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Tag: VMI Outcomes

VMI Receives Accreditation Award

Virginia Military Institute was recently honored by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), an institutional accreditor for quality assurance in higher education, representing 780 institutions. It presented VMI a Torch Award, a new recognition that celebrates member institutions for their leadership in one of three categories: affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes. VMI was recognized for exceptional post-college outcomes, the only Level II institution—one whose highest degree offered is a bachelor’s degree—to receive the award in that category. Dr. Stephen Pruitt, SACSCOC president, formally announced the award at the association’s annual conference in December. 

The Torch Awards elevate the work of institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to access, quality, accountability, and measurable improvement, reflecting SACSCOC’s mission to highlight and support student-centered excellence across the region. The recipients were selected based on their strength across multiple indicators in each award category, rather than overall ranking. 

VMI was granted the award based, in part, on its strong postgraduate successes. According to recent data, 97% of VMI graduates are employed or are in graduate/professional schools within five months of graduation. Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics at VMI, stated approximately 54% of the Institute’s recent graduates were commissioned into the military while 30% accepted full-time positions with well-known public and private sector employers. “Furthermore, 10% were accepted in graduate and professional institutions with many of these attending academic programs ranked in the top 75 by U.S. News & World Report.”

Col. Andrew Luna, director in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and SACSCOC liaison for VMI, strongly believes the Torch Award is the culmination of VMI’s ongoing commitment of honor and excellence to every cadet it serves. “While we are currently undergoing our 10-year reaffirmation of our accreditation with SACSCOC, we have actually been accredited by them since 1926. For one hundred years, VMI has met the rigid accreditation standards to prepare our cadets for strong leadership roles, and this new award shows VMI is clearly doing its job.” 

VMI Unveils New Hub for Postgraduate Scholarships and Pre-Professional Programs

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 1st and 2nd 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.

Knepper stands in front of a screen and mural while addressing cadets.
Col. Steven Knepper discusses the requirements and application procedure for the Rhodes Scholarship.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

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 3rd Class Institute Honors cadets, then annually thereafter.

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