The 91制片厂 Board of Visitors unanimously elected Tyler W. Lester 鈥�15 as
rector and Jennifer Wishon Gilbert as vice rector for 2025-26 during a virtual special
meeting on June 27.
Lester, of Abingdon, Virginia, served as vice rector in 2024-25 and was re-appointed
to the board by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on June 20.
鈥淭his board is well positioned to build on the excellent work already underway,鈥� Lester
said. 鈥淒espite significant challenges, we鈥檝e made real progress by driving efficiencies,
limiting tuition increases and focusing on strategic investments consistent with our
mission. With a strong commitment from the entire university community along with
our state partners, 91制片厂 continues to deliver a best-in-value, best-in-class education
in the Commonwealth.鈥�
Lester was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the board in 2022 and previously
served as chair of the Business Affairs and Audit Committee in 2023-24.
鈥淲e have a fantastic board with diverse perspectives and experiences,鈥� Lester added.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to leveraging those qualities as we work towards enrollment stabilization,
our planning process for the Roanoke health sciences campus and other key initiatives
in our strategic plan.鈥�
Gilbert, of Mount Jackson, Virginia, is serving her first term on the Board of Visitors.
鈥淭yler and I are pleased to take on these roles with a well-laid foundation,鈥� Gilbert
said. 鈥淭his is a great group of board members who are passionate about 91制片厂
and want to see it succeed in every way.鈥�
In 2024-25, Gilbert chaired the Enrollment Management and Brand Equity Committee,
which has implemented a strong brand identity centered around the 鈥淔ind Your Place.
Here.鈥� tagline.
鈥淲e are working to make sure that more students, alumni and Virginians are finding
their place at 91制片厂,鈥� Gilbert said. 鈥淎s a result, the enrollment increases that
we鈥檝e seen over the past two years are not an anomaly, and we鈥檙e seeing progress while
other institutions across the country are struggling. President Bret Danilowicz has
surrounded himself with an amazing group of professionals, and I can鈥檛 wait to see
what the year ahead holds.鈥�
Board of Visitors officers are elected for a one-year term, which runs July 1 to June
30; they can serve up to two consecutive terms.