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Aurora Abramov ’27 interviews a cadet on protein supplement use for her SURI project.

Cadet Researches Protein Supplement Use

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.

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.

Smith Recognized with AFCEA TechNet Cyber Award

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 gather in the Greater Richmond Convention Center lobby before the start of NCUR.

Cadets Present Research at NCUR

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.

Gracie Harlow talks about her dedication, resilience, and growth as a VMI cadet.

The Vanguard — Gracie Harlow ’27

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. 

Ben Bowen ’26 explains the underlying driving principles of two of his favorite authors, Edgar Allen Poe and John Gardner, during his honors presentation in Scott Shipp Hall.

Bowen Explores Creative Writing Devices

April 10, 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.

Sofia Fleming talks about her dedication, resilience, and growth as a VMI cadet.

The Vanguard — Sofia Fleming ’28

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.  

Jackson Geisendaffer talks about his dedication, resilience, and growth as a VMI cadet.

The Vanguard — Jackson Geisendaffer ’28

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. 

Ray Cmil talks about his responsibilities with everything as a cadet and cadet-athlete.

Behind the Balance: Ray Cmil ’26 — Keydet Wrestling

March 13, 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.

Mattie Smith’s poem as it appears with Andras Bality’s paintings at Longwood Center for the Visual Arts.

Poet Laureate and Artist Unite to Celebrate Virginia

March 13, 2026

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.

Sara Mihalovich talks about her dedication, resilience, and growth as a VMI cadet.

The Vanguard —Sara Mihalovich ’26

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.’