Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger moved within hours of her inauguration to replace trustees across the state’s public universities, installing new board members at three schools and signaling an immediate reset of governance. At the same time, several University of Virginia trustees were privately asked to resign as the new administration asserted control over the flagship campus. Spanberger’s appointments and the pressure on U.Va. board members come amid months of conflict over oversight and presidential searches at the state’s institutions. The rapid turnover of trustees gives the governor direct influence over leadership decisions—from president appointments to policy priorities—and raises the prospect of near-term changes in campus governance and strategy. For higher-education leaders and trustees, the episode is a cue that state executive action can alter institutional direction overnight. University presidents, deans and search committees should expect accelerated board-driven reviews of priorities, leadership choices and compliance with newly stated gubernatorial goals.