Two public flagship universities completed abrupt leadership transitions as new presidents took office Jan. 1, signaling governance turbulence for state-university relations. The University of Virginia and the University of Delaware each announced new presidents late in 2025; UVA’s December appointment proceeded over the objections of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, raising the prospect of an early conflict between the governor and the board. The moves matter for state funding, political oversight, and trustee–executive dynamics at large public research institutions, where governors often wield influence over board composition and priorities.