Two East Coast flagship universities named new presidents at the turn of the year after sudden departures, moves that could reshape campus-state relations and provoke governance conflicts. One selection at the University of Virginia was made in December despite objections from the incoming governor, raising the prospect of a contentious relationship between the new state executive and the university board. The leadership changes follow a string of midyear resignations at public flagships and reflect mounting political and fiscal pressure on senior campus leaders across the sector. Trustees and incoming presidents must now stabilize campuses amid budget strain, public scrutiny, and heightened expectations from state officials.