Our latest update concerning the Board of Visitors' non-response to our open letter.

"Over the past four years, Gen. Cedric Wins, superintendent of Virginia Military Institute, has done a masterful job of advancing the mission of educating citizen soldiers through the rigorous methods unique to VMI while safeguarding the institute from acts of racism that threatened its very existence at the outset of his administration."

- Editorial, The News-Gazette (Lexington, VA), February 26, 2025

In Alma Mater’s Name is a nonpartisan, non-political community dedicated to preserving the traditions, values, and excellence of the Virginia Military Institute. We are committed to fostering a spirit of unity among alumni, cadets, faculty and other supporters who share a deep respect for VMI’s mission to develop citizen-soldiers of character. Through thoughtful engagement and respectful dialogue, we seek to uphold the Institute’s legacy of leadership, honor, and academic distinction while ensuring its continued strength for future generations.    

Our community believes in the power of open discourse and principled advocacy to support VMI’s enduring mission. We work to promote transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to the highest standards of education and leadership development. By bringing together voices from all backgrounds who cherish VMI’s unique role in shaping leaders, In Alma Mater’s Name stands as a steadfast guardian of the Institute’s time-honored values and traditions.

Open Letter to the VMI Board of Visitors

To the Members of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors,  

We, the undersigned alumni, cadets, faculty, parents and supporters of the Virginia Military Institute, write to express our deep concern and request answers regarding the Board’s recent decision to not renew the contract of Superintendent General Cedric Wins. We understand the importance of the board's role in guiding the Institute, but we feel compelled to seek clarity on the factors and considerations that led to this decision, given the nature of the process in which it was made.

This decision, made in a hastily scheduled, closed-door session with less than four days notice thereby limiting the opportunity for public input, and without transparency or explanation, has sent shockwaves through the VMI community and raises serious concerns about the motives behind this abrupt and unjustifiable action.  

General Wins, a decorated VMI graduate and retired U.S. Army general, was appointed at a critical time in VMI’s history and has executed his duties with distinction, integrity, and results. His leadership has been instrumental in executing VMI’s "One Corps, One VMI" strategic plan, which has strengthened the Institute in multiple critical areas:  

Preserving VMI’s Core Traditions While Advancing Excellence

Under General Wins, VMI has maintained its rigorous military and academic traditions while modernizing in ways necessary to ensure continued excellence. He has protected the Honor Code, upheld the Rat Line, and preserved VMI’s reputation as a leader in developing military and civilian leaders of character.

Academic Growth & Investment

General Wins spearheaded historic investments in STEM education and faculty development, ensuring that VMI remains competitive with top-tier military and engineering institutions. He has secured funding for academic enhancements that will benefit generations of cadets.

Record-Breaking Fundraising and Financial Stability

Under his leadership, VMI raised over $44 million in donations in a single year an all-time record demonstrating overwhelming support from alumni and donors who believed in his vision for the Institute.

Strong Recruiting & Cadet Success

At a time when military academies and ROTC programs across the country are struggling with recruitment, VMI maintained stable enrollment while improving retention rates. He prioritized leadership training, discipline, and the holistic development of cadets.

Defending VMI’s Reputation

General Wins successfully navigated unfair political attacks and external pressures while steadfastly upholding VMI’s mission. His leadership ensured that VMI continued to produce principled leaders while maintaining high standards in all aspects of cadet life.  

Given these accomplishments, the Board’s decision to not renew General Wins' contract is inexplicable and unacceptable. More troubling is the fact that this decision was made with time-limited opportunity for public discussion, little transparency and no subsequent explanation - against the will of thousands of alumni, cadets, faculty, and supporters who have stood behind his leadership.  

Therefore, we demand the following from the Board of Visitors:  

1. A Full and Immediate Explanation: The VMI community deserves to know why General Wins—who has executed his duties with distinction—was dismissed. What specific concerns or criteria led to this decision? 

2. Disclosure of the Decision-Making Process: Who was involved in this decision, what criteria were used, and why was this process conducted in secrecy?  

3. A Clear Plan for the Future: What is the Board’s plan moving forward? How do you intend to sustain the positive momentum established under General Wins?  

4. Commitment to Transparency: We demand that all major decisions affecting the leadership and direction of VMI be made with proper consultation from alumni, faculty, and stakeholders—not in backroom meetings devoid of accountability.  

Our commitment to the Virginia Military Institute is unwavering. As alumni, cadets, parents and stakeholders, we ask for the opportunity to better understand the reasons for this decision and to be part of the ongoing dialogue to shape the future of VMI.

We await your prompt and transparent response to these important concerns.

Sincerely,  

Alumni, Cadets, Faculty, Parents and Supporters of the Virginia Military Institute

On the Merits

General Wins strengthened academic performance, bolstered the school's finances, and reversed a 10-year decline in admissions.

General Wins has enhanced cadet life and upheld tradition with modern excellence.

His record demonstrates his ability to nurture future leaders with the strength and integrity our country desperately needs - it speaks louder than inflammatory buzzwords and racist rhetoric.

Consequences of the Board of Visitors' actions

The Board's decision was never about the General's performance or tangible progress - it was the result of partisans abandoning VMI's core values of honor, integrity, and excellence. 

Next steps

General Wins remains committed to serving VMI until his tenure ends. 

VMI in the news

Next Board of Visitors Meeting (open to public)

Venue and Address

201 Smith Hall, Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA 24450

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a fundraising organization?

No. In Alma Mater's Name is not a fundraising organization, nor do we solicit or accept donations. We invite you to direct your financial support to the VMI Alumni Agencies.

Are you a political organization?

No. We are a non-partisan, non-political, and volunteer-led community committed to advocating for the long-term success of VMI. We invite all individuals to sign the open letter.

Who can sign the open letter?

We welcome anyone to sign the open letter, whether you attended VMI, graduated from VMI, have a daughter or son attending VMI, or anyone else interested in its wellbeing.

Is this community affiliated with VMI

We are not affiliated with VMI in any official capacity, although we represent a diverse collection of alumni, cadets, faculty, parents and other supporters interested in the long-term wellbeing and survival of the Institute.