The University of Virginia Board of Visitors has unanimously reinstated President Teresa Sullivan, who was removed earlier this month without a vote.

Update at 4:19 p.m. ET: Important to note that Gov. Bob McDonnell, who appointed half of the rectors, had vowed to replace all of them if they didn't resolve the controversy by today.

The governor appoints all members of the Board of Visitors to four-year terms, subject to confirmation by the state General Assembly. The board approves the university's budgets and policies, and is responsible for long-term planning.

Update at 4 :12 p.m. ET: Last week, The Washington Post fleshed out the political connections of Rector Helen Dragas, who orchestrated Sullivan's ouster June 10.

Update at 4:05 p.m. ET: Rector Helen Dragas was central to the initial move to oust the president. The Associated Press writes that she opened the meeting "with comments seeking to reunite the university community."

AP writes that she said she was "convinced the university would emerge stronger after the controversy and reiterated an apology for the way the matter was handled initially."

"The situation became enormously dramatized and emotionally charged," she said. "I sincerely apologize for the way this was presented and you deserve better. ...

"I believe real progress is more possible than ever now," Dragas said before the vote. "It is unfortunate that we had to have a near death experience to get here."

Read the statement Dragas made June 18 at the opening of a special meeting of the board eight days after the board announced that Sullivan would step down Aug. 15.

Update at 3:56 p.m. ET: After the vote, Sullivan thanked the board.

"I want to partner with you in bringing about what's best for the university," Sullivan said, as cheers erupted outside the Rotunda where students, faculty and other supporters had gathered.

Original post: University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan has been reinstated.

The Board of Visitors' vote was 15-0, the university tweeted.

Sullivan was removed earlier this month without a vote and without an initial explanation. Rector Helen Dragas said later "the university wasn't acting quickly enough to address state and federal funding reductions, online education delivery and other challenges, but didn't offer specific examples of how she thinks Sullivan has fallen short," AP wrote earlier.

Sullivan is UVa.'s eighth president and became its first female leader in August 2010.