LEXINGTON, Va. Dec. 11, 2025 — A webpage dedicated to national postgraduate scholarships and pre-professional programs in law and health professions available to Virginia Military Institute cadets, regardless of their commissioning status, was recently unveiled to 1^st and 2^nd Class Institute Honors cadets.

Col. Robert McDonald, associate dean for academic affairs and director of the Honors Program, welcomed the cadets to the informational session in Pogue Auditorium, and introduced a group of faculty advisors who have developed expertise for a specific scholarship or program. For over 18 months, the advisors have been collaborating on ways to increase awareness of the scholarships and programs, along with respective requirements and application procedures.

Scholarships include the Marshall Scholarship, which funds students seeking a master’s degree in the UK, advised by Lt. Col. Patrick Eichholz, associate professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies (ERHS); the Rhodes Scholarship, which funds a graduate degree at Oxford University, advised by Col. Steven Knepper, professor in ERHS; the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which funds a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge, advised by Maj. Christopher Blunda, assistant professor in the Department of History; the Fulbright Scholarship, a program for students pursuing graduate study, research, or teaching English abroad, advised by Col. Jeff Kendrick, director of the Office of Global Education; the Truman Scholarship, for students wanting to study in the U.S. and pursue careers in public service, advised by Dr. Vera Heuer, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science (IS); and the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, which provides money for rising college juniors and seniors in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering who are interested in pursuing careers in research, advised by Col. David Feinauer, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology is the advisor for the Pre-Professional Program for cadets aspiring to go into a health profession; and Lt. Col. Tim Passmore, associate professor in IS, is the advisor for the Pre-Professional Program for cadets who wish to attend law school. VMI has admissions agreements with leading law and medicine programs, and very recently supported eight cadets applying to law schools at the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Washington and Lee University, and the University of Richmond.

McDonald advised the cadets that the programs are highly competitive, and they should start their application process early.

“You all have good grades, but grades aren’t enough. If you are interested in any of these programs, contact the expert advisor. If your resume seems aligned, we will do everything possible to help you shape a viable candidacy for any award you want to pursue. VMI has produced 11 Rhodes Scholars, four Fulbright Fellows, two Fulbright Scholars, two Gates Cambridge Scholars, one Barry M. Goldwater Scholar, one Marshall Scholar, and many other recipients of nationally prestigious awards. For a school our size, those are remarkable statistics, and I believe some of you sitting in this room have the ability to add to that impressive record.”

The presentation will be repeated in February for 3^rd Class Institute Honors cadets, then annually thereafter.

For more information on VMI’s postgraduate scholarships and pre-professional programs, go here.   

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE