Spanberger removes Virginia Tech rector, appoints new board members

Gov. Abigail Spanberger removed Virginia Tech’s rector John Rocovich for conduct violating board-appointment rules and a Virginia code clause allowing removal for malfeasance, incompetence, or gross neglect of duty. Ed Baine, a Dominion Energy executive and VT Board member, will complete Rocovich’s term through June 30 of next year, and Sharon Brickhouse Martin will join the board immediately. Spanberger praised the appointees’ service, while Virginia Tech did not comment further; the exact misconduct was not disclosed and the case is developing.