Former Virginia Tech rector John Rocovich sued Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the university, and the Board of Visitors over his removal from the board. Rocovich is seeking immediate reinstatement, arguing the removal was “legally unsupported” and that the governor violated Virginia’s code and constitution. Spanberger removed Rocovich in late May, citing ethical violations, and appointed a replacement. Rocovich did not attend the most recent board meeting, and his lawsuit centers on whether the governor-appointed board is insulated from political pressure and removal authority. The dispute is unfolding alongside Spanberger’s broader effort to reshape Virginia boards after her predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, appointed conservative donors and activists. Rocovich was also expected to oversee a presidential search following Virginia Tech President Tim Sands’s April announcement that he will step down. Rocovich asked the courts for a judgment declaring the removal null and void and an injunction to block his ouster, setting up a high-stakes test of executive power over governing boards at a moment when university leadership transitions are already politically and administratively sensitive.