LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 1, 2024 — Virginia Military Institute hosted the Senior Military College (SMC) Conference of the Association of Military Colleges & Schools of the United States (AMCSUS), Sept. 23-25.

Commandants, senior leadership and cadets from the six SMCs which include The Citadel, Norwich University, Texas A&M, University of North Georgia, Virginia Tech, and VMI attended. In addition, representatives from Tarleton State University, Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Louisiana State University, and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University were also present.  

VMI opened the conference with a welcome to their guests from Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, and Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, commandant.

Cadets from all the schools spent a large portion of their time networking with their peers through physical training, team-building exercises, meals, and sharing their respective schools’ history, tradition, organizational structure, systems of leadership and daily life as a cadet through slide show presentations.

Leadership from the schools also networked, shared ideas, and discussed common problems and solutions.

“I enjoyed getting to know my counterparts from the other schools. It was great to meet folks with whom we share a common bond,” stated Havird.

Retired Air Force Col. Ray Rottman, executive director of AMCSUS, stated that seeing the cadets from the various schools work together and give polished presentations to their leadership was inspiring. “We all have great traditions, and we are stronger together. These cadets are making a difference, not just for us, but for our nation.”

AMCSUS was founded in 1914 and serves as an advocate for the nation’s premier military colleges and schools. The six SMCs rotate hosting the annual conference. Next year, the event will be held at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE