Chaplain (Colonel) John P. Casper ’04 was born and raised in Norfolk, VA and is a 2004 VMI graduate. Upon graduation, he was employed at VMI with the Admissions Office as a recruiter and then as Assistant Director of Admissions until 2009. During this time, Chaplain Casper also served VMI in numerous capacities including as an Assistant Investigator for the Inspector General’s Office as well as a tactical officer in barracks.

In July of 2009, Chaplain Casper left the Institute to attend seminary at Regent University’s School of Divinity in Virginia Beach. While in seminary, Chaplain Casper was engaged in full-time pastoral ministry as a Youth and Young Adult Pastor in a local church.

In December of 2013, Chaplain Casper was selected as the Institute’s first Associate Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets. Chaplain Casper served VMI as the Associate Chaplain for nearly a decade before his selection as Institute Chaplain in the Summer of 2023.

Chaplain Casper holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from VMI, as well as Master’s Degrees in Theology (M.A. Theol.) and Christian Education (M.Ed.) from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. He holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Pastoral Counseling from the J.W. Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University. His research focused on college student bereavement and how institutions of higher education can better care for students that have experienced the death of a loved one.

Chaplain Casper’s awards include the VMI Longevity Award and the VMI Achievement Medal with bronze oakleaf cluster.