CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Governor Abigail Spanberger reappointed four University of Virginia Board of Visitors members, including a holdover from former Governor Glenn Youngkin, in a Friday night release of visitors appointments in higher education institutions across the Commonwealth.

Three of her reappointments — Suffolk entrepreneur Owen Griffin, Arlington attorney Elizabeth Hayes and Arlington transportation executive Mohsin Syed — were members she chose during her first week in office in January, after five BOV members resigned upon her inauguration. Spanberger’s fourth reappointment was Amanda Pillion, the Mayor of Abingdon and an audiologist and double-Hoo, to another term after hers expires June 30.

The wife of Republican State Senator Todd Pillion, Mrs. Pillion was appointed to the UVA Board in 2022.

Griffin, Hayes, and Syed’s terms were also due to expire June 30, and all three will now continue for full terms.

Spanberger also chose one new member and reappointed three to George Mason University’s board and chose three new and reappointed one member of VMI’s board.

George Mason and VMI were both criticized at the end of last year for not doing enough to be independent of the federal administration, as Mason’s President was under fire and VMI’s Superintendent was replaced last year.

“I am proud to appoint this talented group of individuals to serve on our higher education boards,” Governor Abigail Spanberger said in a statement. “I have full confidence that their leadership will strengthen our world class institutions while upholding the values that make our Commonwealth’s colleges and universities the envy of the world. I look forward to their service as they advance opportunities for every student who walks onto our campuses.”

All appointees are subject to a confirmation from the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.