For many people, a seat on the board of their alma mater is like going back to college at the age of 50. Virginia is no exception. But in the midst of football games and cocktail parties and board retreats, sometimes it can be easy to forget that you carry a solemn responsibility. The people of Virginia elect a Governor to serve them. It is in the name of the people that the Governor appoints men and women of distinction to govern our colleges and universities.
Boards of visitors are stewards of public resources as well as the public trust.
You are accountable to the people of Virginia for the expenditure and use of the resources at your respective institutions. You are responsible for the quality of the academic programs at your institutions. And you speak for the institutions you serve. Your responsibilities are no different than the fiduciary duties owed by corporate boards to their shareholders. You serve as boards of directors, with a Rector as the Chairman of the Board.