UVA Names New Rector and Vice Rector

Carlos M. Brown Jr. and Victoria D. Harker to lead the Board of Visitors

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The University of Virginia Board of Visitors has named Carlos M. Brown Jr. as the new Rector and Victoria D. Harker as the new Vice Rector. Brown and Harker, both former BOV members, will fill the remainder of the two-year term vacated by the previous Rector and Vice Rector, who resigned in January at the request of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Why it matters

The Rector and Vice Rector play a critical leadership role in overseeing the University of Virginia, one of the state's flagship public universities. Their appointment comes at a time of transition, as 10 new BOV members were recently appointed by the governor, signaling potential changes in the university's direction and priorities.

The details

Carlos M. Brown Jr. is the executive vice president, chief administrative and projects officer, and corporate secretary for Dominion Energy. He previously served on the BOV from 2021-2025, including as Vice Rector in 2023. Victoria D. Harker is the former executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tegna Inc. and was a BOV member from 2012-2016. They will begin their new roles immediately and serve until June 30, 2027, at which point the Vice Rector will become the next Rector.

  • The BOV announced the decision during its meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Brown and Harker will begin their term immediately and conclude on June 30, 2027.

The players

Carlos M. Brown Jr.

The new Rector of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors. He is the executive vice president, chief administrative and projects officer, and corporate secretary for Dominion Energy, and previously served on the BOV from 2021-2025, including as Vice Rector in 2023.

Victoria D. Harker

The new Vice Rector of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors. She is the former executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tegna Inc. and was a BOV member from 2012-2016.

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What’s next

At the conclusion of their term on June 30, 2027, the Vice Rector, Victoria D. Harker, will begin a two-year term as the next Rector, according to BOV bylaws.

The takeaway

The appointment of Brown and Harker as Rector and Vice Rector signals a period of transition for the University of Virginia, as the Board of Visitors undergoes significant changes with 10 new members recently appointed by the governor. Their leadership will be crucial in guiding the university during this time.