LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 9, 2025 — Forty-two years after his matriculation to Virginia Military Institute, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 began his tenure as the 16^th superintendent of VMI. In addition to moving into his office and helping his family acclimate to their new home, his first week at work mid-September was tightly scheduled with faculty and staff meetings, visiting offices around post, observing rat and cadet activities, hosting a Constitution Day ceremony, preparing for his first Board of Visitors’ meeting, taking review of his first parade, and addressing each class of cadets.

The Virginia 250 Commission (VA250) Constitution Day event, “To Support & Defend,” honoring the 250^th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, was held on Constitution Day, Sept. 17 in Cameron Hall, where Furness spoke at his first public appearance.

He set aside time to meet separately throughout the week with the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Class cadets, as well as the Rat Mass on Friday morning. He told the rats they would always be special to him, since they are the first class he will fully see through the VMI journey.

Furness opened his relaxed talk with the rats by congratulating them on their courage in embracing the challenges at VMI. He confessed he had tried three times to get accepted to the Institute, but his poor grades prohibited it. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University for a while and got his grades up, retook the SAT, and finally was accepted to VMI. “Nobody wanted to be a VMI cadet more than me, but two months into it, I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life.” At that point as a rat—too embarrassed to tell his parents—he sought help from faculty members who patiently tutored and encouraged him toward success. Furness then urged the rats to also seek help when they need it. “We have amazing faculty, dykes, and professionals on post. Develop relationships with them. Ask for assistance if you are struggling emotionally or academically.”

Furness also advised the rats to have faith in something larger than themselves; have faith in the VMI process; and have faith in themselves. “Our little school has produced great human beings. The process prepares you for the pitfalls of life. The journey is difficult, but it’s worth it. Keep moving, don’t quit. You are the life blood of the Institute. You energize the system.” He stressed they take the Honor Code seriously. “Take the ‘F’ rather than cheat. Maintain your honor and integrity. Never do the easy wrong. Always do the hard right.”

During a lighter moment at the conclusion of his talk, Furness dispelled the rumors that he is taking away ice cream in Crozet Hall and reinstating Saturday classes, to which the rats leaped out of their seats and cheered.

Later Friday, Furness took review of his first regimental parade. Alert spectators noticed the new three-star flag held behind him on the observation deck, indicating he is a three-star general. Saturday, Sept. 20, he watched the Keydet football game at the University of Richmond. He was proud of the team, dealing with a four-and-a-half-hour weather delay.  “The team never quit and showed great tenacity.”

In a message he emailed post-wide early into his second week, Furness stated he is honored and privileged to be back at VMI. “I couldn’t be more passionate about VMI and simultaneously more humbled by the opportunity to start my ‘second rat year’ as your superintendent.”

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE