Post Announcements Archives - �鶹��ý��

�鶹��ý��Recognized on Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026

Mary Kate du Laney — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:40:00 +0000

�鶹��ý��once again scored well on Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America list, . In recent years, the rankings have been done using the star system, based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes. �鶹��ý��also landed on Money’s Best Public Colleges and Best Colleges in the South lists for 2026.

Money shared that �鶹��ý��graduates have a median salary of about $75,000 four years after entering the workforce. More than 97% of �鶹��ý��alumni have jobs or are in a continuing education program within 5 months of graduating.

This year’s rankings included 735 schools from across the country, with each having at least 500 undergraduate students, not being in financial distress, and having a graduation rate at or above the median for its category. Schools are then ranked in the five-star system on 25 factors in the three categories, with the breakdown of the three ranking categories being quality of education, 30%; affordability, 40%; and outcomes, 30%. More about the methodology can be found .

The application cycle for �鶹��ý��opens Aug. 1, with six open houses being held during the academic year that allow prospective students to stay in barracks for the night, meet faculty from academics and ROTC programs, and hear from leadership. Interested students can visit the �鶹��ý��website to learn more and apply.

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Governor Appoints Board of Visitors Members

Mary Kate du Laney — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:22:14 +0000

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the appointment of three new members to the �鶹��ý�� Board of Visitors, Daryl Deke ’82, Yolanda Green, and Elise Woodworth ’07, as well as the reappointment of Lester Johnson Jr. ’95. The new members will fill the vacancies of Meaghan Mobbs, C. Ernest Edgar IV ’87 and Thomas “Teddy” Gottwald ’83.

Deke is from Nashville, Tennessee, and is a principal financial advisor for CAPTRUST, providing advice to high-net-worth individuals, families, corporations, and endowments. His wealth management career spans more than 30 years. Prior to joining CAPTRUST, he founded New Market Wealth. He served several terms as a trustee with the �鶹��ý��Foundation. After graduating from �鶹��ý��with a degree in economics, he earned a master’s degree in operations management from University of Arkansas.

Green is an external affairs representative with Dominion Energy and lives in Dumfries. She has a degree in mass communications and advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University and has held various marketing roles for more than 20 years, implementing robust marketing strategies for organizations of all sizes. She is also the proud grandmother of a current cadet.

Woodworth is from Leesburg. She founded Woodworth Enterprises in 2014, a firm that provides leadership consulting to improve the performance of board members of nonprofit organizations. She was the first alumna to serve on the �鶹��ý��Foundation Board of Trustees. Once graduating from �鶹��ý��with a degree in biology, she commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and served as a logistics officer from 2007 until 2011. She earned an MBA from Capella University.

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�鶹��ý��Board of Visitors Approves 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees, New Officers

Mary Kate du Laney — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:11:36 +0000

On Wednesday the �鶹��ý�� Board of Visitors (BOV) approved tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year at their spring meeting held April 27-29. Tuition and fees will increase by 3% for both Virginia and non-Virginia cadets.

Rising costs, including a13% increase in employer health insurance rates as well as rising inflation, were cited as reasons for driving the increase.

“We try to balance the cost to cadets and families with the fiscal realities of providing a top educational experience in a time of ever-increasing costs,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Michael Dick ’77, BOV president. “We work diligently to identify other sources of funding and scholarships to continue providing exceptional educational value to cadets.”

Other board action during the meeting included voting on new officers. The �鶹��ý��BOV elected Dick as board president, and Lester Johnson Jr. ’95 and Don Hall as vice presidents to fill vacancies for the remainder of the 2025-2026 term. For the 2026-2027 year, the board elected Dick as board president. William R. Janis ’84, retired Rear Adm. Terence E. McKnight ’78 and Damon Williams ’90 will serve as board vice presidents. Hall will serve as the non-alumni member of the board’s executive committee. These officers will assume their new roles July 1.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as president of the board,” said Dick. “This is an exciting time in VMI’s journey and I look forward to working with the other members of the board and the superintendent to continue our mission of producing leaders of honor and integrity.”

The next board of visitors meeting will be Sept. 21-23.

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�鶹��ý��Community Theatre Presents “1776”

Mary Kate du Laney — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:41:00 +0000

The �鶹��ý��Community Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical, “1776,” Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. in Gillis Theater.

“1776” follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. It features music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, including the iconic songs, “For God’s Sake, John, Sit Down,” “But, Mr. Adams,” and “The Egg.” The script was written by Peter Stone.

Included in the cast are �鶹��ý��cadets Ethan Aldridge ’26 as Thomas Jefferson, John Gorman ’26 as Charles Thomson, Nicole Samella ’26 as a painter, Michael Colin ’27 as Roger Sherman, Carla Feaster ’27 as John Hancock, Thomas Sasso ’27 as John Dickinson, George Sullivan ’27 as John Adams, Hayden Talbott ’27 as Martha Jefferson, Sophia Heinlein ’28 as Abigail Adams, Aadil Pattada ’28 as George Read, Keye Warren ’28 as James Wilson, Nicolas Colletti ’29 as Josiah Bartlett, Iagan Andrew Kiddie ’29 as Col. Thomas McKean, Jamie Pacheco ’29 as Jonathan Witherspoon, and William Shable ’29 as Lyman Hall. Community cast members include Mark Anderson as Robert Livingston and Joseph Hewes, Emilie Davis as Lewis Morris, Micah Fishbein as Caesar Rodney and a leather apron, James Heilpern as Richard Henry Lee, Jaxon Johnson as a courier, Woody Johnson as Samuel Chase, Dallin Lewis as Andrew McNair, Peter Lipsett as Edward Rutledge, Rob Mish as Benjamin Franklin, and Tom Oxendine as Stephen Hopkins.

The play is directed by Tim Price, assisted by Andrew Hartless. Stage crew includes Fabiana Sofia Pajaro ’26, Laura Canaday ’27, Dusand Barrow ’28, Tamara Jimenez ’29, An Nguyen ’29, and William Shable ’29. The light and sound booth is run by Timothy Persons ’27. Rechnna Sok ’26 serves as tech director.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens ages 65 and over, payable by cash or check at the door. Cadets and children ages six and under are free. Reservations are not required. Gillis Theater is located in Marshall Hall on �鶹��ý��post. For additional information, email Tim Price at pricetr@vmi.edu.

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Statement from Superintendent on HB1374

Mary Kate du Laney — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:44:25 +0000

This morning, I testified before the House Education Committee in support of an amended HB1374.

HB 1374 now focuses on the structure and makeup of the board members and no longer grants oversight of �鶹��ý��to another school’s board of visitors. The amended bill keeps intact VMI’s Board of Visitors and will allow VMI’s board to continue to provide experienced, non-political oversight that is focused on the Institute’s mission and unique educational model.

I am appreciative to the patron of the bill for the time he spent listening to cadets during his visit to Lexington and his willingness to engage with the Institute. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to make all Virginians proud of VMI.

Many thanks to all who continue to demonstrate professional support and advocacy for VMI. Please keep reaching out to members of the General Assembly to share the value of the �鶹��ý��experience.

LtGen David J. Furness ’87 (USMC, ret.)
Superintendent
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

NOTE: Those wishing to offer comment or feedback on this statement may do so through an . Responses will be shared with �鶹��ý��administration.

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Statement from Superintendent on HB1377

Mary Kate du Laney — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:45:13 +0000

�鶹��ý��is pleased to offer its support of HB1377 as amended on the floor of the House of Delegates today. We are appreciative to the House of Delegates for their bipartisan efforts to amend the bill to remove references threatening VMI’s state funding. We are confident that an impartial task force will find that �鶹��ý��is a Virginia treasure that produces citizen-soldiers ready to serve selflessly as military officers or civilian leaders. While no institution is perfect, �鶹��ý��is open to improvement in our constant pursuit of excellence. Should the bill be signed into law, we look forward to working with the task force and sharing the �鶹��ý��experience with them.

LtGen David J. Furness ’87 (USMC, ret.)
Superintendent
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

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Holiday Events at �鶹��ý��

Mary Kate du Laney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:08:45 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, festivities are being planned not only on the �鶹��ý��post, but also at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and the Jackson House Museum.

Spirit Night

�鶹��ý��will welcome visitors to “Carols in the Courtyard” Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Members of the community will gather with cadets in the courtyard of barracks to hear carols performed by �鶹��ý��musicians. The �鶹��ý��Chaplain’s Office will host a candlelight service in Memorial Hall at 8 p.m. following the conclusion of “Carols in the Courtyard.”

Parades

�鶹��ý��rats, or first-year cadets, will march in the Lexington Christmas parade, to be held Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Lexington. The �鶹��ý��Regimental Band, and Pipe Band will appear in the Dominion Energy Richmond Christmas parade for the 31st time since 1989. That parade will be Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10:15 a.m. on Broad Street.

�鶹��ý��Museum Holiday Open House

The �鶹��ý��Museum, located in Memorial Hall, will hold its annual holiday open house Friday, Dec. 12. Door prize drawings, special discounts and offers on many items in the store will run throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday refreshments will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jackson House Museum

The Jackson House Museum will host “Christmas at the Jacksons’,” Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Visitors will step back in time and experience Christmas in 1859 while interacting with costumed interpreters. Those attending will sing carols, churn butter in the kitchen, and help guests from 1859 choose the proper outfit for dinner. The last tour will be at 7:40 p.m. Admission for the event is canned food for humans and/or pets to benefit the Rockbridge Area Relief Association food pantry. For more information on “Christmas at the Jacksons’,” call 540-464-7704 or visit the museum’s events page.

Christmas on the Farm

The New Market Battlefield State Historical Park will be the site for “Christmas on the Farm,” to be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, located in New Market. Visitors will be able to explore the museum, make crafts, enjoy festive treats, and see a special Christmas film. They will take a step back to 1859 and visit the Bushong family as they cook, sing, and tell stories in anticipation of a special Christmas visitor. Event tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 and can be purchased at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Event prices are $10 per adult (ages 13 and older), $6 per youth (ages 6-12), children 5 and under are free. Receive one free admission with the donation of four non-perishable food items. Donations will benefit the local food pantry. For more information call 540-740-3101 or visit the museum’s website.

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TAPS – Sgt. 1st Class Thomas E. Atkinson

Mary Kate du Laney — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:28:40 +0000

The superintendent regrets to inform the �鶹��ý��community of the death of retired Sgt. 1st Class Thomas E. Atkinson, who passed away peacefully Nov. 3, 2025, at the age of 71.

Atkinson enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and served for 21 years. His last active-duty assignment was chief of administration in VMI’s Army ROTC from 1990 to 1993. Upon retirement from active duty, he continued to serve �鶹��ý��Army ROTC for more than three decades before retiring in 2023 as the recruiting operations officer (ROO). During his time at VMI, he directly supported and helped more than 1,900 cadets earn their commissions as second lieutenants.

Retired Col. Douglas Vincent ’93, former professor of military science, shared Atkinson was “an absolute pillar of the �鶹��ý��community and one of the finest NCOs I’ve ever worked with, from my time as a young cadet all the way up through being the PMS at VMI. Sgt. 1st Class Atkinson taught generations of �鶹��ý��cadets what ‘right looked like’ and was the embodiment of professionalism and selfless service. He is irreplaceable. RIP my friend. You will be missed.”

Kathy Ruffin, administrative assistant for Army ROTC and long-time coworker of Atkinson, said, “He took care of the cadets. He was so organized and put many cadets into the Army. He was simply amazing, always putting others before himself.”

His obituary can be found .

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�鶹��ý��Community Theatre Presents “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency”

Mary Kate du Laney — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:39:36 +0000

The �鶹��ý��Community Theatre presents, “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency,” Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. in Gillis Theater.

The three-act play was written by Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Gently, the main character of the play, is a detective who finds himself on the trail of a gruesome murder, involved with the works of Coleridge, quantum physics, and the enigmatic study of the Cambridge Professor of Chronology. Ultimately, the stakes of the case are far greater than a single murder, including the fate of life on Earth. Confused? Don’t be—everything is connected.

Included in the cast are �鶹��ý��cadets Colin Nicassio ’26 as Sergeant Gilks, Nicole Samella ’26 as Susan Way, Adam Brinkley ’27 as Don 2 & Answerphone, Carla Feaster ’27 as Dirk Gently, John Stotler ’27 as Richard MacDuff, Hayden Talbott ’27 as “Reg,” Prof. Urban Chronotis, Jesse Vaughn ’27 as Watkin & Perkins, Sophia Heinlein ’28 as Janice Pearce, Aadil Pattada ’28 as Gordon Way, Keye Warren ’28 as Michael Wenton-Weakes, and Arthur Marlow ’29 as Don 1 & Voiceover. Community members include Liz Clarke as Waitress & Housekeeper, Alice Ingersoll and Nora Ingersoll as Sarah Androyd, David Lusk as Marvin Androyd, and Kristen Pace as understudy for Nicole Samella ’26.

The play is directed by Tim Price, assisted by Andrew Hartless. Stage crew includes Fabiana Sofia Pajaro ’26, Laura Canaday ’27, Dusand Barrow ’28, Hayden Crawford ’28, and Tamara Jimenez ’29. The light and sound booth is run by Timothy Persons ’27 and Kaleb Gonzalez ’29. Rechnna Sok ’26 serves as costume designer.

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The Passing of Chaplain (Col.) Charles Caudill

Mike Finkelstein — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:34:00 +0000

A Personal Message from the Superintendent, Oct. 23, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that I inform the �鶹��ý��community of the passing of Chaplain (Col.) Charles Caudill, USAF Ret. Chaplain Caudill served as Institute chaplain and chaplain to the Corps of Cadets from 1979 until 1994 following an exemplary 23-year career as a chaplain in the United States Air Force.

During his tenure at VMI, Chaplain Caudill touched the lives of countless cadets, myself included. He was well known for his compassionate spirit, empathetic approach, inspiring sermons, wise counsel, and his famous hugs. His ability to break down barriers and connect with cadets was unparalleled, and he was seen as a father figure by many. Chaplain Caudill was elected honorary brother rat for the Class of 1983, the same class as his son Chris, further solidifying his enduring connection to the Corps. He also brought new life into the weekly chapel services, increased chaplain-initiated events, and reintroduced the practice of handing out personally signed holy books at graduation. His legacy with the Corps of Cadets, the Office of Chaplain, and alumni cannot be overstated enduring decades beyond his tenure. Throughout my seven combat deployments, I carried in my pack every day the Bible Chaplain Caudill gave me at graduation. That Bible brought me comfort and assurance during some very difficult times and for that I am grateful.

Beyond the vast impact on cadets and the �鶹��ý��community, Chaplain Caudill will be remembered for his kindheartedness and genuine spirit. As a sixth-generation minister, self-sacrificial love for others was his life’s work and purpose. According to a 1994 Roanoke Times article published just before his retirement from VMI, Chaplain Caudill was asked how he wanted cadets to remember him. He hoped they would say, “His hugs were real. He blessed me.” Both are true. Please join me in honoring Chaplain Caudill and his family as we say goodbye to a true servant leader. God bless you, sir. Rest easy in the arms of the Almighty. The entire �鶹��ý��community will miss you and mourns your loss.

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Post Announcements Archives - �鶹��ý���

�鶹��ý���Recognized on Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026