LEXINGTON, Va., Aug. 6, 2024—Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence Havird ’90 assumed duties as Virginia Military Institute’s new commandant Aug. 5. During a change of leadership ceremony, Col. Adrian T. Bogart III ’81, former commandant who retired in June, passed the guidon to Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, who in turn passed it to Havird. The symbolic act signifies the transfer of leadership from one officer to another.

Havird, an alumnus of VMI, stated that he was thrilled to be back on post. “I want to give back to the Institute that taught me how to succeed. Our nation needs leaders of all levels, and it is our job to foster the young men and women who come to VMI to become those leaders,” he said.

The incoming rats will meet their new commandant on Matriculation Day, Saturday, Aug. 17.

-VMI-