Terry McGowan

A resident of Rockbridge County, Terry McGowan serves as a store clerk at the VMI Military Store. With 45 years of service, his hard work, loyalty, and dedication are a testament to the mission of the department in supporting the Institute.

His favorite color is blue and favorite food is hamburgers or hot dogs. Neither a dog or cat person, he has a pet snake, and if he could have any super power, he would choose the ability to fly.

Geneva Thompson

A resident of Goshen, Va., Geneva Thompson is one of the talented tailors working at the VMI Tailor Shop. She has been with the Institute for 21 years, brining her experience and passion for her art that began as a child as she was taught to sew by her mother.

Her favorite color is green and favorite food is green. Between cats and dogs, she happily chooses dogs, her spirit animal. Devoted to her close-knit family, Geneva also is a member of the larger Goshen community, running her produce business six months of the year.

Tarika Carter

2024 Crozet Hall Associate of the Year

Tarika Carter is a sous chef in Crozet Hall and has been at VMI for 8 years. A fan of salmon, fishing, and roller skating, her favorite part of her job at the institute is making good food for the Corps of Cadets, and celebrating their birthdays throughout the year.

Wes Tomlin

A resident of Rockbridge County, Wes Tomlin is one of the trades technicians working in Auxiliary Services. A Navy veteran, Tomlin worked on NATO Sea Sparrow missile systems, including maintenance and repair. He has been with VMI for 24 years. When not at work, Tomlin spends time with family, his chihuahuas, and collecting autographs. One of his favorites from his collection is a Babe Ruth autograph.

Shana Carter

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."—Dalai Lama

Shana Carter has been with Parkhurst at VMI for one-and-a-half years and serves as a personnel service attendant with a focus on salad bar prep. Exuding a positive attitude, Shana enjoys going on family drives when not working at VMI.

Ruth Coleman

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."—Oprah Winfrey

Ruth Coleman has been with Parkhurst at VMI for five years. She serves as the supervisors of both the salad department and the front of house. When not on post, Ruth is an avid reader who enjoys spending time with her family.

Jason Fuller

"Roads were made for journeys, not destinations."—Confucius

Jason Fuller has worked at Parkhurst on post for one-and-a-half years. A dining hall cook, he is known as a bit of a practical joker, inspiring smiles from the VMI community. When not found on post, he enjoys riding on scenic railways.

Brad Hamilton

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."—Phyllis Diller

Serving at an executive sous chef, Brad Hamilton has worked for Parkhurst for 28 years. When not working on post, he enjoys steak and playing his guitar.