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185 Years of Excellence
As the Institute commemorates its founding in 1839 when the first cadets arrived to relieve the guard at the state arsenal, we also look to the future, as VMI continues
Forging 21st Century LeadersRanked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
VMI Community Updates
Institute leadership continues to communicate important information for cadets, their families, faculty & staff, and the VMI community at-large:
- As we commemorate VMI's founding, we honor the Institute’s rich history and look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm as VMI continues to forge strong leaders who courageously embrace selfless service. In celebration, the VMI Alumni Agencies invites you to be a part of VMI’s Day of Giving Nov. 14! Gifts received between now and Nov. 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST will count, so mark your calendars for this initiative or make your gift early!
- Transportation information for cadets and rats for Thanksgiving Furlough can be found on the VMI online calendar event starting furlough at CMD Nov. 23. Cadets and rats should adhere to all official timelines in the furlough memo when planning their travel.
- Virginia Military Institute has a proud history of producing educated and honorable leaders, individuals ready to face challenges head on and succeed thanks to our unique system of education within a military setting. Ready to learn more? Prospective cadets are encouraged to attend an on-post open house or a virtual event offered by the Office of Admissions. Already convinced? Applications are open for Fall 2025 enrollment.
- Cadet-athletes continue to #CompeteToWin as men's basketball and wrestling begin their seasons in November, and men's and women's swimming and diving look to build on a strong opening meet performance. Check out the full Keydet NCAA athletic schedule to find home and away events, and find fan gear at VMI's bookstore on post and online.
- Did you know? Recipients of the three and four-year ROTC national scholarships are eligible to apply for VMI's Call to Duty Scholarships, which cover the cost of housing (room) and food (board) at the Institute. Learn more and apply today.
ⓘ VMI Community: To receive important information concerning emergencies, weather, traffic, and parking, text the word "Keydet" to 772-95.
The Institute's Path Forward
The VMI experience is a time-tested program that develops cadets into citizen soldiers, honorable leaders ready to face any challenge. To that end, the Institute now embarks on a new strategic plan for 2024-2034 - Forging 21st Century Leaders. Focused on five key initiatives, the plan will positively mold future generations of the VMI family into strong effective leaders, grounded in academic excellence, taking strength from VMI’s unique esprit de Corps, developed from top-tier recruitment, and supported by the continued development of 21st century facilities. While the Institute’s mission and vision remain unchanged, this new path forward will guide VMI to a bright future as the premier small liberal arts college, operating fully as a leadership laboratory for those who choose to accept the challenge of “No ordinary college, no ordinary life.”
Learn more about the plan’s development and each initiative at vmi.edu/forgingleaders
News from Post
TAPS – Col. Patrick “Pat” Mayerchak
The Superintendent regrets to inform the VMI community of the death of Col. Patrick “Pat” Mayerchak, professor emeritus, who passed away on Dec. 28, 2022, at the age of 79.
VMI Welcomes NFL’s Shaquem Griffin
VMI welcomes guest speaker Shaquem Griffin on Feb. 1 at 7:45 p.m. in Gillis Theater, Marshall Hall. Griffin, who played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks as a linebacker, has only one hand. The event is free and open to the public as part of the CLE’s Courageous Leadership speaker series.
All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team Announced: Two from VMI Recognized
Col. Tom Timmes ’92, professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Institute and Corps Sgt. Maj. Tom Sowers, were recognized recently by Jim Schaus, Southern Conference league commissioner for being named members of the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team for AY22-23.
Jackson House Museum Seeks Volunteers
The Jackson House Museum seeks volunteers to assist in the museum gift shop. Volunteering at the local historic site provides unique opportunities to interact with visitors from across the country, promote local history, and gain experience working in a museum as well as in retail.