VMI Center For Leadership and Ethics

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Join us for one of these engaging events!

08/21/2026

Leadership development is one of VMI's defining strengths, but it doesn't begin and end in the classroom.

Every year, the Center for Leadership and Ethics creates opportunities for cadets, faculty, and staff to learn, practice, and refine the leadership skills needed to succeed at VMI and beyond. Some of that work happens through courses, seminars, mentoring, experiential learning, and professional development. Some happens through conversations, challenges, and opportunities that stretch people beyond their comfort zones.

The result is a stronger Corps, stronger departments, and a stronger Institute.

Our latest Annual Year-in-Review highlights the programs, people, and experiences that contributed to leader development across VMI during academic year 2025-26.

📖 Discover how the CLE is developing cadets, faculty, and staff across VMI. Download the 2025-26 Annual Year-in-Review Newsletter at https://vmi.box.com/v/2025-26CLE-YIR-Newsletter.

08/19/2026

Everyone is returning to school, including our employees!

Over the course of the academic year, we're offering the Supervisors' Training in monthly installments rather than a one-week intensive.

Participants heard from CLE Executive Director Col. Gray, Chief of Staff Col. Havird '90, and Tracey Lackey of Human Resources.

07/06/2026

We join the Institute in expressing our deep condolences for the passing of Lexington's beloved Mayor Frank Friedman. He was very engaged in all the happenings across our community, including drop-ins at our annual leadership conference and civil debate events. He will be deeply missed.

07/04/2026

From the staff and faculty of the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, we commemorate with you the 250th Anniversary of America's Independence.

In the coming academic year, we will focus on our American identity shaped by the aspirations of our Declaration of Independence and America's role in the changing world order.

06/24/2026

Earlier this week, members of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce's Economic Develoment Committee attended a facilitated brainstorming workshop hosted by VMI's Civil Discourse Initiative (CDI) staff and faculty. The topic of discussion was, "Where are the biggest gaps in our local economic ecosystem, and what connections or partnerships could help fill them?"

The participants appreciated the format, which has two rounds of discussion: issues and solutions. Our staff recorded all the comments and provided two reports for their consideration and continued development.

06/14/2026

At Virginia Military Institute, the flag serves as a daily reminder of duty, service, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leadership. May we honor it not only in ceremony, but in the way we serve our communities and country.

06/06/2026

Today, we remember D-Day and honor the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Their example reminds us that leadership is often revealed in moments of uncertainty, when duty, courage, and commitment to something greater than self are required.

May we continue to remember their legacy and reflect on the enduring example of service, sacrifice, and principled leadership they left behind.

Photo credit: National Archives, 26-G-2337.

05/27/2026

What does peer leadership really look like?

In this episode of VMI Leader Journey, Cadet Heaton Lawrence ’26 shares what VMI taught him about leading peers, handling setbacks, and earning trust every day.

What does peer leadership really look like — and what does it cost ...