Lawsuit Over Rocovich Ouster Moves to Richmond
A judge has moved the suit by former Virginia Tech board leader John Rocovich against Governor Abigail Spanberger to Richmond Circuit Court.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
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Former Virginia Tech Board of Visitors leader John Rocovich filed a lawsuit seeking reinstatement after Governor Abigail Spanberger removed him from the board in May. A judge granted Spanberger's motion to move the case from Montgomery County to Richmond, and a hearing is set for November 18.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on a governor's authority to remove members of a public university's governing board, a question with direct consequences for Virginia Tech's leadership. Spanberger's removal of Rocovich came shortly after former university President Tim Sands announced plans to step down.
The case was moved from Montgomery County to Richmond by a judge's order on September 25, with a hearing set for November 18. Spanberger's attorneys have asked the court to dismiss the suit, and that request remains pending.
The players
Abigail Spanberger
Spanberger is the Governor of Virginia, who has the authority to appoint and remove members of state university boards.
John Rocovich
Rocovich is a former leader of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors who is seeking reinstatement through the lawsuit.
The details
Spanberger removed Rocovich from his board seat in May and appointed Edward Baine and Sharon Martin to replace him, citing alleged violations of conduct and ethics codes. Rocovich's attorneys argued Montgomery County was the proper venue because it is the board's official meeting place, but the judge sided with the governor's request to move the case.
Timeline
May 2026: Spanberger removes Rocovich from the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
September 25, 2026: A judge grants the motion to move the case to Richmond.
November 18, 2026: Hearing scheduled in Richmond Circuit Court.
Market Landscape
The removal fight unfolds under Virginia's statute giving governors power over Boards of Visitors, a power now being tested against a board largely appointed by prior Republican governors. The outcome could shape how leadership turnover at the state's public universities is handled going forward.
For Virginia Tech students, faculty, and families, the outcome will determine who sits on the board that oversees the university's leadership and direction. The ruling could affect how future presidential searches and board appointments are handled at the school.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at public universities can become legal disputes when governors and governing boards disagree over removal authority. Readers following Virginia Tech should watch the November 18 hearing for any early signal on the motion to dismiss.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage across Virginia's leadership and public institutions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Roanoke Times.
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