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 Leaders

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.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.


Celebrating the Class of 2026

VMI 2nd Class cadets will gather this week to celebrate another milestone along their leadership journey at the Institute. The presentation of their class rings will be livestreamed on the Ring Figure page and VMI's YouTube channel at 1 p.m. from Cameron Hall, Friday, Nov. 22. A full list of related events for cadets, family, and guests is available. Rah '26!

Upcoming Events at VMI

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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.

Superintendent's Newsletter More News

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders