.svg)
.png){kind=logo}
DON'T DO ORDINARY.
The VMI experience is about more than earning a degree—it’s about joining a community that values honor, perseverance, and service.
Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
VMI Community Updates
Institute leadership continues to communicate important information for cadets, their families, faculty & staff, and the VMI community at large:
- Updated Cadet Mail Instructions: As of December 1, 2025, a new format will be in place for addressing mail to VMI cadets to ensure proper handling by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as packages are routed to VMI. Find full instructions and proper formatting on the Contacting Cadets page.
- Chessie Trail Weekend Congestion: Nearly 500 VMI cadets will participate in training along the Chessie Nature Trail Saturday, Nov. 15, from approximately 8 a.m. to noon. Portions of the trail will be congested through the morning.
- Apply for Early Decision Admission: Applicants to VMI who submit all supporting documents by November 15 will receive their appointment decision no later than December 15. Choose to lead. Choose to excel. Choose VMI.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Are you applying to VMI as a recipient of a three or four-year ROTC national scholarship? If so, explore how the Institute can help ease the cost of your education at No Ordinary College through the Call to Duty Scholarship, now accepting applications. VMI also offers a number of merit-based scholarships to top academic talent. Explore the Institute Scholar and Peay Merit Scholarship opportunities for more details and requirements.
ⓘ VMI Community: To receive important information concerning emergencies, weather, traffic, and parking, text the word "Keydet" to 772-95.
Thank you for supporting VMI!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to VMI’s Day of Giving. Support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends came together to show outstanding support for the Corps of Cadets. Your gifts allow us to support the Institute as it begins work on the new strategic plan, Forging 21st Century Leaders.
If you missed out Thursday, it’s not too late to join in. You can make a gift today.
News from Post
VMI Joins Community in Celebrating Veterans Day
The Institute contributed significantly honoring veterans at the City of Lexington Veterans Day parade and ceremony on an exceptionally cold Nov. 11.
VMI Celebrates its 186th Anniversary
Virginia Military Institute was established Nov. 11, 1839, when 23 young Virginians were mustered into the service of the state and, in falling snow, the first cadet sentry — John B. Strange of Scottsville — took his post.
Two VMI Professors Featured on Veterans Day 'With Good Reason'
Two professors at Virginia Military Institute are featured in “Into the Sun”, the Veterans Day episode of the public radio program, “With Good Reason,” Nov. 8 through 15.
TAPS - Sgt. 1st Class Thomas E. Atkinson
The superintendent regrets to inform the VMI community of the death of retired Sgt. 1st Class Thomas E. Atkinson, who passed away peacefully Nov. 3, 2025, at the age of 71.