The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors on Monday unanimously elected William H. “Bill” Goodwin Jr. to a two-year term as vice rector, citing his wisdom, depth and breadth of experience and profound commitment to excellence at the University.

Starting July 1, Goodwin will serve two years as vice rector with incoming Rector George K. Martin. Goodwin will then become rector in 2015 for a period of two years.

Goodwin has a long and distinguished history with the Board of Visitors. He was appointed to the board by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell in January to fill the unexpired term of R.J. Kirk. Prior to the appointment, Goodwin was serving in the post of senior adviser to the board.

Goodwin first served on the board from 1996 to 2004, first appointed by then-Gov. George Allen. During his two-term tenure, Goodwin chaired the Finance Committee and the University of Virginia Investment Management Company. He also served on the Executive Committee, the Medical Center Operating Board, the Buildings and Grounds Committee and the U.Va. College at Wise Committee. He is currently vice chair of the Finance Committee.

He has also chaired the Board of Trustees of the Darden School of Business Foundation.

During the vote at Monday’s regular meeting, many board members praised Goodwin’s prior board service and his deep understanding of the purpose of public education.

Rector Helen E. Dragas commended Goodwin’s vision for shaping the University’s sustainable future.

“Bill’s leadership comes from more than just the breadth and depth of his experience and wisdom. His willingness to ask the challenging questions – and his resourcefulness and collaborative nature to bring people together to find the answers – will serve this board well into the future,” Dragas said. “With dramatic shifts affecting higher education funding, educational content delivery and academic quality, U.Va. needs fearless voices to champion solutions that keep the University of Virginia one of America’s best public universities and ensure all students gain from an affordable, high-quality educational experience.”

A Richmond-based businessman, Goodwin is chairman of the board of CCA Industries Inc., a holding company whose assets include CCA Financial, Bag Boy Company, Pompanette Inc. and various investments and real estate holdings, including the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and Keswick Hall near Charlottesville.

Goodwin earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and received his MBA from the Darden School of Business at U.Va.

Goodwin and his wife, Alice, have been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts throughout Virginia and at U.Va., with an emphasis on cancer research  and engineering and graduate business education. Their generosity earned Goodwin a Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society and has touched countless lives through better health and education.

Dragas added: “Bill has a lasting impact on everything to which he chooses to devote his time and energy. The University is indeed blessed to have his leadership.”