Leadership training and development occurs throughout the duration of a cadet’s time at VMI. At the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, we focus on the leadership and character development of cadets in collaboration with the Dean, the Commandant’s staff, and the Superintendent.
The Center’s programming provides opportunities outside barracks for cadets to learn about leadership and ethics from theory to practice. The Center sponsors programs ranging from cadet-led small groups to participation in academic competitions and conferences, even travel. VMI professors and staff assist with each program.
CLE programs provide opportunities for cadets to:
- develop skills in sound reasoning and ethical decision-making,
- lead discussion groups among their peers,
- engage in problem-solving issues with Corps-wide impact,
- conduct research and presentation skills,
- and gain public speaking skills.
Funding
Funding for the Center comes from the Hope-Jackson opportunity fund and the generous support of individuals, organizations and VMI alumni. For more information about cadet programs or how to support programming, contact Col. Pat Looney at looneypg@vmi.edu or 540-464-7946.
Programs
Cadet – Superintendent’s Advisory Board
This experiential leadership program for hand-picked upper-class cadets only. Members examine issues important to the Corps and make recommendations that will improve cadet life to the superintendent.
Intercollegiate Ethics Team
The VMI Ethics team, sponsored by our Center, gives cadets who wish to participate the opportunity to sharpen their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and sound reasoning. You will debate ethical dilemmas across the spectrum, from military to civic situations, against peers from similar institutions and programs to challenge your ethical reasoning and character development. Cases are drawn from real-world scenarios/situations.
Who may participate? Any interested cadets may participate.
When do we meet/compete? Cadets meet weekly in the evenings in Marshall Hall, with an increasing frequency of meetings as competition dates approach. Competitors for away events consist of three or four cadets who demonstrate their commitment to the team with regular attendance and participation.
Our two primary events are the Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), which occurs in the latter part of November, and the USNA Military Ethics Case Competition, held in early April. The number of events where the team will compete may grow based on cadet interest and competition scheduling.
Additional Details
Who are the leaders of this club? Faculty Mentor: Col. Patrick Looney
See our club in action:
- 2023 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
- 2022 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
- 2019 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
- 2018 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
- 2017 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
- 2016 USNA Military Ethics Case Competition Presentations
If you have questions or are interested in participating, contact the club leader or Col. Patrick Looney, Deputy Director, at looneypg@vmi.edu or 540-464-7361.
Cadet Leadership Enrichment Opportunities
The Center provides support for qualified, current cadets who may benefit from attending external conferences as part the Center’s mission to enhance leadership development. The conferences may be at federal military academies, other senior military colleges, and universities or other relevant venues.
Past opportunities have included:
- 26th Annual Veterans Conference & American Valor Honor’s Gala hosted by the American Veterans Center at the National Archives & Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington
- US Coast Guard Academy’s 34th Annual Rear Admiral Wetmore Ethics Forum
- Texas A&M (TAMU) Student Conference on National Affairs and the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise (ISCNE) in College Station, Texas. Theme: “American Grand Strategy: Winning the Decisive Decade”
- U.S. Air Force Academy 31st National Character and Leadership Symposium; Theme: “Valuing Human Conditions, Cultures, and Societies” explored our humanity and qualities of good citizens and leaders
- U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference titled, “Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Pursuit of Service”
- Yale University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership & Strategy Conference in New Haven Connecticut
Learning Outcomes:
- Participating Cadets will apply critical listening and thinking during speaker presentations and be able to articulate well-reasoned positions on critical issues.
- Participating Cadets will apply critical thinking in writing a reflective essay about the pertinent information they learn at the conference/symposia they attend.
Cadet Testimonials
“The experience was much greater than I had originally thought. It was a great surprise to be presented with an event that was far and above anything that I would have expected – that being a small collection of veterans giving war stories over the course of several days.” —Dylan Palmer ‘24, 26th Annual Veterans Conference & American Valor Honor’s Gala
“My three-day visit to the United States Coast Guard Academy was a unique opportunity as a cadet seeking a commission in the USCG.” —Shane McKenna ‘26, United States Military Academy McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character
“I came out of each conference every day more informed than the last. The issues and exercises that we did really allowed me to get a grasp on the real-world issues and areas that I was not well enlightened of before.” —Christopher Bethea ‘24, Texas A&M Student Conference on National Affairs and the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise
“I found the event to be incredibly enriching and informative. The conference brought together a diverse group of students, faculty, and professionals to discuss key issues related to leadership and strategy in the context of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.” —Elizabeth Pickford ‘24, Yale University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership & Strategy Conference
Inquiries? Contact Faculty Mentor: Col. Pat Looney, Deputy Director, at looneypg@vmi.edu.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Connect with the Center
Email: lawhornesk@vmi.edu
Phone: (540) 464-7396
Center for Leadership and Ethics
Marshall Hall, 500 Anderson Drive