Fireworks fill the sky on July 4 as visitors watch from the Parade Ground.

Horse Center, Not VMI, To Host July 4 Events

Events held in past years at the Institute, including a fireworks display and a balloon rally, will be held at the Virginia Horse Center.

A professor and cadet work in the chemistry lab.

Money Magazine Ranks VMI Highly

Virginia Military Institute ranked 24th among public colleges across the country in Money Magazine’s annual college rankings that were released today.

An image of Col. Jim Hentz seated in his office.

Hentz to Speak on With Good Reason

Col. Jim Hentz, professor of international studies at Virginia Military Institute, will speak on the public radio program With Good Reason the week of July 22-28.

A sign rerouting users of the Chessie Nature Trail.

Chessie Nature Trail Rerouted

The Chessie Nature Trail has been rerouted onto Old Buena Vista Road for a short distance near Route 11. The detour will be in place indefinitely on the trail.

Cadets look on as their professor teaches Arabic.

Forbes Ranks VMI for Alumni Earnings

Forbes, an American business magazine, has ranked VMI No. 11 on its list of “Top 25 Public Colleges with The Highest Earning Graduates” released on Wednesday.

Two cadets pause with VMI's dean at the Shepherd Symposium.

Shepherd Interns Engage in Service

Two VMI cadets—Caroline Wojtas ’19 and Seth Shank ’18—spent the summer gaining experience outside the classroom with organizations focused on alleviating poverty.

Cadets pose at the George Marshall Center in Paris.

‘Paris as the Classroom’

Ten cadets traveled to the French capital as part of a VMI-sponsored summer study program, French Language & Culture in Paris.

Ben Cross smiles after receiving his diploma in May 2013.

Taps—First Lt. Benjamin Cross ’13

Marine 1st Lt. Benjamin Cross ’13 is presumed dead along with two other Marines after his MV-22 Osprey crashed off the northeast coast of Australia Saturday.

A map of Virginia showing stages of the Eclipse.

Partial Eclipse Coming to Lexington

Though Lexington is not in the path of totality, if the skies are clear, local viewers can still expect an impressive show during the partial eclipse Aug. 21.

An aerial image of Tangier Island

Boese to Speak on With Good Reason

Anthony Boese, an instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies will speak on the implications of rising sea levels Aug. 12-18.

Capt. Katie Gorman and Bethany King '18 perform a VO2 max test on a study participant.

What is the Caloric Cost of the Rat Line?

For her senior capstone project, Bethany King ’18 is studying the caloric cost of the Rat Line under the guidance of Capt. Katherine Gorman of the physical education department.

Cadets march up Main Street towards VMI

504 Matriculants Enter the Rat Line

The 504 matriculants hail from 34 different states and four foreign countries, with 60 percent coming from Virginia.

Cadet Hannah Gillan Poses with a group of students in Vietnam.

Army Cadets Train across the Globe

Army ROTC sent 150 3rd Class cadets to Army ROTC Advanced Camp and 65 1st Class and 2nd Class cadets to Basic Camp, in addition to specialized training schools.

A cadet and a researcher work with a block of aluminum.

Cadets Contribute to Defense Development at Aberdeen

Several cadets majoring in mechanical engineering have participated this year in projects designed to improve today's military.

Bob Woodruff

Woodruff to Speak at VMI Convocation

Television journalist Bob Woodruff will speak at Virginia Military Institute’s academic convocation, to be held Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. in Cameron Hall.

New Cadets to Take Oath Sunday

New cadets will learn about VMI’s heritage in a program held in New Market and will have three opportunities to visit with family throughout the weekend.

Journalist Bob Woodruff speaks to cadets during academic convocation in Cocke Hall.

Woodruff Speaks of Resilience, Recovery

Television journalist and traumatic brain injury survivor Bob Woodruff chronicled his comeback and emphasized the healing power of family and friends during remarks given at Virginia Military Institute’s academic convocation earlier today.

