Governor Appoints Four New Members to University's Board of Visitors

July 2, 2010 — Gov. Robert McDonnell announced the appointment of four new members to the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors on Thursday.

The new appointees are: Hunter E. Craig of Charlottesville; Marvin W. Gilliam Jr. of Bristol; Sheila C. Johnson of The Plains; and Mark Kington of Alexandria. Both Gilliam and Kington have degrees from the University – Gilliam is a graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, Kington of the Darden School of Business.

They will replace Don R. Pippin, Warren M. Thompson and Dr. Edwin Darracott Vaughan Jr., who have just completed two four-year terms; and Daniel R. Abramson, the board's vice rector, who was not reappointed for a second term.
 
"I am grateful for the extraordinary service and commitment that Danny, Don, Warren and Darracott have brought to our board," said John O. Wynne, rector of the University. "They contributed to some of the most important work that we have undertaken during the past eight years, including the creation of AccessUVa, increased diversity, an aggressive planning process that includes both the Academic Division and the Health System, and the selection of the University's eighth president. Their collective wisdom, business acumen, hard work and good humor have helped to guide our great institution during some difficult and often trying times."

Wynne added that the University has been fortunate to have a history of strong board leadership and said he is looking forward to working closely with each of the newly appointed board members, all of whom have already demonstrated a deep commitment to the University.

Kington, managing director of X-10 Capital Management and president of Kington Management Corporation, was previously appointed to the board by Gov. Mark Warner in 2002 and served one four-year term. He also served as a director of the University of Virginia Investment Management Company from 2002 until 2009.

He said he is honored to have been reappointed and is looking forward to serving the University during what he called "these especially challenging times in the world."

"Citizens necessarily turn to its cornerstone institutions at such times to find solutions to society's most pressing problems. I think of the University of Virginia as one of those institutions that will help us deal with the critical issues facing our nation and the world," Kington said. "I have faith that the University will help advance solutions to our most vexing problems, including those dealing with the environment, the economy and health care."

Gilliam, former vice president of Cumberland Resources Corp. in Abingdon, said he, too, was honored that McDonnell asked him to serve.

"I look forward to working with our new president, Teresa Sullivan, and the other members of the board to ensure that the University maintains its position as one of the preeminent public universities in America," Gilliam said. "I value the opportunity to contribute my time and experience to my alma mater in pursuit of this goal."

Gilliam and his wife, Marcia Adams Gilliam, a graduate of Clinch Valley College (now U.Va.'s College at Wise), maintain strong ties to that institution. The family's relationship with U.Va-Wise began 60 years ago when Gilliam's mother, Betty, joined the Clinch Valley College faculty as its first art professor. This past April, the Gilliam Center for the Arts was dedicated at Wise.

Johnson, an entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Salamander Hospitality LLC, is known for her support of education and the arts. She serves on the board of U.Va's Curry School of Education and in 2006 pledged $5 million to the school to establish a center for human services. The Sheila C. Johnson Center for Human Services will bring together the Curry School's most significant outreach efforts, which serve more than 7,500 children, adults and families a year.

"I'm incredibly honored and humbled to serve on this board," Johnson said. "Nothing is more important than education – and empowering our students to be prepared for the jobs, challenges and opportunities of the 21st century."

Craig, the vice chairman of the board of Virginia National Bank, is also president of Hunter E. Craig Company, a residential, commercial and industrial property investment company.

A director of the University of Virginia Foundation from 1995 to 2003, Craig said that "as a lifelong resident of Charlottesville, I know the importance of the University to our community and to our nation. I look forward to working with President Sullivan over the next four years."

McDonnell also appointed new members to the boards of the College of William and Mary; George Mason University; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.








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