Several public flagship universities finalized presidential hires this month. Scott C. Beardsley will lead the University of Virginia after serving as Darden dean; Kent Syverud was named president of the University of Michigan; Manny Diaz Jr. is the new pick at the University of West Florida pending system approval; and Joseph Hartman will take the helm at Western New England University. Governing boards framed the appointments as moves to stabilize operations, advance research and align institutions with workforce needs. The hires underscore an active presidential market that will shape strategic priorities on enrollment, research investments, and state relations.