Cadets perform ROTC maneuvers on the Parade Ground.

VMI Climbs in U.S. News Rankings

VMI climbed seven places among national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, claiming the 65th spot, up from 72nd in 2016.

Cadets form up on the bricks while the U.S. flag is raised.

Statement on VMI’s Place in America’s Future

The president of the VMI Board of Visitors, John William Boland, and the Institute’s superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, issued a statement on VMI's history and its mission today.

Cadets run down Saunders Drive during the 9/11 memorial group run.

North Post Traffic Policy Announced

North Post will be closed to all vehicular through traffic during physical training time in order to ensure the safety of participating cadets.

Professor Dee Mornah lectures in a classroom.

VMI Endorses Growth4VA Campaign

VMI announced its participation in the Growth4VA campaign, which will focus on promoting reform and reinvestment in Virginia’s higher education system.

A portrait of Walter McDougall.

Pulitzer Prize Winner to Speak in JM Hall

Dr. Walter McDougall, a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and Vietnam veteran, will speak at VMI Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m. in Jackson Memorial Hall.

Astronaut Leland Melvin speaks from the podium in Gillis Theatre.

STEM Conference Inspires

Nearly 300 school teachers and administrators arrived at the STEM Education Conference this week to learn about new techniques and ideas to take back to their classrooms.

Col. Tom Timmes ’92 speaks with cadets just before firing the evening gun in his role as Officer in Charge.

Alumni Return as Faculty Members

At this fall’s orientation for new faculty and staff, a few faculty members needed less help than most in learning about VMI culture, customs, and history.

Dr. Dee Mornah teaches a class on entrepreneurship in Scott Shipp Hall on Sept. 19.

‘There Are Opportunities Everywhere’

Dr. Dekuwmini "Dee" Mornah is planning to lead a group of cadets in Ghana next summer—and he's passionate about teaching entrepreneurship on post.

Dr. Klaus Schmider answers a question during his class on European land warfare in Scott Shipp Hall.

Sandhurst, VMI Swap Professors

Col. Geoff Jensen is teaching this fall at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, while Dr. Klaus Schmider, a member of the Sandhurst faculty, is teaching at VMI.

Mu-Chi Lu ’19, Hanchu Zhang ’19, and Edward Olbrych ’18 chose between two prompts to solve mathematically during a 23-hour competition hosted by VMI Sept. 30 through Oct. 1.

VMI Takes First In Math Competition

For the first time since the event was established three years ago, VMI took home the top spot at the Shenandoah Valley Math Modeling Challenge.

Author Walter McDougall speaks to cadets in the classroom.

Author, Historian Speaks on Civil Religion

Walter McDougall offered insight into how civil religion has guided U.S. foreign policy since the nation's founding in a lecture held in Jackson Memorial Hall.

New Stadium Bag Policy in Effect

Starting with VMI’s homecoming football game against Western Carolina, the Institute will be utilizing a new clear bag policy at Foster Stadium, similar to policies at other NCAA games nationwide.

Judge Andrew Napolitano speaks to the crowd during in Gillis Theatre.

'To Protect the Speech We Hate'

Judge and Fox News judicial commentator Andrew Napolitano spoke Monday, Oct. 30, as part of the eighth annual leadership and ethics conference.

Cadets and visitors discuss the ethical implications of various scenarios at the ethical leadership challenge.

Conference Offers Lessons on Discourse

Nearly 300 VMI cadets, students from other institutions of higher education, and members of the public heard viewpoints from across the political spectrum this week.

Rat Challenge Reaches New Heights

Rat Challenge, an intensive 10-week program that pushes the limits of physicality and mental strength for new cadets, will culminate in Rat Olympics.

The rugby team gathers for a photo on the pitch.

Rugby Team Reaches National Semifinals

VMI's rugby team has qualified for the national semifinals for the first time in the program’s 50-year history, and will take on Norwich University in Greenville, South Carolina, Dec. 2.

Cadets gather to discuss an ethical dilemma during the 2017 ethics bowl.

Ethics Team Attends Regional Competition

The VMI Ethics Team won two rounds at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl on Nov. 18, defeating the University of North Georgia and Davidson College.

Cadets patrol through the forest during field training exercises.

Cadets Receive Service Branch Assignments

For commissioning cadets, the link between academic learning and the real world becomes closer than ever over the winter months, as many learn their branch assignments in the armed services.

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay congratulates the rugby team in Memorial Garden.

Rugby Team Competes in Championships

VMI rugby reached the highest level of play in its 50-year history, defeating Norwich before falling to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Division II championship.

Nina Srikongyos ’15 poses in front the Army Ranger school sign at Victory Pond in Fort Benning, Georgia, after her graduation in November.—Photo courtesy of Nina Srikongyos ’15.

‘Willing to Go the Extra Mile’

Nattachat “Nina” Srikongyos graduated from Ranger School in November to become the eighth woman and the first Thai-American woman to successfully complete the training.

December graduates toss their gloves into the air following the commencement ceremonies.

Over 40 to Graduate Wednesday

Over 40 cadets will receive their diplomas and 11 will take the commissioning oath in ceremonies held Dec. 19 and 20 in Jackson Memorial Hall.

Crozet Hall buffet lines are refilled between dining periods.

Parkhurst to Offer Fresh, Local Fare

Over winter furlough, VMI’s new food services vendor, Parkhurst Dining, will be working hard to install new equipment in Crozet, train staff, and stock the shelves before cadets return Jan. 10.

Cadets toss their gloves into the air in Jackson Memorial Hall.

43 Graduate in JM Hall

Members of the December 2017 graduating class added their names to the short list of cadets who have graduated from VMI. Eugene Williams '74 spoke to the graduates about their unique accomplishment.

An architectural rendering of the new South River Bridge

Improvements Slated for the Chessie

A long-awaited bridge on the Chessie Nature Trail may be a reality as early as 2019. In the meantime, VMI is improving parking and cadets are engaged in projects to support trail events and develop interpretive signage.

A portrait of Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Smith '79

VMI Dean to Step Down

Brig. Gen. Jeff Smith, Jr. ’79, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty, will resign from his position at the conclusion of this academic year.

Northam speaks at VMI's Academic Convocation

Watch Live as Corps Marches in Inaugural

The Corps of Cadets will march in the Gubernatorial inaugural parade in Richmond Jan. 13 for the first VMI graduate to serve as governor in a century.

Cadet Holly Njabo '20 deadlifts during the powerlifting competition in Cocke Hall.

Keydet Powerlifters Claim Team Titles

Seven VMI powerlifters took first place in their respective weight classes, and the Keydets claimed two team titles in one of their most successful competitions ever.

A portrait of Liza Mundy

"Code Girls" Author to Speak at VMI

Journalist and author Liza Mundy will be giving a lecture at VMI about the women on the home front who played a key role in World War II.

Gen. John Jumper attends the Institute Society Dinner.

VMI to Present New Market Medal

Retired Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper ’66 will be recognized May 15 for a lifetime of public service that reflects the values of the Institute.

The VMI Corps of Cadets marches past the State Capitol Building in Richmond during the inaugural parade of Ralph Northam '81.

Inaugural Parade ‘Extra Special’

The VMI Corps of Cadets marched through the streets of Richmond Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of the inaugural parade for Gov. Ralph Northam ’81.

Rex Miller, left, and Sgt. Beth Hunt share a moment after their surgeries.

Donating a Liver, Extending a Life

Beth Hunt, an investigator with the VMI Police Department, recently donated half of her liver. For Hunt, a native of Amherst who’s worked at VMI for six years, it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

The architectural rendering features the future addition to the Corps Physical Training Facility which will house a pool.—Photo courtesy of Institute Planning.

