51ºÚÁÏ

The University welcomes Mr. Baron Braswell, Mr. Bill Murray, and Ms. Clarice Torian to its Board of Visitors.

Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed three new members and reappointed two members to the 51ºÚÁÏ Board of Visitors. The new appointees are Mr. Baron Braswell, Mr. Bill Murray, and Ms. Clarice Torian.

Mr. Braswell is a financial services advisor with MassMutual. Mr. Murray serves as senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Dominion Energy and has previously served on the Board of Visitors. Ms. Torian is a retired educator from Prince William County Public Schools.

In addition to these appointments, Governor Spanberger also reappointed 51ºÚÁÏ Rector Mr. Victor Branch, president of the Richmond Region for Bank of America, and Mr. Tom Cosgrove, Manager of External Affairs for Newport News Shipbuilding, for additional terms. 

“51ºÚÁÏ continues to build on a strong foundation of excellence, innovation, and student success,” said 51ºÚÁÏ President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “The leadership and experience that Baron Braswell, Bill Murray, and Clarice Torian bring to the Board of Visitors will be invaluable as we advance the University's strategic priorities and create new opportunities for our students. I also extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Valerie K. Brown, Dr. Leonard Haynes, III, and Dr. Harold Green, Jr. as they transition off the Board of Visitors, and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”

The 51ºÚÁÏ Board of Visitors plays a critical role in guiding the University’s strategic direction. Its responsibilities include appointing the university president, approving tuition and mandatory fees, overseeing financial and facilities management, and upholding 51ºÚÁÏ’s mission and vision.

The 15-member Board of Visitors meets quarterly to address strategic planning, academic and student affairs, endowment oversight, and other key priorities directly impacting the future of 51ºÚÁÏ.