WHY YOU KNOW HIM: As president of Virginia Commonwealth University, his job performance was subjected to a review by the board of visitors.
WHAT'S NEW: Eighteen months into his tenure, Rao is under pressure from Monroe Park to Capitol Square.
Michael Rao must feel like he has been gut kicked by the governor.
A month after an outside consultant was hired to review Rao's performance, Gov. Bob McDonnell called out the university for its 24 percent tuition increase.
McDonnell wants to make an example of VCU by withholding state money equal to half the revenue the university generated from the tuition increase.
The board of visitors, meanwhile, wants the consultant to work with Rao on some of the issues that came up during the evaluation conducted last month.
VCU Rector Anne G. "Panny" Rhodes declined to discuss those issues, but she said it was the consensus of board members to move forward with Rao, who has a six-year contract.
The board brought in the consultant after a shakeup at the top level of the administration. It wasn't so much that Rao wanted changes made, VCU insiders say, but the way he went about making them.
Also causing concern were allegations that Rao's wife, Monica, who works part time for VCU, ordered the firing of one aide for being disloyal. That was followed by the disclosure that Rao required employees in his office to sign unusual confidentiality pacts.
Then on Dec. 17 came McDonnell's retribution for the 24 percent increase — even though VCU's tuition and fees are still below the state average.
Rao is known for his social skills. Now his political skills will be put to the test when the General Assembly takes up the governor's budget recommendations.
Karin Kapsidelis
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