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. Feb. 24, 2025 — Challenges and a different college experience is a huge draw for those considering Virginia Military Institute. That’s exactly why Virginia Price ’28 chose it. 

It’s a challenge she seems to accept and prospered at within just a few months of being at VMI. The English major has a passion for writing, especially poetry.  

Dr. Duncan Richter, professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, said she’s been a model student in the course she’s taken with him. He said she was one of the top three students who he could count on to complete every assignment.  

“I don’t know of any struggles she has faced, but already as a rat she has earned a high enough GPA to be a potential candidate for the Institute Honors program,” he said.  

Richter also pointed out Price recently won a contest for her poetry — part of the VMI Writing Contest.  

“She stands out, not by being loud or having a high opinion of herself, but by doing what she needs to do and always having a positive attitude. She never seems to feel sorry for herself or be anything but cheerful,” Richter added. 

Price has always loved reading and writing; she excelled at them in high school and found them to be areas she wanted to pursue in college. 

“I like that you can tell a story and that you can connect to your audience, but you don't need that many words,” she said about poetry. “You can write a few lines and someone will feel the exact same way that you're feeling. You can draw them in.” 

She is highly focused on her academics and strives for the best. Currently taking 17.5 credits, she’s finding as she’s into her second semester, she’s enjoying the variety of classes more.  

“I try to just get the most out of my academic experience here, because in the end, that's what I'm paying for — a college education,” she explained. “I try to prioritize my classes; that’s my number one thing.” 

Transitioning to college life on the Rat Line was tough, she said. It had been the first time in her life that she had been yelled at or commanded to do things. As a non-commissioning cadet, she’s here for the experience itself. Matriculation Week, though, helped her transition more into the Institute.  

“I think it kind of showed me how to work well under pressure,” she said. “You don’t have time to miss home or anything, because you’re automatically in it. Then when you get out of Matriculation Week, you go straight into classes.” 

She’s excited for what’s to come next during her time at VMI: Things like taking leadership positions, which she says sets you up for further success in life, as well as joining club sports and getting to know others in the Corps. She currently participates in the VMI Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club the VMI Rock Climbing Club. 

“I feel like at any other college, you don't really talk to people as much,” she admitted. “Everybody's kind of in their own little world. But here, we all do things as a mass. You get to meet more people; there's more of a connection.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE