Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors rector John Rocovich is pushing back after Gov. Abigail Spanberger sought his removal for alleged ethics-code violations. Spanberger fired Rocovich on Wednesday, but Rocovich responded in a letter denying violations and calling the removal “deeply offensive” and “legally unsupported,” arguing boards operate as independent governing authority rather than at the governor’s pleasure. The dispute is tied to appointment control and timing concerns around presidential succession. Coverage indicates Spanberger’s earlier concern was that the board might hire a new president before appointees are seated, while outgoing president Tim Sands had announced plans to step down. The disagreement has split lawmakers along party lines, elevating governance conflict as Virginia Tech’s leadership transition timeline becomes more volatile.