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Forging 21st Century Leaders: Strategic Plan 2024-2034

Forging 21st Century Leaders

The Plan Timeline From where we started to where we are


A true collaborative effort, Forging 21st Century Leaders was developed with input from all the Institute's key stakeholders, from cadet to employee, administrator to alumni. The plan is built upon the success of previous strategic documents such as Vision 2039 and the One Corps - One VMI: A Unifying Action Plan, as well as the superintendent’s initial planning guidance, which was developed starting in 2021.

Milestones


The cadet battery fires during Founders Day celebrations.

Public Rollout and Official Launch Nov. 8, 2024

VMI commemorated Founders Day, the 185th anniversary of the Institute's beginning. As part of a day filled with hallmark events, VMI rolls out the strategic plan officially to the public.

VMI employees hear from the superintendent during a strategic plan rollout event in Marshall Hall.

Employee Rollout & Celebration Oct. 24, 2024

VMI employees attend an official plan rollout to ensure they understand their role in moving forward. Maj. Gen. Wins recognizes a number of individuals for their exemplary contributions.

View of the Turman Room in Preston Library at VMI used for Board of Visitors meetings.

Ironing Out the Details May 2024

An executive planning team begins conceptualizing the strategic plan, developing tasks and setting deadlines.

Aerial view looking over post, VMI's historic senior military college campus, known as post, is blanketed in snow and seen from behind barracks towards downtown Lexington, Virginia and the Blue Ridge mountains.

Brainstorming Initiatives in Action Jan.-Apr. 2024

Representatives from across post, including faculty, staff, and cadets, brainstorm numerous ideas for advancing each initiative.

View of the Turman Room in Preston Library at VMI used for Board of Visitors meetings.

Plan Approval Nov. 2023

The VMI Board of Visitors, the governing body of the Institute, receives a presentation on the Forging 21st Century Leaders Strategic Plan and approves it as the guide for the path forward.

The VMI Corps of Cadets marches, in uniform, during a parade.

Outlining the Next Steps Feb. - July 2023

The Strategic Plan Committee works through each initiative, with input from key stakeholders, to set objectives and measurements of effectiveness.

Generic photo of board room, not located at VMI.

The Path Forward Jan. 2023

An off-site meeting of stakeholders finalizes the five key strategic initiatives that will guide VMI through the next decade.

Cannon outside barracks are covered in snow.

Founding Principles Jan. 2023

A review and reaffirmation of the existing Institute mission and vision pave the way for a new plan that holds true to VMI's traditional role and values.

View of Moody Hall at VMI with trees in the foreground.

The Plan Begins to Take Shape Oct. 2022

The official process begins for drafting VMI’s new strategic plan, including establishing and launching focus groups of faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders.

VMI superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, Class of 1985 alumnus, speaks in Gillis Theater.

An Assessment & Listening Tour 2021-2022

Maj. Gen. Wins meets with stakeholders on an assessment and listening tour, which informs his initial planning guidance.