The Board of Visitors is the supervisory board of Virginia Military Institute. The Board 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.

The Board has 16 members, appointed by the governor of Virginia and subject to confirmation by the Virginia General Assembly. Of those members, four must be non-alumni, and 12 must be alumni. The four non-alumni must be residents of the Commonwealth. Four of the 12 alumni will be non-residents of the Commonwealth. The adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall serve ex officio. A regular term of membership is four years. Members shall serve and be eligible for reappointment as provided by statute. Each year the Board appoints a cadet to serve as a non-voting, advisory representative to the Board.

PLEASE NOTE: Agendas, schedules, and livestream information (where applicable) can be found on the Board's upcoming meetings and past meetings pages.

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Recent Communications from the Board

Letter from Teddy Gottwald to Sen. Scott Surovell via Email, Dated June 17, 2025

A Message from Teddy Gottwald ’83 to the VMI Community, June 16, 2025

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The VMI Board of Visitors Direction Statement, Summer 2025

This letter to the VMI Community outlines the Board of Visitors’ priorities and focus areas as we prepare to welcome a new Superintendent and begin VMI’s 187th academic year. We reaffirm our commitment to VMI’s distinctive three-legged stool, recognizing the importance of Academics, Corps & Military Excellence, and Athletics in the development of 21^st Century Leaders and the whole person. We will continue to emphasize balanced excellence across all three pillars, ensuring each is strong and fully supported. We will operate openly and ensure that our every action and decision reflect the best interests of the Institute and fulfills our fiduciary responsibilities to the Commonwealth and its citizens.

Cadet development remains the heart of VMI and is our primary differentiator. We will continue to support a strong Honor System, together with Regimental and Class systems, as the foundation for building leaders of character. 

In identifying the following priorities, the Board affirms its role of providing strategic direction and oversight to the Administration. We intend to work closely with the Superintendent and leadership team as they operationalize these goals.

Academic Excellence: 

• Explore academic modernization goals, career aligned curriculum pathways, and faculty recruitment/retention strategies.
• Continue to implement enrollment strategies; develop targeted cadet recruitment strategies, improve applicant quality, expand geographic outreach, and work to make VMI increasingly affordable, in-state and out.
• Prepare for and meet and or exceed all standards of SACSCOC Accreditation including the implementation of our Quality Enhancement Plan.

Corps and Military Excellence:

• Elevate standards of discipline and self-governance within the Corps, promoting cadet accountability, professionalism, fitness, and pride in appearance and conduct on- and off-Post.
• Apply the standards equally to all cadets.
• Give cadets the tough challenge they seek and promote “Don’t Do Ordinary.”
• Ensure that VMI’s accountability systems, including discipline and conduct policies, are appropriately rigorous, 24/7, consistently enforced, fair, and aligned with institutional values.

Athletic Excellence:

• Strengthen athletic competitiveness while maintaining full integration of cadet-athletes into Corps life and responsibilities.
• Address the recurring athletics budget deficit by developing a sustainable financial plan.
• Examine the role of competitive Division I participation with input from all stakeholders including conference affiliation in today’s changing environment (NIL, transfer portal, etc.) and its alignment with VMI’s mission and resources.

VMI continues to produce educated and honorable men and women, many of whom go on to serve our country and Commonwealth with distinction. In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, from geopolitical conflict to domestic division, VMI’s mission to develop citizen-soldiers prepared to defend the nation in times of crisis has never been more vital. Our model has served the Institute well for over 180 years, and we intend to work closely with the Administration to raise the bar so that our model remains effective, relevant, respected and affordable. We remain committed to fostering an environment grounded in dignity, civility, and mutual respect, one in which all are held to high standards and recognized for their contributions.

We recognize that VMI must be its own best advocate, and that we have to do more to tell our story - honestly, proudly, and consistently - to alumni, parents, prospective cadets, faculty and staff, state leaders, and the broader public. Our goal is not just to defend VMI, but to strengthen its reputation and articulate its unique value to the Commonwealth and the nation.

The Board wishes to thank all those who love and support VMI. We welcome your input and remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and earning your continued trust.

Thank you,

AY 2024-2025 Meeting Schedule

• September 16 - 18, 2024 
• February 6 - 8, 2025
• May 1 – 3, 2025

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Recent Notices:

There are no current notices at this time for upcoming meetings.