Master Plan Highlights Institute Priorities

At its January meeting, the Board of Visitors approved the Post Facilities Master Plan, which guides the Institute in its decisions about facilities and building maintenance.

A portrait of Lt. Col. John Hall.

George Washington Topic of Cincinnati Lecture

Lt. Col. John W. Hall, an early American historian who currently serves as historian for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will speak Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. in Gillis Theater in Marshall Hall.

A portrait of Col. James Hentz

Taps—Col. James Hentz

Col. James J. Hentz, head of the Institute's Department of International Studies and Political Science, died Feb. 17 at the age of 62.

Marine Corps Command Sgt. Maj. William T. Sowers speaks to Marines with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion at San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 9. —Department of Defense Photo by Lance Cpl. Rhita Daniel.

Corps and Institute Sergeant Major Announced

Sgt. Maj. William T. Sowers, a 30-year veteran of the Marine Corps, has been named Institute and Corps Sergeant Major and will assume his new position this fall.

A portrait of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Tillerson to Speak at Commencement

Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will speak at graduation exercises for the Class of 2018, to be held May 16 in Cameron Hall.

Famed Theologian to Speak in JM Hall  

Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, prominent theologian and former professor at Duke University, will give a lecture Thursday, March 1, at 8 p.m. in Jackson Memorial Hall.

Cadets compete in the Cyber Cup Competition during Cyber Fusion in Marshall Hall Feb. 24.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Cyber Fusion Explores Cybersecurity Challenges

Nearly 250 participants from colleges and universities across the state attended the second annual Cyber Fusion conference at the Center for Leadership and Ethics.

Dr. Michael Seidman

Antifascism Expert to Speak at VMI

Dr. Michael Seidman, a history professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, will speak Thursday, March 8, at 8 p.m. in the Turman Room in Preston Library.

Col. Mike Krackow and Maj. Joyce Blandino show Jamie Foster ’20 how to lunge forward onto the force plate to measure her muscular electrical impulses in Nichols Engineering Building March 6.

Study Explores Functional Movement

Research currently underway in VMI’s biomechanics laboratory could someday be used to prevent falls among the elderly.

Professor of Modern Languages Maj. Abbey Carrico and Levi Harmon ’18 immerse local kids in French culture Feb 16 at the Discovery Heights Children’s Museum in Lexington.

Professors, Cadets Bring French to Local Kids

Maj. Abbey Carrico and three of her cadets recently hosted a children's introduction to French class at Lexington's Discovery Heights Children's Museum.

Ian Morris ‘19 (left) and Zach Thoele ‘19 adjust a coupling on a tanker truck during an evening shift at the South River Volunteer Fire Department.

Cadet Firefighters Give Back

More than two dozen cadets are now members of the VMI Fire Club, and 20 are volunteering at local fire stations in Lexington and Rockbridge County.

The VMI Pipe Band marches down 5th Avenue in New York City in 2003.

VMI Band to Lead NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

The VMI Regimental and Pipe Band will be among the first units in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade as the Grand Marshal's band on Saturday, March 17.

Cadets perform ROTC maneuvers on the Parade Ground.

VMI Board to Consider Tuition and Fees

The Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors is expected to take action on tuition and mandatory fees for all in-state and out-of-state students at its May 5 meeting.

If It Slithers or Swims … She’ll Take It In

Lt. Col. Emily Lilly's Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue offers a safe haven for reptiles and is the only licensed nonprofit organization in the state dedicated solely to reptiles.

Anglers prepare to leave the dock for the Fishing League Worldwide College Open on Kentucky Lake March 6.

Bass Fishing Club on the Rise

Members of the Institute's newly formed bass fishing club seek camaraderie, outdoor adventure—and a bite on the line.

Lt. Col. Paul Moosman ’98 shows Bela Melendez ’20 and Hunter Sargent ’18 a salamander found in Pocahontas State Park April 14.

