Helen E. Dragas
| Helen E. Dragas | ||
|---|---|---|
Rector, Board of Visitors
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| Term Start | July 1, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | John O. Wynne | |
| Succeeded by | George Keith Martin | |
Biographical Information
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| Place of birth | Oakland, CA | |
| Residence | Virginia Beach | |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia | |
Helen E. Dragas is a former member of the UVA Board of Visitors, who served on the Board from 2008-2016. She served as Rector of the Board of Visitors from 2011-2013.
Biography
Helen Dragas is president and CEO of The Dragas Companies, a Virginia Beach-based real estate company and was appointed to the Board of Visitors by Governor Tim Kaine in July 2008. Dragas graduated from the University of Virginia in 1984 and again in 1988 when she received her MBA from the Darden School of Business.[1]
University of Virginia
Board of Visitors
Dragas was unanimously elected the University's first female rector in July 2011, succeeding John O. Wynne.[2] In June 2012 Dragas was reappointed as rector by Governor Bob McDonnell.[3]
Sullivan Controversy
On June 10, 2012, Dragas, citing a "philosophical difference of opinion," announced that UVA president Teresa Sullivan would resign, effective August 15 of that year, despite having served only two years in the position. Dragas, Vice Rector Mark Kington, and Hunter E. Craig had met and unanimously voted to accept Sullivan's resignation.[4] The news of Sullivan's departure was met with criticism by faculty,[5] students,[6] and alumni, including former president John Casteen.[7] On June 19, 2012, following a late-night closed session meeting, the Board announced McIntire School of Commerce dean Carl P. Zeithaml as the interim president.[8] Zeithaml, who had denounced Sullivan's removal,[9] suspended his presidential duties on June 22, pending resolution on Sullivan's status with the University.[10] On June 26, under mounting criticism from the community as well as the governor, Sullivan was reinstated as president of the University.[11] Throughout the controversy, Dragas was seen as the face of the failed ouster and came under intense criticism from the community. She was reappointed by Gov. McDonnell in June 2012 despite calls from the community for her to step down or be fired following her role in the controversial matter.[12][13]
References
- ↑ Web. 20 Questions: Helen Dragas, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, retrieved July 12, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Board chooses female rector, Virginia Terwilliger, The Cavalier Daily, University of Virginia, September 15, 2010, retrieved July 12, 2012.
- ↑ Web. McDonnell reappoints Dragas to U-Va. Board, Anita Kumar, The Washington Post, June 29, 2012, retrieved July 12, 2012.
- ↑ Web. UVa ousts Sullivan as president, Aaron Richardson, The Daily Progress, June 10, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Letter to Board of Visitors from UVa faculty slams Sullivan ouster, Daily Progress Staff, The Daily Progress, June 13, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. University of Virginia students feel betrayed after ouster of teresa sillivan, Daily Progress Staff, The Washington Post, June 22, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Casteen, Toscano call for Sullivan's reinstatement, Ted Strong, The Daily Progress, June 17, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. UVa board selects commerce dean as interim president, Ted Strong and Aaron Richardson, The Daily Progress, June 19, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. UVa interim president denounces Sullivan's ouster, foresees a year in office, Graham Moomaw, The Daily Progress, June 20, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Zeithaml suspends role as interim president, Ted Strong, The Daily Progress, June 22, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Elation, renewed commitment mark reaction to Sullivan's return, Aaron Richardson, The Daily Progress, June 26, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. McDonnell reappoints Dragas; Sandridge named to new advisor role, Ted Strong, The Daily Progress, June 29, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Web. Dragas should still lose her position, Michael Slaven, The Cavalier Daily, June 26, 2012, retrieved July 13, 2012.