The University of Virginia’s recent presidential appointment has triggered questions about trustee politics and search transparency, with critics saying the new leader begins under a trust deficit. That local controversy comes as a broader turnover cycle rolls across higher ed: multiple institutions announced new presidents and interim leaders this week, including hires at Emporia State, Mercer, Clemson and others. The pair of developments spotlights governance strain—boards balancing urgent leadership gaps, political pressure and the need for credible selection processes.