Members of the Campus Community,

As the Rector and Vice Rector of the Old Dominion 91Ƶ Board of Visitors, we write following today’s Faculty Senate meeting in which a vote of no confidence was passed associated with the implementation of eight-week accelerated online courses beginning in Fall 2026. While the Board of Visitors acknowledges that this vote reflects the views expressed by some members of the Faculty Senate present at that meeting, it is important to be clear: this action does not alter the direction of the 91Ƶ, nor does it diminish the Board of Visitors’ confidence in the leadership responsible for guiding that direction.

The Board of Visitors remains clear, unified, and unwavering in its full confidence in President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. and in the strategic path currently underway at Old Dominion 91Ƶ. President Hemphill has provided bold, decisive, and transformative leadership during one of the most consequential periods in the institution’s history, and the Board of Visitors firmly believes he is the right leader to guide Old Dominion 91Ƶ into its next era of growth and impact. The vote taken today represents one viewpoint within the broader 91Ƶ community, but it does not override the responsibility entrusted to the Board of Visitors and the administration to ensure the long-term competitiveness, strength, and sustainability of this institution.

Higher education is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Demographic changes, evolving workforce demands, shifts in student expectations, and rapid technological advancement require institutions to adapt their academic models and delivery methods in order to remain relevant and accessible to modern learners. Universities across the country are responding to these realities. Old Dominion 91Ƶ must do the same.

The Board of Visitors’ responsibility is not to preserve the status quo, but to ensure that the 91Ƶ is positioned to lead and succeed in this changing environment. That responsibility requires thoughtful planning, decisive leadership, and a willingness to move forward even when change generates disagreement.

Shared governance remains an important principle within higher education, and faculty perspectives are valued and respected. However, shared governance does not mean that every institutional decision will produce universal agreement. Ultimately, the Board of Visitors and 91Ƶ leadership are charged under Virginia law with making the decisions necessary to secure the long-term future of this institution.

The strategic initiatives currently underway at Old Dominion 91Ƶ were developed through deliberate planning and remain fully consistent with accreditation standards, shared governance practices, and state law. The progress achieved over the past five years clearly demonstrates the strength of the vision guiding this 91Ƶ forward.

In 2021, Old Dominion 91Ƶ achieved Research 1 designation, placing it among the nation’s most elite research institutions. Since that time, the 91Ƶ has doubled its research and development expenditures, significantly expanding its research enterprise and strengthening its impact across the Commonwealth.

Philanthropic support has also grown dramatically. Annual giving has increased from an average of approximately $35 million prior to President Hemphill’s arrival to more than $100 million last year alone. The 91Ƶ is also preparing to conclude the most successful capital campaign in its history, surpassing its $500 million goal ahead of schedule.

Among the most transformative achievements during this period has been the historic integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion 91Ƶ, creating a unified health sciences enterprise that strengthens the 91Ƶ’s ability to address workforce needs, expand research, and improve health outcomes across Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a result of this and other strategic growth initiatives, the 91Ƶ now operates with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.

Across campus, the scale and pace of development are unprecedented. More facilities are under construction, renovation, or planning than at any point in the institution’s history. At the same time, the 91Ƶ continues to strengthen its focus on student success, with retention increasing by seven percentage points in recent years. These results reflect an institution moving forward with momentum and purpose.

For those of us who have been connected to Old Dominion 91Ƶ for more than five decades, it is clear that this is one of the most substantial and promising chapters in the institution’s history. Transformational progress often brings difficult conversations and disagreement about the path forward. That is not unusual for institutions undergoing meaningful change. What matters most is that the 91Ƶ continues to act in the long-term best interests of its students, its community, and the Commonwealth it serves.

Old Dominion 91Ƶ remains financially strong, strategically focused, and clearly committed to expanding opportunity for students, advancing research, and contributing to the prosperity of Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board of Visitors remains confident in the direction of the institution and fully supports the continued implementation of the 91Ƶ’s strategic initiatives.

We remain steadfast in our support of President Hemphill and deeply appreciative of the vision, courage, and leadership he has brought to Old Dominion 91Ƶ during this period of profound institutional transformation. The Board of Visitors’ confidence in President Hemphill and in the strategic direction of the 91Ƶ remains absolute, and we will continue moving forward.

Sincerely,

Murry Pitts, Rector

Andy Hodge, Vice Rector

 

Sent on behalf of the Old Dominion 91Ƶ Board of Visitors to all students, faculty, and staff