ODU Faculty Senate Votes No Confidence in University Leadership

Board of Visitors blocks vote, affirms support for digital transformation plan

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Faculty Senate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia overwhelmingly voted no confidence in the university's president, provost, and vice president over a new digital transformation initiative that would shorten some online classes from 16 to 8 weeks while maintaining tuition costs. The Board of Visitors blocked the no-confidence vote, affirming support for the leadership and the initiative, which faculty say degrades academic freedom and quality of education.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights growing tensions between university faculty and administration over the pace and implementation of digital transformation efforts in higher education, with concerns over shared governance, academic freedom, and the student experience.

The details

The 41-7 no-confidence vote by the Faculty Senate came after months of frustration with the administration's "Forward-Focused Digital Transformation Initiative." Faculty say the plan would cut the length of some online classes in half from 16 to 8 weeks, reducing course content while maintaining tuition. The administration says the changes are necessary to adapt to "profound change" facing higher education, but faculty argue students will not thrive in the "truncated version of learning."

  • The Faculty Senate vote took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • In December 2025, the Board of Visitors' rector sent an email to faculty saying the board would "not allow this initiative to fail" and encouraged them to "roll up your sleeves and be productive partners" in the changes.

The players

Brian Hemphill

President of Old Dominion University.

Brian Payne

Provost of Old Dominion University.

Nina Rodriguez Gonser

Vice President of Old Dominion University.

Corrin Allen

Chair of the Old Dominion University Faculty Senate.

P. Murry Pitts

Rector of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors.

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What they’re saying

“The faculty voice is important, but, as a Board, we will not agree to slowing down or stopping an initiative that requires adaptability, resilience and work. I encourage you and your colleagues to roll up your sleeves and be productive partners in both changing and shaping the future of a university that deserves nothing but the best.”

— P. Murry Pitts, Rector, Old Dominion University Board of Visitors (dailypress.com)

What’s next

The Board of Visitors will decide whether to allow the no-confidence vote to stand or affirm their support for the university leadership and the digital transformation initiative.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the growing tensions between university faculty and administration over the pace and implementation of digital transformation efforts, with concerns over shared governance, academic freedom, and the student experience. The outcome will shape the future direction of Old Dominion University and potentially set a precedent for other institutions navigating similar challenges.