Biology Class Treks through the Swamp

Lt. Col. Paul Moosman ’98 recently led eight cadets into the swamps of Chesterfield County to look for look for species not found in the mountains.

Cadets take in the view from Masada, an ancient fortress in the Judean Desert of Israel, during the Olmsted sponsored trip over Spring Furlough.

‘Get Put Out of Your Comfort Zone’

This year eight cadets and three faculty members from the Department of History traveled to Israel over spring furlough for a trip sponsored by the Olmsted Foundation.

The club lacrosse players pose on the north post turf field.

Club Lacrosse Vies for Championship

VMI’s club lacrosse team is vying for the National College Lacrosse League championship. The championship games will be played this weekend, May 5-6, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Members of VMI Board of Visitors converse in Preston Library's Turman Room May 5.

Board of Visitors Sets Tuition and Fees

The VMI Board of Visitors approved tuition and fee increases of 3.3 percent for Virginia residents and 3.9 percent for out of state residents for the next academic year.

A map showing the flow of traffic to VMI.

Parking and Event Instructions

Numerous events are offered in the final days of the academic year, culminating with commencement on Wednesday, May 16.

Rex Tillerson addresses graduates at a ceremony held in Cameron Hall today.

‘Confront the Crisis in Ethics and Integrity’

Rex Tillerson urged the 373 graduates of Virginia Military Institute to take their part in upholding the nation’s democracy by guarding truth and integrity.

Bethany King ’18 presents her poster on the Rat Line caloric study during the undergraduate research symposium April 18.

‘More than One Goal of the Rat Line’

The Rat Line isn't just mentally stressful—it also produces changes in physiology. Researchers quantified those training effects in the months following Matriculation.

A portrait of Bob Moreschi

Moreschi Named Dean of the Faculty

Col. Robert Moreschi, chair of the economics and business department since 2013, has been chosen as deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty.

A portrait of Thomas Gottwald

Governor Appoints Board of Visitors Members

Gov. Ralph Northam announced today the appointment of one new member to the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors and the reappointment of three current board members.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces women’s soccer team pose for a photo during a tournament at Fort Bliss, TX June 22.—Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Camille Miller.

Graduates Represent U.S. in Soccer Tourney

Amy Horney ’18 and Kristen Whitehurst ’17 are members of the U.S. Armed Forces women’s soccer team competing in the World Military Women’s Football Championship.

Annika Tice builds rock sculptures with middle school girls.

Cadets, Faculty Lead Girls' Camp

At the new Girls Leadership Exchange Camp, hosted by VMI cadets and faculty, local girls learn about academic opportunities available to them in the STEAM fields.

A view of barracks from afar.

Superintendent’s Newsletter Updates

As the beginning of a new semester approaches at the Institute, members of the VMI community will be receiving the 2018-19 Superintendent’s Newsletter.

Col. Greg Topasna shows off the new solar telescope dome installed atop Maury-Brooke Hall.

Telescope Offers a New View of the Sun

This fall, astronomy cadets will have a new tool to aid in their studies—a remotely controlled solar telescope just installed on the roof of Maury-Brooke Hall.

Miyah Boyd pauses with her robot on the porch of Moody Hall.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

BeanBot Research Bridges Psychology, Robotics

This summer, Miyah Boyd ’20 learned how to program a robot, but her ultimate goal is to provide a companion for people with autism and social anxiety disorder.

A portrait of Gen. Ronald Griffith

TAPS - Gen. Griffith, Former BOV Member

The President of the Board of Visitors and the Superintendent regret to inform the VMI community of the death of retired Army General Ronald H. Griffith.

Four STP students take notes while surveying the Parade Ground.

STP Connects Student Learning to Real Life

Summer Transition Program has two new academic offerings this year which connect students’ classroom experience to real-world challenges.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders