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WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2025) – Ross Mugler, Interim President and CEO, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, today said that former University of Virginia President James E. Ryan’s account of the pressures leading to his resignation reveals an alarming example of political and ideological interference in university governance. Mugler noted that governing boards must serve their institutions, not political agendas.
Read Mugler’s full statement below:
“President Ryan’s detailed account of the pressures leading to his resignation reveals an alarming example of political and ideological interference in university governance.
“What happened at UVA shows how deeply damaging it is when governing boards become extensions of political actors rather than independent fiduciaries. As Ryan describes, key decisions were driven by political pressure, secrecy, and external influence rather than transparent, mission-focused governance. This kind of intrusion destabilizes institutions, undermines academic freedom, erodes trust among faculty and students, and jeopardizes a board’s ability to steward the long-term health of the university. We don’t yet know the full impact of this intrusion on the health and strength of UVA, and it may take years to reach a full accounting.
“AGB’s position is clear: Boards must serve the institution, not political agendas. Independence, transparency, and adherence to fiduciary duty are essential to protecting the integrity of American higher education. The events surrounding this resignation demonstrate the serious consequences when those principles are compromised.”
Ross Mugler
Interim President and CEO of AGB