation.
Read President Ryan’s letter here: https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/Jim%20Ryan%20letter.pdf
You should read both letters and draw your own conclusions.
At 2 PM today, the Faculty Senate will meet to consider a resolution calling on the Rector and Vice Rector to resign so the Board can begin to regain the trust required to lead this University.
We strongly encourage you to register and watch the meeting live via Zoom. Your engagement matters!
Thank you for standing with us—and with UVA.
With gratitude and determination,
Ann Brown (College ‘74, Law ‘77)
Chris Ford (Engineering ‘87)
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