On June 5, 2025, McGuireWoods Consulting senior advisor Jim Dyke and vice president Lisette Carbajal were appointed to Virginia’s higher education board by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
The honor recognizes the pair as leaders in the Virginia higher education sector. Dyke will serve on the board of visitors for George Mason University (GMU), while Carbajal will serve on the state board for community colleges.
The appointment is a full circle moment for Carbajal as she began her higher education journey in the Virginia community college system.
“It was the bridge that made everything else possible,” Carbajal said. “Community college gave me the opportunity to continue my education. That is why it feels so surreal to now have been appointed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to serve on the state board for community colleges. To have the opportunity to give back to a system that played such an important role in shaping my life and career is an incredible honor.”
Dyke has a long history with George Mason University, going back to his service as the secretary of education for the commonwealth.
“I’m honored that the governor has asked me to serve on the George Mason board of visitors,” Dyke said. “My association with GMU goes back to my days as Virginia’s secretary of education when I maintained an office at GMU. I also served as the commencement speaker for the Mason Law School during that time. Moreover, my oldest daughter, Jamie, is a proud George Mason University graduate. In sum, I am thrilled and appreciative to be a patriot supporter in this new role.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed her excitement for the recent appointments in a statement.
“I am proud to appoint this talented group of individuals to serve on our higher education boards,” said Gov. Abigail Spanberger. “I have full confidence that their leadership will strengthen our world class institutions while upholding the values that make our commonwealth’s colleges and universities the envy of the world. I look forward to their service as they advance opportunities for every student who walks onto our campuses.”
