Leader in Residence
The Leader in Residence program provides cadets and faculty the opportunity to test their understanding of leadership concepts, appreciate how they have been used in practice, and fully explore the broad range of challenges faced by leaders today.
The program consists of bringing a current or former leader from the public or private sector, non-governmental organization, or other profession who spends a total of ten weekdays in residence at the Institute. The Leader in Residence interacts with cadets, faculty and staff in a variety of formal and informal settings. To the maximum extent possible, the Leader-in-Residence participates in formal classroom settings, barracks and athletic activities, including Club Sports.
Previous Leaders-in-Residence
Captain Perry F. “Pete” Van Hooser, U.S. Navy (retired)
April 16-20, 2012 and April 30-May 2, 2012
Captain Van Hooser began his military career as a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, having served as the Regimental Commander of the Corps of Cadets.
After graduating in 1971, his initial commission was in the U.S. Marine corps, where he served as an infantry officer up to the company level, and as the Officer-in-Charge of the Third Division’s Amphibious Raid and Counter-Guerilla Warfare School.
He later moved from the Marine Corps to the Navy in 1982, ultimately to become a Navy SEAL. His final assignment before retiring from the Navy in 2012 was as Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
February 3-10, 2011
Craig M. Mullaney was appointed Senior Advisor at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in April 2010. In that capacity, he advises the USAID Administrator, Dr. Rajiv Shah, on all issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan. He previously served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Principal Director for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia Policy and as the Chief of Staff for the Department of Defense Transition Team.In 2003, Mullaney led an infantry rifle platoon along the hostile border between Afghanistan and Pakistan with the 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
His platoon operated along the entire spectrum of military operations—from humanitarian assistance with the first Provincial Reconstruction Team established in Afghanistan to combat engagements against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Following his return to the United States, Mullaney joined the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” in Arlington, Virginia, responsible for Arlington National Cemetery burials, the Tomb of the Unknowns, and defense of the National Capital Region.
March 22-27, 2010 and April 12-16, 2010
LTC Greg Gadson has experienced the very worst of war, but he has not been defeated by unfortunate circumstance; rather his life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. A standout football player at Indian River High School and West Point, this decorated Army commander knows well the role that hard work and determination can play in overcoming life’s challenges. LTC Gadson served as the very first VMI-CLE Leader in Residence.