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 17. 2025 — Lessons learned outside the classroom at Virginia Military Institute are what push Ryan Halverson ’26 to do better. He’s never been one to really enjoy school, but once he was able to apply what’s he’s learning in class to the outside world, his drive grew.  

"I've learned a lot more lessons in VMI classrooms just about myself," he said.

One class he took on civic discourse presented him with a project on how to portray an argument and how to move an audience. He said that being at VMI, he knows it serves the greater good. 

"I think that's really important for not only business, but in the military as well. Understanding that from that perspective, and not just a school perspective, is important,” he explained. 

Halverson, an English major, originally came to VMI as a civil engineering major. 

“I instantly knew it was a mistake.” 

Lt. Col. Pennie Ticen, associate professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies described Halverson as a conscientious student, ever since the beginning of his cadetship. She had him as a rat. 

“He came to class having done any assigned reading and/or writing, regularly contributed to class discussion — partly by listening carefully to his peers’ comments and then adding a synthesizing comment or a question designed to further discussion,” she explained. Halverson had approached her when he wanted to switch majors. “Demonstrating the care he brings to all his decision-making, he asked me for materials about the major, made an appointment to meet with me so he could ask questions, and then decided to submit his request to change departments.”

He switched to English because he saw it could really lend itself to what he wants to pursue after college, which is commissioning into the Marine Corps.  

“It was best for me in terms of communication and in leadership,” he said.  

Ticen, who is also Halverson’s advisor, said he is always the first cadet to get in touch with any questions or concerns about scheduling. 

"[He’s] making sure he is making steady progress on his degree, taking his major courses in the order in which we suggest so that he can build up his skills in our challenging humanities curriculum covering — art history and visual culture, literature, philosophy, and rhetoric & writing, etcetera,” she said. “In his cadetship, Halverson has consistently demonstrated his desire to get the most out of his VMI experience.” 

By serving on the Rat Disciplinary Committee (RDC) and on cadre this year, he will move into the role of RDC president next year.  

“I would just say I'm someone who likes to push those around me. I like to make people better and really show people what they can do,” he commented. "One of my favorite quotes is, as a leader, you don't show people your superpowers, you show them theirs. I think that's what I try to do at VMI.” 

It’s a shift for him, he said. When he was in high school, he always wanted to help others but didn’t apply himself much to leadership positions. His time at VMI has helped that. He said the sense of camaraderie and the push to make everyone better was a turning point.  

Although the daily grind at VMI can be challenging, Halverson said his roommates and friends help him keep going.  

"There's not one challenge here that you can't overcome, but it's being able to do that every single day is what's hard," he said. 

Col. Michelle Iten, associate professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies and the one who taught his civic discourse class, said Halverson is an insightful thinker who is strong at critical thinking. She said he also has a strong work ethic and puts in the time needed without cutting corners. 

“From the work he did for my class and our conversations, it’s clear to me that Halverson sees college as a place to expand his knowledge — he wants to learn deeply,” she stated. “He puts in all the careful thought and hard work needed to truly learn. This sets him apart from many cadets who are in class because they have to be and are in college just to get a degree. 

“He also stands out for his critical thinking skills,” she continued. “Ryan often impressed me with his comments in class — he’s insightful beyond his years in seeing cause and effect and in understanding what motivates people.” 

Halverson said being honest with yourself on what you need to improve on is important, especially when you are a rat. 

“It shows you where you're lacking so that when it's over, you can develop yourself through the next three years. Know your weaknesses, and I strive every day to become better in those areas,” he said. “You get put in so many stressful and uncomfortable situations that you get through. Doing that over and over just builds confidence.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE