We are honored to welcome former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares as the featured speaker for our AFSA Monthly Forum this February.

Just weeks into her term, newly sworn-in Governor Abigail Spanberger has taken unprecedented actions that are already drawing national attention. Despite campaigning as a “moderate,” her administration has moved swiftly to reshape the governance of several of Virginia’s public universities—including the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute, and George Mason University.

Of particular concern to AFSA members, Governor Spanberger has forced the resignation of multiple board members across these institutions, enabling her to immediately appoint politically aligned replacements. This breaks with more than a century of precedent in the Commonwealth, where governors traditionally appoint only a portion of board members each year—preserving continuity, independence, and institutional stability.

These developments raise serious questions about the future of university governance, academic freedom, and the insulation of higher education from political control. While these actions are unfolding in Virginia, their implications extend far beyond one state. Public universities nationwide—and even private institutions—may face increasing political pressure that threatens the independence of boards and the core principles of free inquiry.

In this timely forum, Jason Miyares will offer legal and constitutional insight into what these moves mean, why they matter, and how alumni, trustees, and civic leaders should be thinking about governance, accountability, and the long-term health of American higher education.

We encourage all AFSA members to attend and share this event widely.