News

Cadre brings the new Rat Mass up to barracks after the Matriculation Ceremony Aug. 17, 2024.

VMI Matriculates 498 Into Rat Mass

August 17, 2024

This year’s Rat Mass comes from 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Guam, six foreign countries, with 62% from Virginia and 38% from out of state. Eighty-six are female, and 168 are recruited NCAA athletes.

Willy Lilly walks beside Carl, as it paints lines on Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium.

Upgraded Athletic Fields Ready for Keydet Play

August 14, 2024

VMI's football and soccer teams will be playing on newly sodded fields this year. Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium and Patchin Field were both sodded over the summer with Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass, known for its exceptional tolerance to cool temperatures, as well as wear and tear.

Eskam Promoted to New Role at VMI

August 7, 2024

Lt. Col. Shannon Eskam, director of financial aid at Virginia Military Institute, has been promoted to assistant superintendent for strategic enrollment management/director of financial aid. In her new position, Eskam oversees the Office of Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, Cadet Marketing,

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 passes the guidon to Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, during the change of leadership ceremony. -- VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Change of Leadership Ceremony Held at VMI

August 6, 2024

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence Havird ’90 assumed duties as Virginia Military Institute’s new commandant Aug. 5.

Bruce Hay ’25 and Maj. Craig Altmann work with the off-road laser measurement mapping system. –VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Cadet Designs Off-Road Mapping System

August 2, 2024

Bruce Hay ’25, a mechanical engineering major with a concentration in aerospace engineering, completed his 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) project by designing an off-road laser measurement mapping system to forewarn drivers of trail conditions.

VMI cadets pose for a photo during their study abroad program overlooking Dingle Bay, Ireland.

Cadets Experience the Magic of Ireland

August 1, 2024

“Céad míle fáilte” is Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes,” and captures the spirit of the warm hospitality a group of 11 Virginia Military Institute cadets and their two professors recently experienced while on an educational journey in Dingle, Ireland.

Admissions Team Encourages Boldness in Recruiting Students

July 26, 2024

VMI recently shared their marketing strategies with other colleges at the SparkThink@JAM three-day conference in Dallas, Texas. In their presentation, the admission's team encouraged their audience to be authentic when representing their institution.

Lt. Col. Matthew Halligan, new director of music at VMI

New Music Director Arrives to VMI

July 23, 2024

Virginia Military Institute cadets will march to the beat of a different director of music this fall, as percussionist, Lt. Col. Matthew Halligan, has been hired to replace Col. John Brodie, who recently retired after 36 years.

Leon Ford, who is an author, activist, and mental health ambassador, speaking to cadets at VMI.

Author Chooses to Make a Difference With COW Program Youth

July 19, 2024

The College Orientation Workshop, Inc. (COW) program returned to Virginia Military Institute this summer, marking its 38th year of transforming the lives of promising, male, minority and at-risk high school students.

VMI Alum Tapped as New Commandant

July 15, 2024

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence Havird ’90 has been named commandant for Virginia Military Institute, assuming the position Aug. 5 following Col. Adrian T. Bogart III ’81, who retired June 30 after three years.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders