Governor Youngkin Dismisses Bert Ellis from University of Virginia Board

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially removed Bert Ellis from the University of Virginia‘s Board of Visitors, a decision announced in a letter from the governor’s office on March 26.

Youngkin’s dismissal of Ellis, appointed in 2022, comes amid controversy regarding the board member’s outspoken and combative conduct. The governor cited a violation of the Commonwealth’s Code of Conduct for Board members as the primary reason for the removal.

In his letter, Youngkin stated, “While I thank you for your hard work, your conduct on many occasions has violated the Commonwealth’s Code of Conduct for our Boards and Commissions and the Board of Visitors’ Statement of Visitor Responsibilities.” He referenced a Virginia law that permits governors to remove board members for reasons such as malfeasance or gross neglect of duty.

The governor indicated his intent to appoint Ken Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general, as Ellis’ successor. Cuccinelli, a Republican and UVa alumnus, is known for his prior investigations into the university’s climate research, which were criticized for potentially infringing on academic freedom.

“Ken’s legal and policy expertise will be incredibly valuable to ensure swift action with the ongoing changes and challenges in higher education,” Youngkin stated. He expressed confidence that Cuccinelli will help maintain the university’s focus on opportunity and merit.

In response to his termination, Ellis expressed disappointment and criticized the governor’s decision, attributing it to outside influences. “Unfortunately, the Governor has been misled by bad actors who don’t actually want to see results,” he said in a statement. Ellis called for an accountability response to the university’s administration, insisting on a more stringent approach to issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVa.

Controversy surrounding Ellis’ tenure included his extreme positions against DEI initiatives and his confrontations with fellow board members on sensitive matters like antisemitism. Ellis previously made headlines for comments he made regarding student colleagues, which some perceived as derogatory.

His dismissal marks a significant change in the university’s governing body amid ongoing debates over academic freedom, inclusivity, and university governance. Ellis, who earned two degrees from UVa and is a prominent businessman, was not scheduled to exit the board until June 2026.

Multiple sources claim that Youngkin’s concerns regarding Ellis intensified following public disclosures about his approach to board discussions, exacerbating tensions as the university grapples with numerous challenges in higher education.

Ellis ended his public statement advocating for the need to counter what he described as ideological bullying at the university, asserting that neglecting to stand firm risks losing the momentum for positive change.