Board of Visitors Appoints New Rector and Vice Rector

Carlos Brown and Victoria Harker take on leadership roles at the University of Virginia

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors convened a special meeting on Friday to appoint a new Rector and Vice Rector. Carlos Brown, a Class of 1996 and Law Class of 1999 alumnus, was elected as the new Rector, while Victoria Harker, a Class of 1986 alumna, was voted in as the new Vice Rector. The appointments come after the resignation of the previous Rector and Vice Rector, and will serve the remainder of their two-year term.

Why it matters

The Rector and Vice Rector play crucial roles in overseeing the University's academic, financial, and operational affairs, including setting tuition, approving budgets, and appointing the University president. The new leadership comes at an important time as the Board works to advance the University's mission of education, patient care, and public service.

The details

The Board of Visitors convened the special meeting to appoint the new Rector and Vice Rector following the resignation of the previous leadership. After a closed session to discuss the elections, the Board reconvened and formally voted to elect Carlos Brown as Rector and Victoria Harker as Vice Rector. Brown previously served on the Board from 2021-2025, while Harker was a Board member from 2012-2016.

  • The Board of Visitors convened the special meeting on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Brown and Harker will begin their roles immediately and serve the remainder of the two-year term, which is set to conclude on June 30, 2027.

The players

Carlos Brown

A Class of 1996 and Law Class of 1999 alumnus of the University of Virginia, Brown was elected as the new Rector. He previously served on the Board of Visitors from 2021-2025 and has also served on the boards of other organizations, including non-profit Feed More, Christopher Newport University, and the Virginia Small Business Advisory Board.

Victoria Harker

A Class of 1986 alumna of the University of Virginia, Harker was elected as the new Vice Rector. She previously served on the Board of Visitors from 2012-2016, where she chaired the Finance Committee and served on the Executive Committee, the Academic Affairs Committee, and the Health System Board. She currently serves on the University Health System Board, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy Board, and the Rare Book School Board.

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What they’re saying

“It's very humbling and an honor to be able to serve as Rector.”

— Carlos Brown (cavalierdaily.com)

“Excellence doesn't come from dramatic gestures but changing everything, but from a lot of small improvements, steady leadership, one by one, and by building a great team to work steadily with improvement towards advancing our mission. U.Va. must pursue the highest standards, not just for prestige alone, but in the service of others.”

— Scott Beardsley, University President (cavalierdaily.com)

What’s next

The Board plans to convene for a regular meeting on March 6 to review committee updates and address ongoing University issues. This meeting will be followed by a full Board meeting on April 8 to address important action items such as tuition and the University budget.

The takeaway

The appointments of Carlos Brown and Victoria Harker as Rector and Vice Rector, respectively, come at a critical time for the University of Virginia as it works to advance its mission of education, patient care, and public service. Their leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the University through the challenges and opportunities ahead.