In Memoriam: John O. “Dubby” Wynne

Former rector was “a force, in the best sense”

For Brad Wynne (Grad class of ’05), the enduring image of his father, former UVA rector John “Dubby” Wynne (Law ’71 CM), is a newspaper photo of him leaning back in his office chair, deep in conversation. Wynne’s right hand holds a phone to his ear. His left is raised in emphasis—“going nuts,” his son said, as it often did when Wynne was making a point.

It is a portrait of a man renowned for getting things done, whether it was sealing the deal on the hiring of UVA President Teresa Sullivan, spearheading the founding of The Weather Channel, or leading economic development efforts in his native Hampton Roads and across Virginia.

“It was how he was wired,” Brad Wynne said. “He was a man on a mission, and he had a laser-like focus in everything he did, whether it was business, UVA or going out for a walk.”

Tributes to Wynne, who died Oct. 26 at age 78, mentioned his tirelessness, generosity and humility. Wynne was remembered as being hyper-organized, systematic and data-driven—a man who always had a plan.
“To say Dubby was a man of action is such an understatement,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said at a celebration of Wynne’s life in Virginia Beach.

Former UVA Chief Operating Officer Leonard Sandridge (Grad ’74 CM) called Wynne “a force, in the best sense of the word.”

Wynne grew up in Norfolk and captained the football, basketball and tennis teams at Norfolk Academy before earning a degree in U.S. and modern European history at Princeton University. After graduating from UVA’s School of Law in 1971, he joined the law firm Willcox Savage.

Wynne did legal work for Norfolk-based Landmark Communications Inc. and caught the eye of CEO Frank Batten Sr. (Col ’50 CM), who hired him in 1974. Batten became a mentor to Wynne and tasked him with founding The Weather Channel, which launched in 1982 to widespread skepticism but sold in 2008 for a reported $3.5 billion.

Wynne became president and CEO of Landmark before retiring in 2001. After retirement, he launched a second career as a volunteer, focusing on economic development and higher education, which he viewed as intertwined. He served on and led numerous boards, including the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, the Council on Virginia’s Future and the Virginia Business Council. He co-founded GO Virginia, a state-backed economic development organization.

Wynne was appointed to UVA’s Board of Visitors in 2003 and served as rector from 2009 to 2011. He assisted Batten in establishing the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and was instrumental in the conversion of the University of Virginia Investment Management Company into an independent nonprofit.

Wynne led the search committee that hired Sullivan, UVA’s first female president. He persuaded her to take the job after allaying her concerns about the school’s finances, she said.

Sullivan said Wynne’s connections with political and business leaders across Virginia helped her get the lay of the land. She added that though he had a reputation as a hard-charging leader, he did not attempt to impose his will, but worked to build consensus.

“He was a great listener. He wanted to hear your analysis of the problem first, and then he would brainstorm ways to address it,” Sullivan said. “I found him very good to work with.”

In addition to his son Brad, Wynne is survived by his wife, Susan, son John Wynne Jr. (Darden class of ’04), two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by another son, Lee.

—Ed Miller