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Ryan and Sheridan provide full accounts of Ryan’s resignation. They differ significantly
In their first full public accounts since this summer, the former president and current rector dispute the circumstances which led to Ryan’s resignation


Photo by Kayla Moore | The Cavalier Daily

By Cecilia Mould and Ford McCracken
November 14, 2025

Former University President Jim Ryan and Board of Visitors Rector Rachel Sheridan have each provided, for the first time since Ryan’s resignation, full accounts of the circumstances which led to Ryan’s decision to step down.

Sheridan sent a letter to the Faculty Senate Thursday afternoon providing a detailed timeline of discussions with the Justice Department before Ryan’s resignation. Ryan, in response, sent a letter to the Faculty Senate Friday which shared an account he wrote this summer of the circumstances leading to his resignation.

“In light of Rector Sheridan’s letter, as well as the governor’s, which I do not think present an accurate accounting of my resignation, I am sending my document to all of you now,” Ryan wrote. “I am sorry for the slight delay. I did not send this to you yesterday because I thought it would be inappropriate to do so on the third anniversary of the tragic deaths of three of our students.”

The Cavalier Daily corresponded with former Rector Robert Hardie, whose term ended June 30, regarding the two accounts. He confirmed that he agreed with Ryan’s account. … “I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,” Hardie said.

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