EducationJanuary 17, 2026

New Leadership and the U.Va. Board: What Happened and Why It Matters

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

governor/ˈɡʌv.ər.nər/

The elected leader of a U.S. state.

"The governor will appoint new board members."

resign/rɪˈzaɪn/

To leave a job or position on purpose.

"The president decided to resign in June 2025."

board/bɔːrd/

A group of people who help run an organization.

"The Board of Visitors makes big decisions for the university."

Listening

New Leadership and the U.Va. Board: What Happened and Why It Matters

Abigail Spanberger becomes governor of Virginia on January 17, 2026. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia. On day one she said she will appoint new members to the university's Board of Visitors.

The University of Virginia had a hard year. Its president, Jim Ryan, resigned in June 2025 after pressure linked to a Justice Department review of diversity programs. Faculty and students asked for changes on the board, and she asked at least five board members to step down as she took power. Many people on campus felt worried and confused. The new governor said she wants stable university leadership.

103 words

Quiz

1. When did Abigail Spanberger become governor of Virginia?

2. Who resigned in June 2025?

3. What will Spanberger appoint on day one?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you feel it is important for university leaders to be trusted by students and staff? Why?

Have you ever been part of a group that needed new leaders? What happened?

What do you think about a governor choosing new members for a university board?