ERHS Stories
Cadet Researches Protein Supplement Use
Research & Innovation | June 16, 2026
Aurora Abramov ’27, an English major at Virginia Military Institute, observed that military college students are a unique group within the college population, and have received little attention in literature that addresses protein supplement use.
Smith Recognized with AFCEA TechNet Cyber Award
Faculty | June 9, 2026
Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at Virginia Military Institute and Virginia’s poet laureate, was recognized by AFCEA TechNet Cyber with a meritorious service award at their event in Baltimore, June 1.
Cadets Present Research at NCUR
Research & Innovation | April 27, 2026
Eighteen Virginia Military Institute cadets joined approximately 5,000 participants at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond April 13-15.
The Vanguard — Gracie Harlow ’27
Cadet Spotlight | April 20, 2026
When Gracie Harlow ’27 started her collegiate career, she felt like she was going through the motions and not obtaining any growth. She started at Hollins University, an all-female college near Roanoke, but ended up transferring to Virginia Military Institute after two years.
Bowen Explores Creative Writing Devices
Honors | April 9, 2026
Ben Bowen ’26, an English major at Virginia Military Institute, introduced his honors presentation by disclosing that it is not intended to prove an esthetic point or make a literary argument.
The Vanguard — Sofia Fleming ’28
Cadet Spotlight | April 6, 2026
Despite VMI’s rigorous academic program, Sofia Fleming ’28 was able to achieve a 4.0 GPA as a 4th Class cadet. She credits her professors in pushing her academically and helping her improve her writing skills. She also began working at VMI’s Writing Center as a peer writing consultant.
The Vanguard — Jackson Geisendaffer ’28
Cadet Spotlight | March 30, 2026
Playing a part in the bigger picture was one of Jackson Geisendaffer’s ’28 goals when he came to Virginia Military Institute. He wanted a school that would challenge him to be the best leader and prepare him to move forward, especially when those plans are to commission into the U.S. Army.
Poet Laureate and Artist Unite to Celebrate Virginia
Arts and Culture | March 13, 2026
Plutarch, the 1st century Greek philosopher, historian, and author wrote, “Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.” Two Virginians — one a poet and the other a painter — have united in blending visual and literary art forms to enhance their creative expressions and to celebrate Virginia 250. Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at Virginia Military Institute and Virginia’s poet laureate, has collaborated with acclaimed artist, Andras Bality, for his exhibition at Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) in Farmville. The exhibition titled, “Close to Home: Andras Bality’s Virginia,” celebrates […]
Behind the Balance: Ray Cmil ’26 — Keydet Wrestling
Behind The Balance | March 12, 2026
Wrestling brought Ray Cmil ’26 to Virginia Military Institute, but it was the people that made him stay. He was drawn to the community and the relationships he started building at VMI and what that would mean for him later in life.
The Vanguard —Sara Mihalovich ’26
Cadet Spotlight | March 12, 2026
A NARP is a common term around college campuses — a non-athletic regular person — and a way Sara Mihalovich ’26 describes herself, but she is far from ‘regular.’
English Major Attends Strategic Crisis and National Affairs Conferences, Collaborates on Winning Essay
Cadet Life | February 26, 2026
In February, Heaton Lawrence ’26, Regimental Chief of Staff, attended two conferences at Texas A&M, College Station, finding camaraderie and coming home a member of a winning essay team.
Cadets Present at Southern Humanities Conference
Honors | February 23, 2026
Two Virginia Military Institute Honors cadets, John Paul Adams ’27, an English major, and Aleck Tiller ’27, an international studies major, presented at the Southern Humanities Conference.
Richter Publishes 7th Book
Faculty | February 16, 2026
Dr. Duncan Richter, professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies and holder of the Charles Luck III ’55 Institute Professorship at Virginia Military Institute, has recently authored his seventh book.
Gilman Scholarship Available for Studies Abroad
Global Education | February 5, 2026
Col. Jeff Kendrick, director of the Office of Global Education at Virginia Military Institute, announced the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is currently accepting applications
Knepper Featured on ‘With Good Reason’
Faculty | December 9, 2025
Col. Steve Knepper, professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, is featured on ” The Weight of a Whale”, a poetry episode of the public radio program, “With Good Reason,” that first aired Dec. 5.