Superintendent

For more than 180 years, VMI has prepared citizen-soldiers for principled leadership. Ranked among the nation's most outstanding educational institutions, VMI provides its students with a first-rate academic program, competitive athletics, and exceptional opportunities to learn the theory and practice of leadership.

To build upon both its history of service and the numerous accomplishments during the long tenure of its retiring leader, VMI seeks a well-respected and experienced leader to serve as its next superintendent.

VMI has risen steadily through higher education's various rankings over recent years. Now considered one of the nation's best colleges, VMI produces graduates who pursue highly successful careers in the military, private sector, and government. Its graduates win prestigious scholarships and attend top graduate schools. Guided by a visionary and ambitious long-term strategic plan, the new superintendent will build on this firm foundation to ensure a robust future for the institute. The superintendent must understand evolving cultural norms to fulfill the institute’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To accomplish these ends, the ideal candidate to be VMI's next superintendent will be a visionary, pragmatic, and empathetic leader who can draw on his or her experience in higher education, the military, and other venues. The candidate will demonstrate a deep respect for VMI’s mission and method of education: a strong commitment to cadet success and the development of the whole person is essential. Also important are outstanding judgment, excellent diplomatic skills, and the courage of conviction necessary to generate confidence across the community. As would be expected, the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the Institute—especially to alumni, prospective supporters, and the Virginia legislature—is of great importance.

VMI benefits from a storied history of success that includes the development of leaders who have changed history and continue to change society. Its next leader will have the opportunity to build on this singular legacy and to lead the institution to even greater accomplishment.

WittKieffer is assisting VMI in this recruitment. A comprehensive leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the leadership profile and a current CV. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by March 1, 2021.

Application materials can be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the Institute’s consultants, Dennis Barden and Christine Pendleton at VMISuperintendent@wittkieffer.com

In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs and services.