LEXINGTON, Va. April 16, 2025 — Each spring, retiring faculty and staff who have worked 20 years or more at Virginia Military Institute, have the opportunity to be honored guests at the retirement parade and join the superintendent in taking review of the Corps of Cadets. This year, inclement weather forced the cancellation of the parade, however a recognition ceremony was held April 11 in Memorial Hall, where two employees were acknowledged for their combined 73 years of loyal service to the Institute. 

Chris Clark, who retired from the Office of Communications and Marketing in February after 52 years of service, and Marsha Mayhew, payroll manager in the Office of Finance & Budget, who retires May 31 after 21 years, were honored at the ceremony. For each, a proclamation was read resolving that the superintendent and the Board of Visitors recognize her for her tireless devotion and outstanding contributions to VMI, and wishing her the best in her well-earned retirement. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 offered a few congratulatory words and presented each with a coin.    

Mayhew, who grew up in Galax, Virginia, and graduated from Radford University, came to VMI in 2004 as a payroll accountant. She became a supervisor in 2007, then later was promoted to payroll manager. During her time in the payroll office, VMI successfully underwent annual state audits and two comprehensive IRS audits. “I am exceptionally proud of that achievement, and give much of the credit to my staff,” she said humbly. Mayhew has thoroughly enjoyed her time at VMI, and gains satisfaction in helping others.

“I’ve worked with and formed friendships with remarkable people, not only in my office, but all across post.” 

Mayhew’s supervisor, Jeffrey Lawhorne, director of the Office of Finance and Budget, stated she has been a trusted resource for many years.

“Marsha is always willing to go out of her way to assist employees with compensation-related questions.  She is known for her kindness, generosity, and desire to help others,” he said.  

Mayhew’s retirement plans include a trip to Pennsylvania with friends, followed by a cruise from Boston to Canada with family later in the year. She enjoys reading, watching sports, and volunteering.  She is an active member of New Monmouth Presbyterian Church where she sings in the choir and has served as trustee, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher. She resides in Rockbridge County and hopes to renovate portions of her home. She has two daughters, one who lives in Rockbridge County, the other in Stephens City. 

Clark described retirement as bittersweet. “VMI has been my life since high school, but it’s time to start this new chapter, and hopefully it’ll be as good to me as VMI has been. I’ve met so many people who have become my friends.”  

Former director of C&M, Stewart MacInnis, often relied on Clark for her insight into the VMI environment. “She had so much more experience here than the rest of us. Also, she spent more time in the basement of Smith Hall than most VMI employees spent in the workforce over their entire careers,” he joked. 

Her retirement plans include learning to quilt, working the polls on election day and volunteer work. She is a member of Lauderdale Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lexington where she is a member of the women’s ministry, and chairman of the Janet White/Willing Workers circle.  

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE