Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is a four-year, state-supported college whose student body is organized as a three battalion, military corps under the command of the superintendent and constituted as the guard of the Institute.
Within Virginia’s state-supported system of 15 senior institutions and 24 two-year colleges, VMI was the second institution of higher education created by the commonwealth after the University of Virginia. As a wholly undergraduate military college, VMI meets society’s need for educated citizens and leaders and uniquely contributes to the diversity of the commonwealth’s system of state-supported and independent institutions of higher education. The Institute’s mission statement amplifies VMI’s special statutory role.
VMI’s Mission
Produce educated men and women, committed to the corevalues of honor, courage and selfless service, to provide the nation withcitizen-soldiers prepared to defend their country in time of national peril
VMI’s Purpose
The primary purpose of VMI is the thorough education of young men and women within a framework of military discipline to produce citizen-soldiers.
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Administration
Superintendent
LtGen David Furness ’87
Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret.)
August 2025 – Present
Master’s Degrees:
- Military Studies, Marine Corps University at Quantico
- National Security and Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
“I have benefited immeasurably from my VMI education and the leadership experience it afforded me… it is an immense honor to give back and serve the VMI community as superintendent.”
Senior Leadership
Led by the superintendent, the senior leadership team at VMI works closely together to ensure the operation of the Institute as well as the safety, well-being, and success of cadets, faculty, and staff. Collectively they have a strong understanding of the history, traditions, and goals of VMI. Most senior leaders live on post; all are deeply involved in the Institute’s day-to-day operations.
Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty
Brig. Gen. Robert Moreschi
Oversees curriculum, majors, support services, governance, faculty, staff, and all things relating to the academic program.
Senior Advisors
This group of professionals serves as special staff, reporting to the superintendent and working to support life on post through cadet and employee-focused programs, legal counsel, nondiscrimination policy work, and communications and marketing efforts.
Institute and Corps Sergeant Major
SgtMaj William T. “Tom” Sowers
