Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is a four-year, state-supported college whose student body is organized as a three battalion, military corps under the command of the superintendent and constituted as the guard of the Institute.
Within Virginia’s state-supported system of 15 senior institutions and 24 two-year colleges, VMI was the second institution of higher education created by the commonwealth after the University of Virginia. As a wholly undergraduate military college, VMI meets society’s need for educated citizens and leaders and uniquely contributes to the diversity of the commonwealth’s system of state-supported and independent institutions of higher education. The Institute’s mission statement amplifies VMI’s special statutory role.
VMI’s Mission
It is the mission of the Virginia Military Institute to produce educated and honorable men and women, prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril.
Board of Visitors
The Institute is governed by the Board of Visitors (BOV), whose members are appointed by the Governor of Virginia. The BOV defines the mission of the Institute as a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and oversees the development, revision, and implementation of a strategic plan for the accomplishment of that mission. This supervisory board is responsible for appointing the Superintendent, the chief executive officer of VMI.
Administration
Superintendent
Equivalent to a college or university president, the superintendent is hired by the Board of Visitors and works with that governing body to determine policies and procedures for ensuring Institute success.
VMI has had 16 superintendents since its founding in 1839. These leaders have included graduates of the U.S. Military Academy, a Commandant of the Marine Corps, distinguished academics, a Purple Heart recipient, and Medal of Honor recipient
LtGen David Furness ’87
Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret.)
August 2025 – Present
Master’s Degrees:
- Military Studies, Marine Corps University at Quantico
- National Security and Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
“I have benefited immeasurably from my VMI education and the leadership experience it afforded me… it is an immense honor to give back and serve the VMI community as superintendent.”
Senior Leadership
Led by the superintendent, the senior leadership team at VMI works closely together to ensure the operation of the Institute as well as the safety, well-being, and success of cadets, faculty, and staff. Collectively they have a strong understanding of the history, traditions, and goals of VMI. Most senior leaders live on post; all are deeply involved in the Institute’s day-to-day operations.
Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty
Brig. Gen. Robert Moreschi
Oversees curriculum, majors, support services, governance, faculty, staff, and all things relating to the academic program.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jamaal Walton ‘07
Leads the Virginia Military Institute Athletic Department, providing oversight for all aspects of the 18 NCAA Division I varsity athletic programs.
Commandant of Cadets
Col. Lawrence Havird ’90 (USAF, ret.)
Responsible for the daily military regimen of the Corps of Cadets, continuously creating challenging leadership and training experiences that reinforce cadet success.
Deputy Superintendent Finance and Support
VMI is hiring for this important leadership role.
Oversees a broad spectrum of non-academic operations, including the treasurer, comptroller, auxiliary services, planning, physical plant, human resources, infirmary, counseling, police, museum system, post engineer, and construction.
Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Enrollment Management & Director of Financial Aid
Col. Shannon Eskam
Oversees and guides the recruitment and retention efforts of the Institute, directing enrollment marketing, communications, processes, and long-term planning related to admissions, financial aid, and cadet retention.
Chief of Staff
Col. Travis Homiak ’95 (USMC, ret.)
Responsible for coordinating the actions of the Institute’s primary staff officers and ensuring integration of all organizational and post operations, events, and issues, in alignment with organizational goals.
Executive Team
Further supporting the mission and goals of the Institute is an executive team also reporting directly to the superintendent. These professionals oversee key offices and departments who support day-to-day operations and infrastructure of VMI as well as leadership training.
Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Planning
Col. Gary Bissell ’88 (US Army, ret.)
Executive Director – VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics
Col. David Gray (US Army, ret.)
Chief Information Officer
Darrell Campbell
Senior Advisors
This group of professionals serves as special staff, reporting to the superintendent and working to support life on post through cadet and employee-focused programs, legal counsel, nondiscrimination policy work, and communications and marketing efforts.
Institute and Corps Sergeant Major
SgtMaj William T. “Tom” Sowers
Chief Diversity Officer
Briana Williams
Inspector General / Title IX Coordinator
Lt. Col. Alyssa Astphan
General Counsel
Matthew Simonec
Director of Public Information and Marketing
VMI will be hiring for this position.
Institute Chaplain
Col. John P. Casper ’04, D.Min.
Additional Leadership & Staff
Maintained by the VMI Office of Human Resources, a complete Organizational Chart is available to download.
Regulations and Policies
This Institute, its cadets, and its employees are governed by a set of regulations and policies that reflect VMI’s unique nature of military school, state college, and government employer. These also include General Orders published by the Office of the Chief of Staff.