The Vanguard series highlights cadets of Virginia Military Institute who exemplify promise, perseverance, and the true spirit of leadership. While they may not be the top-ranking students or those in prestigious positions, these individuals' dedication, resilience, and growth embody the essence of being a VMI cadet. By sharing their stories, including the challenges they've faced and overcome, we shine a spotlight on the diverse paths to success at the Institute, proving that leadership and excellence come in many forms.  

LEXINGTON, Va. 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. 

“There was no challenge. I was just living,” she admitted. “I wanted a challenge. My brother went to The Citadel and I come from a military family. I wanted something different. I knew I could get somewhere from here.” 

The transfer as a junior didn’t mean she’d end up a 2nd Class cadet. She went directly to the Rat Line and started over.  

“You can’t skip it,” she said of the Rat Line. She turned 21 right after Breakout. 

“It was kind of rough in the beginning. I struggled a lot. My dyke helped me a lot,” she stated. “It took a lot of getting used to, but I feel like everything I went through and I have been through so far has helped me grow in these couple years.” 

Harlow also knew she needed financial assistance for school. She received a scholarship for track and field, which she participated in her first two years as a cadet. All of her aid is covered by VMI scholarships, either from the school or alumni.  

“These have been crucial to me getting through school due to my financial situation at home,” she explained. “Having those opportunities that are free or I have an avenue to make it free means a lot.” 

She has her plate full. A history and English double major, she also has several writing and photography extracurricular activities. Originally, she started out as an international studies major, but felt uninspired and was looking for something she enjoyed more. She switched to history, but found she needed to fill more classes. 

“I had a lot of schedule to fill, so I picked up the double major in English. That has helped me branch out and meet people,” she commented.  

Maj. Madeleine Ramsey, assistant professor of history and Harlow’s academic advisor, has worked closely with Harlow for the past two years. Although she hasn’t taught her, she’s heard her colleagues speak about Harlow’s influence in the classroom. Ramsey noted Harlow’s academic diligence as even more impressive because she’s been able to achieve it while participating in a DI sport of track and field and the demanding regimental system. 

"She is always prepared, ready to engage with the material at hand, and willing to participate actively in classroom discussions. She is a committed student, as I have seen firsthand through the numerous visits to both my colleagues’ offices and mine, to ask questions and seek assistance with her papers,” Ramsey commented. “As she has done throughout her academic career, Ms. Harlow applies the same discipline and dedication to VMI’s Corps of Cadets. She excels both inside and outside the classroom and now holds rank as a corporal.” 

The dive into history and English allowed her the opportunity for an internship with the American Battle Monuments Commission where she was given the opportunity to research for them. She also traveled to France to present her research with the commission. 

Being involved has been a huge goal for Harlow.  

"I like trying new things, but I feel like VMI has given me more opportunities to do that,” she said. "Hard work is more recognized here than a lot of colleges. I know we have the uniforms that look the same, but you can always tell the difference.” 

She will be studying abroad this summer in Spain, spending four weeks at the University of  Alcalá. She previously went to Poland in the summer of 2024 through the MirYam Institute’s program, I-SAP (Israel Strategy & Policy) tour, which is designed for U.S. military cadets to travel, learn about a country, its place among the nations, and its relationship with the United States. 

Despite any shortcomings Harlow has faced in her personal life, Ramsey said she’s been able to hold numerous part-time jobs and also received an internship from John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis to travel to Normandy. 

“Quite simply, Ms. Harlow is one of the hardest -working cadets I have encountered at VMI, a place where hard work is a part of everyday life,” Ramsey said. 

As a student, she’s improved with planning things out. She used to be more sporadic with things and the regiment of VMI has pushed her to become more solid in her foundation.  

"I feel like I literally have to plan out everything. I'm a big planner," she stated.  

Ramsey said that Harlow is one of the most organized and disciplined students she’s ever met. 

“She arrives promptly for every meeting and is always prepared. She has faced a variety of challenging circumstances in her life that for many would have been reason to seek an easier path,” Ramsey stated. “Ms. Harlow sought out, and has excelled in, one of the most challenging systems in higher education, which speaks to her strength of character.” 

Her roommate calls her OCD because she’s very strict about her uniform and how tidy their room is. She prides herself on never having any demerits.  

“I hate being in trouble. I just do my best to avoid it.” 

She tends to be more quiet in the classroom but will always speak up if she needs help.  

“I try to do my hardest to work with my professors and get the help I need. I lean a lot on my roommate. My dyke helped me a lot my rat year. I still talk to her a lot. I met my boyfriend here,” Harlow said. “The whole support system is how I buckle down and deal with it. VMI teaches you to move forward no matter what's in your way right now. You have to get past it. And having that support system to get past it helps.”

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE