The Vanguard series highlights cadets of Virginia Military Institute who exemplify promise, perseverance, and the true spirit of leadership. While they may not be the top-ranking students or those in prestigious positions, these individuals' dedication, resilience, and growth embody the essence of being a VMI cadet. By sharing their stories, including the challenges they've faced and overcome, we shine a spotlight on the diverse paths to success at the Institute, proving that leadership and excellence come in many forms. 

LEXINGTON, Va. March 31 — High school was a breeze for John Gibson ’26. He thought coming to Virginia Military Institute, he wouldn’t have to put in any extra effort. 

Except, he was wrong.

“My GPA the fall semester of my rat year was just atrocious,” he explained. “I thought I'm having so much fun here, being a rat with my friends, taking these classes, that I can't really afford to lose it just because I'm not willing to do my homework. I need to do the work. That spring semester, I just really put the axe to the grindstone and did the work. Then I fell in love with doing the work as well.” 

He was drawn to economics and business as a major because it applies to a lot in his life. 

“I’d say it’s applicable to everyone’s lives,” he stated. “Whether it's you're learning about inflation rates or unemployment, you can read the news and understand it.” 

As his classes went on and became more major-focused, his interest and devotion to learning grew. 

He said his classes became more competitive and his professors found interesting ways to engage cadets. In his business finance class with Col. Jeffrey Smith, they’re presented with academic sporting events. Gibson explained that the approach to these events is not to be seen as studying for an exam but working hard and treating it like a race. He said switching the way he thought about preparing for it was more geared toward steady preparation. 

"I think of it as practicing for the exam in the same way as when I go for a run,” he explained. “I'm not just running to tire my legs out, but it's to prepare for my upcoming race. It's like building endurance in both instances.”

Col. Samuel Allen, professor in the Department of Economics and Business, said Gibson is thoughtful and good at asking questions that will help him, along with the rest of the class, better understand the content. 

“John shines without taking the spotlight away from anyone else,” Allen said. 

Allen said he saw great promise in Gibson when he was on the Rat Line and it was a challenging first semester.  

"The rigors of being a rat knocked him down, metaphorically, yet he rebounded, redoubled his efforts, and emerged committed growing as a scholar,” Allen said.

Gibson said he knows the difference between when it’s time to work and time to play.  

“I've become a much harder worker, and not just because I have to, but now I enjoy hard work,” he admitted. “When I matriculated, I was lazy. But with one of my brother rats, we joke about how we have figured out how to use all 24 hours of our day." 

Gibson tries to stay as involved as possible, with participating in cadre for Charlie Company and working at the Miller Academic Center. 

“I try and interact with as many people as I can,” he said. 

Capt. Meghan Ferguson, academic support coordinator at the Miller Academic Center, said Gibson is a highly sought-after peer tutor. This year he’s conducted nearly 50 tutoring sessions, she said. He also serves as the cadet facilitator for a health and performance wellness group study session.  

“Through his work for the Miller Academic Center, he exemplifies both exceptional leadership and academic achievement,” Ferguson said. “As a further example of Gibson’s leadership, he has guided a struggling new cadet to the Miller Academic Center for advising and academic support. Cadets have great influence over one another, and we appreciate Gibson’s mentorship and promotion of our academic services. When he observes concern or struggle, he provides resources, support, and a plan of action. We are thankful that he uses his academic skills and leadership for the benefit of others.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE