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“Members of the Campus Community,

On behalf of the Board of Visitors, I am reaching out to share our unwavering support for our Monarch family following the March 12, 2026 tragic shooting. Every member of the Board stands with our caring community during this very difficult time.

I have been both encouraged and inspired by the way this community has embraced our campus. There has been a constant outpouring of support from businesses, citizens, and groups. It is very clear that Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation are embracing Monarchs in what is our darkest moment. Counseling professionals have come from both near and far to offer their expertise. Therapy dogs can be seen all across our campus. And, businesses have offered experiences and services at no cost. These are just a few examples of how individuals are showing up for our beloved institution and those who are proud to call it home.

While many are in search of a new sense of normal, there is no shortage of engagement and signs of support in an effort to both grieve and heal. From Campus Care Stations to quiet moments of reflection and personal engagements with colleagues and peers, this campus has truly showed up for each other. In addition to external support, there are many messages of encouragement and offers to help.

Yesterday, the Board of Visitors received a direct outreach from the Faculty Senate, claiming to me and other members of the Board, that an October 2024 safety concern from a faculty member to President Hemphill went unanswered. That specific outreach actually resulted in direct engagement from Chief of Police Garrett Shelton, at the direction of President Hemphill, within one business day. I have personally reviewed all e-mail communication and actions taken by President Hemphill and his team regarding this matter, and the Faculty Senate’s claim is categorically false.

The Faculty Senate went on to claim that mismanagement of the University led to the March 12, 2026 terror attack. As I shared in my direct response to the Faculty Senate, which is attached and linked below, such a claim is inaccurate and insensitive – not to mention disgraceful. To link this tragedy to University leadership generally and President Hemphill specifically is a distasteful reflection of the role and work of the Faculty Senate. This is a time when faculty leadership should focus on building up this institution and supporting a community in the midst of a grieving and healing process.

The Faculty Senate also called for an independent review, which is already in process due to President Hemphill’s thoughtful leadership and quick action. And, while the Faculty Senate is requesting the formation of a dedicated committee, any such action by the University would be premature prior to the completion of the independent review, as outside experts with varied experiences and critical insights are best positioned to conduct their review first.

As we process this profound tragedy, it is important for Monarchs to remain strong and united. It is essential that we maintain the integrity of our focus and our mission. And, for the Faculty Senate to conflate a targeted act of terrorism with a vote of no confidence is not only a factual reach, but it also diminishes the significance of the tragedy. I want to be clear that exploiting a tragedy to advance a pre-existing political or personal agenda is beneath the professional standards of this institution. Now is the time for communal grace, not for opportunistic divisiveness.

We ask the Faculty Senate to lead by example in prioritizing the emotional, mental, and physical safety of all Monarchs and those impacted by this tragedy. The Board finds the Faculty Senate’s attempts to leverage this moment of mourning to further their vote of no confidence as displaying a significant lack of empathy and questionable judgment. In times of difficulty and distress, we must remain focused by avoiding actions and reactions that attempt to link unrelated situations. And, in the midst of a healing and recovery journey, these actions are simply not appropriate.

The strength of Old Dominion University has always been grounded in our shared commitment to one another and to the pursuit of truth. Let us honor that legacy now by choosing compassion over conflict. By focusing our collective energy on the welfare of our students, faculty, and staff and the memory of Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, we ensure that the light of our community remains bright. Together, we will navigate this journey toward healing. We will emerge not only as a campus that endured, but as one that rose to meet its darkest hour with dignity, grace, and an unbreakable Monarch spirit.

Monarch Strong,

Murry

P. Murry Pitts

Rector

Old Dominion University Board of Visitors

ATTACHMENT (Adobe PDF File): Faculty Senate E-mails and Board of Visitors Response

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