Thursday, January 17, 2013

Obenshain Statement on Helen Dragas Reappointment Vote


January 15, 2013
RICHMOND—Today, Senator Mark Obenshain released a statement on strong bipartisan vote on which University of Virginia Rector Helen Dragas' reappointment was confirmed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, of which he is Chair:

"Today's vote was one on which good people can and do disagreea difficult choice about how best to allow the wounds at the University of Virginia to heal. In taking up gubernatorial appointments, the Senate owes great deference to the Governor's choice, and the Committee acted with the knowledge that Helen Dragas enjoys extraordinary bipartisan support.
"Other committee members and I were also influenced by University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan's stated desire not to rehash the events of June. University Boards of Visitors are called upon to make difficult decisions, and we cannot punish board members for decisions merely because they are unpopular. With the University of Virginia helmed by its first female President and its first female Rector, this storied institution has already entered into a new era.
"It is my hope that, with this vote behind us, the University of Virginia can continue to move beyond the events of last June, and that President Sullivan and the Board of Visitors will work together to ensure that the future of this great institution continues to be bright."
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