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Forging 21st Century Leaders: Strategic Plan 2024-2034

Forging 21st Century Leaders

News & Updates The story of a plan in action


A living, breathing document, the Forging 21st Century Leaders Strategic Plan is structured into key initiatives with measurable goals, broken down by tasks that require the collaboration and expertise of all members of the VMI community.

The news and updates below track progress toward the goals of the plan and initiative-driven events and milestones. You can also find news related to the strategic plan by exploring headlines and featured stories, keeping an eye out for strategic plan tags.


Latest Developments & Initiative Highlights


Two characters, “Crypto” and “Gino” as they appear in CryptoQuest.

VMI Collaborates on Teaching Tools Using Animation

November 4, 2024 Strengthen Academic Excellence

VMI, in collaboration with Virginia Tech, has developed a project called, “CryptoQuest,” which uses cartoon animations and virtual and augmented reality to teach high school and college level students cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, and cybersecurity in a more engaging and interactive way.


Retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg speaks in Cameron Hall.

Annual Leadership & Ethics Conference Held at VMI

November 1, 2024 Prepare Exceptional Leaders

This year’s theme was “Leading into the Future,” an extension of the CLE’s academic year theme of “Paradigm Shifts,” and focused on diverse themes of leadership and ethics in modern society, and preparing future college graduates to lead through rapidly changing environments.


Army ROTC cadets from the Virginia Military Institute exit the CBRN stand at Exercise Cambrian Patrol on October 8, 2024, in Wales

VMI Army ROTC Cadets Win Bronze Medal in Welsh Event

October 28, 2024 Prepare Exceptional Leaders

Eight Virginia Military Institute Army ROTC cadets — members of Ranger Challenge, the “varsity sport” of the Army ROTC program — made history when they traveled to the Welsh mountains of the UK to participate in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the British Army’s premier patrolling event in early October.


Andrew Hart instructs Joshua Addis ’25 and Luke Cockerham ’26 on splint bottom weave caning during their botany class.

Botany Class Learns Practical Uses

October 24, 2024 Strengthen Academic Excellence

Seven cadets in a general botany class explored practical plant uses by learning the art of chair caning. Led by Col. Anne Alerding, the hands-on session featured local artisan Andrew Hart, who taught students to weave chair seats using flat reed from rattan palms.


Vivek Ramaswamy and John Bolton speak from the stage at VMI's Gillis Theater.

Bolton and Ramaswamy Draw Huge Crowd at VMI

October 4, 2024 Prepare Exceptional Leaders

It was standing room only in Gillis Theater as John Bolton and Vivek Ramaswamy met as part of Steamboat Institute’s Campus Liberty Tour to debate the resolution: The U.S. should use its diplomatic and military power around the globe to ensure America’s national security.


VMI retained its high placing among the nation’s best colleges, according to the 2025 Best Colleges rankings released Sept. 24 by U.S. News and World Report

U.S. News Rankings: VMI Climbs in National Liberal Arts Colleges, Placed in Top Third

September 24, 2024 Recruit Top Cadets and Boost Success

VMI retained its high placing among the nation’s best colleges, according to the 2025 Best Colleges rankings released Sept. 24 by U.S. News and World Report.


Vietnam veteran Jimmy Eubanks, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 and Jamaal Walton ’07 unveil the POW/MIA Chair of Honor in Foster Stadium Sept. 21.

Saving a Permanent Seat for POW/MIAs at VMI's Foster Stadium

September 23, 2024 Foster Esprit de Corps

These chairs are found all over the United States in stadiums, arenas, and government buildings. They are meant to represent those service members who are unable to fill them because of their sacrifices. They also serve as a tribute to the men and women who serve the country every day.


Cadets gather in New Barracks for speeches and a moment of silence before the stair climb.

VMI Cadets Continue Tradition of 9/11 Stair Climb

September 13, 2024 Foster Esprit de Corps

Nearly 800 Virginia Military Institute cadets honored those who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks by energetically ascending and descending the steps in barracks from 1st stoop to 4th stoop 37 times, replicating the 110 stories the first responders at the World Trade Center climbed.


Adm. James Stavridis renders a salute to the Corps of Cadets.

Four-Star Admiral Kicks Off VMI Academic Year

September 6, 2024 Prepare Exceptional Leaders

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. James Stavridis, the H.B. Johnson Jr., Class of 1926, Distinguished Speaker, addressed the entire Corps of Cadets, members of the academic board, faculty and staff during convocation, the ceremonial start of VMI's 185th year.


VMI Canine Appointed Brigadier General

September 4, 2024 Foster Esprit de Corps

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent of Virginia Military Institute, appointed the rank of honorary brigadier general upon CAVU, the chaplain’s office facility dog, in a ceremony Sept. 3 in New Barracks.


Summer Transition Program Helps Matriculants Ease In

September 4, 2024 Recruit Top Cadets and Boost Success

They say nothing can prepare you for the Rat Line, but there are ways to ease into the rigors of Virginia Military Institute. One option is for incoming rats to participate in the Summer Transition Program (STP). You’re able to get a class under your belt while familiarizing yourself with post.


Department of Facilities Management staff members, Spencer Hulvey and Drake Sheets, use the kiosks in the PX to order and pay for their lunch.

PX Offers Kiosk and App Options

August 25, 2024 Deliver 21st Century Facilities

Over the summer, improvements and upgrades have been made to the Post Exchange (PX). Menu items from two new Parkhurst Dining brands are available: Cinco, which offers a Tex-Mex menu, and Grill 1839, which offers classic grill items.


Cadre brings the new Rat Mass up to barracks after the Matriculation Ceremony Aug. 17, 2024.

VMI Matriculates 498 Into Rat Mass

August 17, 2024 Recruit Top Cadets and Boost Success

It was an overcast day, but spirits were bright and hearts were full when more than 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15 in the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony.


Willy Lilly walks beside Carl, as it paints lines on Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium.

Upgraded Athletic Fields Ready for Keydet Play

August 14, 2024 Deliver 21st Century Facilities

VMI's football and soccer teams will be playing on newly sodded fields this year. Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium and Patchin Field were both sodded over the summer with Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass, known for its exceptional tolerance to cool temperatures, as well as wear and tear.


The Cadet Collective: Antonio Ahanj

August 13, 2024 Foster Esprit de Corps

Antonio Ahanj ’24 attributes much of his growth and success to the unique environment fostered at VMI, where supportive relationships and a culture of mentorship have played a crucial role for him. Part of a story series.


Eskam Promoted to New Role at VMI

Aug. 7, 2024 Recruit Top Cadets and Boost Success

In her new position, Eskam oversees the Office of Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, Cadet Marketing, and the Retention Center. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the execution of the multi-year comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan.


News from Previous Academic Years: 2023-2024