Volume XXXV, Number 5, February 2008 Justice O’Connor to Receive Byrd Award By Wendy Lovell Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day Byrd’s and the Institute’s commitment to selflessness, O’Connor will receive the Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public integrity, patriotism and courage. Service Award at a ceremony March 26. During her The first woman associate Supreme Court justice, visit, O’Connor will address the Corps of Cadets and O’Connor earned her undergraduate and law degrees the VMI community. from Stanford University. She began her law career as “Justice O’Connor has given much of her life to public deputy county attorney of San Mateo County, Calif., in service,” said G. Gilmer Minor III ’63, president of the 1952 and practiced law in Arizona from 1958 to 1960. VMI Board of Visitors and chairman of the selection She served as assistant attorney general of Arizona, committee for the Byrd Award. “She exemplifies the Arizona state senator and judge of the Maricopa County spirit of the Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award. Superior Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals. On behalf of the Byrd family, VMI is honored to bestow In 1981, O’Connor was nominated to the Supreme Court the award on Justice O’Connor for her extraordinary by President Ronald Reagan. She served for more than service to our nation.” 24 years. The award was established in 2001 to honor the Sandra Day O’Connor. Currently, she is the chancellor of the College of William civic contributions of the VMI alumnus and former Photograph by Dane Penland, and Mary and serves on the Board of Trustees of the senator who served during World War II in the U.S. Smithsonian Institution, National Constitution Center, a museum dedicated to the Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander. He was a Courtesy of the Supreme U.S. Constitution located in Philadelphia. member of the Virginia State Senate from 1948 to 1965 Court of the United States. Previous recipients are former Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, and U.S. senator from 1965 to 1983. former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh Jr. and Harry The award is presented to a public servant whose career mirrors Lee Carrico, retired chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. Richter Named VMI a New Year’s State Outstanding Hit in Pasadena Faculty Member By Bob Holland By Wendy Lovell VMI philosophy professor Dr. Duncan Richter has received an Outstanding Faculty Award, the Commonwealth’s highest honor for faculty who demonstrate superior accomplishments in teaching, research and public service at Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities. He is one of 12 professors selected from 96 nominees to receive the award, administered by the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia. He is the sixth member of the VMI faculty to be honored by SCHEV since it created the award program in 1986 and VMI’s fifth honoree since 2002. Richter and his fellow award winners will be honored on Feb. 20 in The VMI Regimental Band and Pipe and Drums marched 27th in a ceremony at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Richter will receive the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif. a $5,000 stipend made possible through a gift from the Dominion Foundation, which has partnered with SCHEV to sponsor the 2008 The Institute was heard from – and seen and appreciated – at the faculty awards. 119th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and at related Please see page 2 Please see page 3 PAGE 2, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 Richter Named State Outstanding Faculty Member Continued from page 1 “We all remember the professor instructor and that his courses are or teacher that stretched us among the best they have taken. to our best work, the one we “Studying philosophy has given me as students did not want to the gift of thoughtful questions and disappoint – Duncan is that kind responses,” said one cadet of Richter. of a professor,” said Brig. Gen. “Philosophy is the cornerstone of my Charles F. Brower IV, deputy education and is worth much more superintendent for academics and than the tuition I’m paying.” dean of the faculty at VMI. “Cadets Another wrote in support of his are drawn to him, attracted by nomination: “I believe that his style his brilliance, accessibility and of teaching is one of the best. It is uncanny ability to stretch them to the best, arguably, because it seems their full potential.” to me that he cares more that the A professor of philosophy, Richter student understands the material joined the VMI faculty 12 years ago than he does about the grade.” and has been honored for both his In 1997, Richter initiated VMI’s teaching and his research, receiving VMI philosophy professor Dr. Duncan Richter, who has received popular philosophy minor, and he the 1998 Thomas Jefferson Teaching the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Award, has been a strong contributor to Award, the 2005 Matthew Fontaine works with a cadet in his office. –VMI Photo by Kevin Remington. VMI’s Institute Writing Program Maury Award for Faculty Research through his involvement with Writing and a Distinguished Teaching Award last May. He is an internationally Across the Curriculum. His dedication to his students and his profession respected expert on ethics and the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein. goes far beyond the classroom, too. He founded the VMI Philosophy Club His latest book, Why Be Good? A Historical Introduction to Ethics, was and has advised the Pre-Law Society, Officer of the Guard Association and published last year by Oxford University Press. VMI’s water polo team. This year he serves as president of the Virginia “I see teaching the subject of philosophy as a matter of initiating and Philosophical Association. conducting a constructive dialogue, and I do not think of the students “I can say, without a doubt, that Duncan is the complete package – an in my classes as empty vessels waiting to be filled with facts, nor do outstanding teacher and mentor who is a great scholar, professionally I think of teaching as being all about them and not at all about the active and a wonderful colleague,” said Col. James T. Gire, head of the world outside,” said Richter. “Instead it is a matter of bringing the two department of psychology and philosophy. “He is highly regarded by his together. students for showing enthusiasm, rigor and consideration, and he has “My goal is to produce cadets who know about the ideas that have been described by some students as the most profound and objective shaped, and continue to shape, our culture; who are in the habit of thinker they have ever met. In the scholarly realm, he is most admired by thinking critically about ideas and arguments that are presented to even the most critical of scholars and is viewed as potentially becoming them; whose thinking (and ability to think) has been improved by being the leading authority on Wittgenstein in the near future.” exposed to new insights and, above all, by wrestling with a variety of A native of England, Richter holds degrees from the University of challenging arguments.” Oxford and the University of Wales, and he received his doctorate in Cadets say Richter is an exceptionally engaging and interesting philosophy from the University of Virginia. International Baccalaureate Cadet Aquisi Harris ’10 received her International Baccalaureate diploma Jan. 7 in a ceremony at Salem High School, where she graduated with honors in June 2007. The advanced diploma program offered Produced by the Offi ce of Communications and Marketing college-level courses and Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis – Acting Director projects, including, said Sherri Tombarge – Editor Harris, “a two-year research Burton Floyd – Publications Coordinator Bob Holland, Wendy Lovell, and Lori Stevens - Writers paper and a class which Kevin Remington, Lori Stevens, and Cadet Matthew Graham ’10 - Photography focuses on looking at many Printing – McClung Printing,Waynesboro, Va. Eight issues are printed during the academic often controversial issues of year. Inquiries, suggestions, news items, or address changes should be directed to: Editor, The Institute Report, VMI Communications and Marketing, knowledge in ways that different cultures around the world Lexington, Virginia 24450-0304, Telephone 540-464-7207, Fax 540-464-7443 would.” - Photo courtesy of Salem High School. THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 3 VMI a New Year’s Hit in Pasadena Continued from page 1 events. Band 1st Sgt. Taylor Herring On New Year’s Day, the VMI ’09 found that the whole Regimental Band and Pipes experience far exceeded his and Color Guard performed expectations: “Before we went before an audience estimated out there, I was thinking we at 1.1 million. The band had would just do our own thing the honor of being the featured and just be another band musical unit accompanying in the parade. But from the Tournament of Roses president moment we arrived out there, CL Keedy and his wife. the people with the Rose Bowl On a sparkling first day of were super-excited about us 2008, the band’s 143 cadets and really gave us first-class and six officers marched as treatment. the 27th entry in a parade with “That, plus what all the 95 floats, marching bands and alumni did for us out there, equestrian units. from getting us to California They received rave reviews then throwing the barbecue The Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums march in a night-time for their performance and their [cookout] for us, it was just parade in Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., Dec. 28 to a sold-out crowd conduct in general. really amazing what all we got of ten of thousands of people. – Photo by Matthew Graham ’10. “The people along the parade to experience, and it was a route and at all of our performances were impressed with the cadets’ once-in-a-lifetime thing.” good manners and impeccable appearance, especially in uniform,” The parade itself was one part of a whirlwind of events during the said Col. John Brodie, the band director. “The people at our hotel cadets’ California visit. The band also performed at Disneyland in – mostly Illinois fans there for the [Rose Bowl] game, came up to me Anaheim and received a free pass to the sold-out park for their efforts. to compliment the band. They said they had never encountered so many At Pasadena City College’s Bandfest for Rose Parade units, the cadets ‘ma’ams’ and ‘sir’s’ in their lives.” were the final band of the day and received a standing ovation from a The enthusiastic crowd cheered each time the band and pipes struck large crowd. up “Shenandoah,” “VMI Spirit,” “Chester” and “Scotland the Brave.” On Dec. 30, the cadets were treated by local alumni chapters to a The 5.5-mile parade proceeded at a brisk clip; the VMI contingent barbecue cookout in Huntington Beach organized by Ralph Taber ’82 completed its route in 1 hour, 32 and Matt Hemenez ’90. The event, minutes. which was attended and arranged “Growing up in Michigan meant by Adam Volant ’88, VMI Alumni that I grew up in Big 10 country, Association director, concluded and the biggest day for any Big 10 with the band and pipes performing fan was always Jan. 1,” commented on the beach for alumni, family and Cadet Christopher Lohr ’08. “Every friends. year I would watch the Tournament Among many people due thanks, of Roses Parade and then the Rose said Brodie, are Air Force Reserve Bowl Game. Maj. Ken Jambor ’95 and his “Receiving the honor of being crew from the 313th Combat the drum major for the 2007-08 Airlift Squadron for the C-17 academic year, and then getting to transportation between Los Angeles march in the parade I always used and Norfolk. Also, the generosity of to watch growing up, has made my Band Company alumni and friends The Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums play an informal last year at VMI very memorable. of the Regimental Band and Pipes concert for alumni chapters in the Pasadena, Calif., area during Being able to represent VMI in front “really made this trip a reality,” a cookout on the beach. – Photo by Matthew Graham ’10. of a national audience, and hearing Brodie said. Bernie Bossard ’56, that so many alumni were pleased a band alumnus, started the ball with our performance, also means a great deal to me, as I feel that I rolling with a challenge donation of $33,333.33. can pay back a small portion of everything VMI has done for me.” Brodie praised his assistant and Pipe Band instructor, Capt. Burt The cadets were seen on HGTV, NBC, ABC, two local Los Angeles Mitchell, for his administrative work in getting 150 people across the stations and the Discovery and Travel channels. country and safely back. PAGE 4, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 Physical Education Annex Dedicated

Family members of the late Dr. Clark King, former head of the physical education department, unveil a plaque honoring him at the dedication Dec. 7 of the newly renovated annex to VMI’s primary physical education facility. Clark King Hall houses the Institute’s swimming pool, a boxing ring and practice room, locker rooms and other facilities. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington. Counseling, Infi rmary Joined in Health Center By Lori Stevens The VMI Hospital has had a name change. It is now known as the way we can unify treatment as a health and counseling center,” added VMI Health Center, although for historic purposes the building itself will Copeland. “This allows us to liaison [communicate] between the offices, retain the original name. preventing duplication and keeping cadets from falling through the “When the VMI Hospital was built in the mid-1800s, it served the cracks. Our mission is not simply to patch up wounds.” normal functions of a hospital at that time,” explained Dr. David Copeland, Combining services reflects a nationwide trend in higher educational Institute physician. “Now hospitals do different things; for instance, they facilities. It is easier for cadets to visit the infirmary in a confidential can take X-rays and can give IVs, services we do not provide.” manner than a separate counseling center. The new name better reflects the services available to cadets. As part “We have had increased use of the counseling services,” said of a broadened, more integrated approach, counseling services has Copeland, although he added that this also reflects a trend in the military, moved under the same roof as the infirmary. Counseling services had with increased knowledge about post-traumatic stress disorder and the been located separately, in what had been Lejeune Hall. importance of general psychological health. “Co-locating the Infirmary and Cadet Counseling provides health “We are also doing education and outreach to further health services for our cadets under one roof,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Green, knowledge and awareness,” said Copeland. An important part of the deputy superintendent for finance, administration and support. “The process is training peer counselors, who may be the ones most aware new name, VMI Health Center, reflects the diverse services provided for of what their fellow cadets are experiencing.” our cadets.” This may help with attrition rates, Copeland added, “allowing us to The infirmary now shares a floor with counseling services. “This catch the rats before they become too discouraged.” THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 5 Foundation Fund Makes Strong Progress in FY 2008 By Scott Belliveau, VMI Alumni Association At the halfway point of Fiscal Year 2008, one of the more important year is most welcome.” annual fund-raising efforts of the VMI Foundation, the Foundation Fund, The number of alumni who have donated to the Foundation Fund was showing signs of another strong performance, having received increased marginally as well. By Dec. 31, 2006, 2,052 alumni had $1,492,876 in contributions by Dec. 31, 2007. made a gift to the Foundation Fund; a year later, the number of alumni At the same point in Fiscal Year 2007, the Fund had received who had made a gift totaled 2,075. In Fiscal Year 2007, 3,404 alumni $1,268,169; therefore, contributions have increased by almost $225,000 donated to the Foundation Fund. or 18 percent. Pledges to the Foundation Fund also increased from “Participation of alumni in the Foundation Fund is an important $326,595 on Dec. 31, 2006, to $455,865 — an increase of almost 40 element to the overall success of the VMI Foundation’s fund-raising percent. effort,” said Adams. “I am pleased to see that we have a few more alumni “The Foundation Fund enjoyed excellent support from VMI’s alumni making a gift to the Fund, but we must do better in this area. VMI’s need and friends last year, receiving a record amount of $2,560,605 from for unrestricted money remains critical as the costs of sustaining its them,” said Jim Adams ’71, the Foundation’s executive vice president. singular education rise steadily. “VMI needs unrestricted money to maintain and advance its academic “I ask those alumni who have not yet made a donation to the and co-curricular programs and to develop the initiatives related to Foundation Fund to consider making a gift as soon as possible,” Vision 2039. The increasing generosity of our donors to the Fund this concluded Dr. Adams. Costen Court Dedicated

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay, superintendent, presents a certificate to Ralph and Marsha Costen during the dedication of Costen Court in Cameron Hall Jan. 19. The new hardwood floor was named in honor of Ralph Costen ’70, president of Costen Floors Inc. of Richmond, Va., which donated and installed the floor last summer. Also during the ceremony, Duggar Baucom, head basketball coach, presented a commemorative game ball signed by the 2007-2008 Keydet team to Tripp ’97 and Jill Costen. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington. PAGE 6, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 VMI Conducts Notifi cation and Evacuation Exercise By Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis VMI conducted a mass notification and evacuation exercise to test its ability to respond to emergency situations on Jan. 31. “Everyone had arrived at our assembly area within 15 minutes, as instructed in our mass notification, and we had accountability within 35 minutes,” said Col. James N. Joyner Jr., director of auxiliary services and coordinator of the Institute’s emergency planning. VMI has approximately 1,300 cadets and nearly 500 employees. There are 69 major buildings on the 200-acre main post area of the college. Joyner noted that the mass notification was accomplished using a system developed entirely by the VMI staff and that included multiple channels to reach cadets and employees. “We’ve exercised our mass notification system several times in the last few months, and we were confident it would work well,” Joyner said. “This exercise validated that. In addition, the message that was sent triggered the evacuation exercise, which is an important option we have available to respond to a variety of situations.” The exercise was timed to avoid interruption of scheduled classes. Company clerks Jonathan Shirkey (left), A Company, and PJ “The safety and welfare of our cadets and our employees is Karonis, B Company, account for cadets during the evacuation paramount,” Joyner said. “This exercise was one in a continuing series drill formation in Cameron Hall Jan. 31. – VMI Photo by Matt of exercises to help us refine our planning for natural and man-made Graham ’10 emergencies.” Fellowship Enhances Careers of New Math Faculty By Wendy Lovell Membership has its privileges. That’s why Col. Lee Dewald, head of VMI’s mathematics and computer science department, encourages all new faculty to get involved with professional organizations. In fact, four junior mathematics professors have gone or are going through a fellowship program to enhance their careers. Sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, Project NExT – New Experiences in Teaching – is designed to give new professors in the mathematical sciences a boost in all aspects of their academic careers: improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, engaging in research and scholarship, balancing teaching and research, writing grant proposals and participating in professional activities. “Shortly after I hire a new faculty member, I work hard to encourage them to apply for the Project NExT fellowship program,” said Dewald, who has been a member of MAA for 25 years. “The program gives them access to new ideas and networking opportunities. In turn, they bring back fresh ideas, so all of us in the department benefit.” Maj. Leah Lanz, assistant professor of mathematics, is taking Project NExT consists of a series of workshops and panel discussions part in Project NExT, a faculty development initiative of the in conjunction with the semi-annual MAA section meetings. One of Mathematical Association of America. – VMI Photo by Kevin the primary strengths of the program is the establishment of a peer Remington. support group that provides important contacts for beginning faculty. colleagues again in April. Cmdr. Daniel Joseph was a NExT fellow prior Each fellow is assigned a mentor, a seasoned faculty member from to joining the faculty at VMI, and he serves as secretary of the MAA another college or university in the section, and is part of an electronic Maryland-District of Columbia-Virginia Section. Lt. Col. Troy Siemers discussion group. Also, section fellows are invited to take part in Project and Maj. Greg Hartman also have been NExT fellows, and Hartman is NExT activities at the national level. editor of the section’s newsletter. Maj. Leah Lanz is one of 12 in the current NExT fellowship class. “Networking has been the biggest benefit of the NExT fellowship,” She began the two-year program last November and will meet with her Please see page 13 THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 7 Cadet Leaders Break in New Breakout Plan By Bob Holland adds difficulty, but represents the burden carried by the U.S. military as it conducts combat operations in distant regions of the world.” At 8 a.m., Jan. 26, with the temperature at 21 degrees, rats and cadre boarded buses for Lacey Spring Elementary School in Rockingham County, the step-off point. In slightly over four hours, they completed the march to New Market. Regimental executive officer Nicholas Cutting ’08, who was RDC operations officer, noted that it was a Herculean effort to scrap together 460 ruck sacks – including enough for cadre as well as rats – and to fill and weigh each to 35 pounds. He commended Jesse Burnette ’08, Company E executive officer, and all first sergeants and master sergeants for sacrificing “their own personal time” to bring this off. “It truly was a corpswide effort,” said Cutting. Fourth Class cadets, soon to set aside their “rat” status, pull After the march and physical training, “the movement of the howitzers a cannon across the Field of Lost Shoes at the New Market across the battlefield was meant to provide a symbolic and culminating Battlefield in an activity new to Breakout this year. –VMI Photo conclusion to Breakout and the Rat Line in general,” said Widrick. by Kevin Remington. “The idea, which was created by last year’s RDC president, Jason P. Breakout for the Class of 2011 was not only physically demanding but LaCerda ’07, was for the three cannons to be pulled up side by side also rich in symbolism that goes to the core of the VMI experience. across the battlefield. It stresses unity because the rats pull together, It came down to a 12-mile march to the New Market Battlefield with and as they charged the battlefield in September, they start and finish each of the 415 rats toting sand-filled rucksacks, followed by a physical the Rat Line together.” training session with those 35-pound bags on arrival. Finally, the rats After the return to Post, Cmdr. Daniel Joseph ’91, a mathematics pulled three howitzers across the Field of Lost Shoes and fired them professor and adviser to the Class of 2011, spoke at a steak dinner in off. Crozet Hall for rats and dykes. Breakout concluded with traditional After Matriculation and Cadre Week, the Rat Line begins in earnest “Old Yells” in the Old Barracks courtyard. each fall at New Market, where the new 4th class cadets take the Cadet Lt. Col. Roy W. “Willy” Funkhouser ’82, assistant commandant and the Oath and charge across the battlefield. administration’s liaison to the RDC, commended the cadet leadership This year, on Jan. 26, New Market also became the culminating event for “a well-run, well-executed, well-thought-out plan with a lot of in the process of their becoming a unified Class of 2011. hard work and dedication.” He said next year’s 1st Class will decide if The leaders of the 1st Class devised the “ruck march” concept for Breakout will go forward in this innovative form. Breakout and won the blessing of the administration and they hope it will become a major part in how Breakout is accomplished year to year. For many years, the Rat Mass struggled to reach the fourth stoop of the Barracks while upperclassmen resisted them and even greased the stairways. More recently, the rats annually climbed a muddy hill in McKethan Park, again finding the will and a way to overcome resistance. When cadet leaders began talking about a new Breakout, Jacob Widrick ’08, president of the Rat Disciplinary Committee, jokingly said, “They should march 80 miles to New Market,” as the Corps had when called to duty in the Civil War. The full distance was impractical, but soon the cadets realized they had the germ of a good idea: Combine the last leg of the march, which the rats traditionally do just before Thanksgiving furlough, with rucks and howitzers to make it more challenging. “By re-creating the last leg of the march, we recognize the sacrifices made by the cadets who marched the 80 miles in 1864, before fighting as a unit in combat,” said Widrick. “The use of Alice Packs not only Supervised by Cadre, rats work out before the march to New Market during Breakout Jan. 26. – Photo by Matthew Graham ’10. PAGE 8, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 SACS Finalizes VMI Review By Wendy Lovell At its annual meeting last December, the Commission on Colleges of The Institute chose its plan to redefine its core curriculum to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmed the Virginia emphasize leadership and to reflect its emphasis on the citizen-soldier Military Institute’s full accreditation. as its QEP. “The Institute’s full reaccreditation without conditions through 2017 Since completion of the review process last fall, VMI has developed acknowledges the high standard of excellence that guides us all in our and approved and is offering core courses in English composition, VMI roles,” said Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower IV, deputy superintendent world history, mathematics, leadership, physical education and public for academics and dean of the faculty. “These high marks are the speaking this academic year. Beginning with the 2008 Summer result of a broad and impressive effort by the entire VMI team. We can Transition Program, core courses in the sciences will provide options be justifiably proud of these results and where they place the Institute in chemistry, biology and physics. among its peers in higher education.” In addition, the Institute is aligning assessments to accommodate While the review has ended, the work of the Institute continues in the new State Council for Higher Education for Virginia mandate implementing its quality enhancement plan. A new feature and the for value-added assessment in competencies including quantitative centerpiece of the SACS accreditation process, the QEP must focus reasoning, scientific reasoning, written communication and critical on improving student learning, be adequately resourced, include a thinking. means of assessment and be developed with input from all areas of an In 2012, the Institute will provide SACS with a five-year impact report organization. on the QEP. Brodie Named Honorary Alumnus By Wendy Lovell The Board of Directors of the VMI Alumni Association Inc. has named Paris in 1989, has received six first-place awards in the St. Patrick’s Day Col. John A. Brodie, Regimental Band director, an honorary alumnus of Parade in New York City, was the prominent band in the Endymion Parade the Institute. at Mardi Gras in New Orleans 10 times and has represented “John Brodie’s love of the cadets, his love of VMI, and the Institute in its role as musical ambassador. the performance opportunities that he has provided our Brodie also has served the Institute as director of the cadets have brought credit, accolades and numerous Glee Club; founder, coach and player for the Keydet club awards to VMI,” said James F. Spellman Jr. ’85, president hockey team; Band Company tactical officer; and officer of the VMI Alumni Association. in charge in the barracks. “At times he has even dressed as one of them, marched The Institute honored him with a Distinguished Service in their midst and perfected the programs from the Award in 1991, the VMI Achievement Medal in 1999 and inside. From New Orleans to New York, Founders Day Faculty Mentor Awards in 2004 and 2005. Also, Brodie was to convocations and formal dinners, John’s work can be given Honorary Brother Rat status by the Class of 1992. seen, heard and felt.” Col. John Brodie A trumpet soloist, Brodie came to the Institute from the Since Brodie joined the VMI faculty in 1988, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Regimental Band has grown to its largest size since its founding in 1947. Brodie is the 25th person named an honorary alumnus of VMI since It performed as Virginia’s representative at the French Bicentennial in the program began in 1965.

Food Services Changes Hands

Terry Locklair, outgoing food services director at VMI, reviews plans with Peggy Morales, who came on board as food services director in December. Locklair is now director of operations for dining services at the University of Virginia. Morales came to Lexington from Fredericksburg. – VMI Photo by Lori Stevens. THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 9

Deputy Secretary Outlines Treasury’s Role in National Security By Wendy Lovell The United States government is employing all the cards in its deck to fight the war on terrorism, including the Department of the Treasury. Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt explained how the department has evolved in function to include national security in a speech at VMI on Jan. 29. “When many of you think of the Treasury, I am sure you think about our most visible and well known functions: printing paper currency, minting coins, collecting taxes, issuing savings bonds, regulating national banks and managing the economy,” said Kimmitt. “Especially since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Treasury has gone well beyond these time-honored responsibilities and has begun to play an ever-greater role in Robert M. Kimmitt, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, holds protecting our national security. an informal question and answer session with honors cadets. – VMI Photo by Kevin “We contribute on the positive side of Remington. our agenda by strengthening financial systems and contributing to the development of economies Iranian banks and individuals involved in illicit acts. in difficult security environments, such as those in Iraq and “We are beginning to see the isolating effect that financial pressure Afghanistan. We also have a punitive capability – using powerful can have on the Iranian regime as the international community new legal authorities to combat illicit financial activity perpetrated counters Iran’s financial support for terrorism,” said Kimmitt. “We by countries such as Iran and North Korea.” have been sharing information with government and private sector Unbeknownst to most Americans, the department has been active leaders about Iran’s deceptive use of the financial system to try to in the efforts to rebuild Iraq by helping steer that nation in the hide its support for these dangerous activities from the law-abiding direction of firm economic footing. international community. Many financial institutions worldwide have “When Saddam Hussein was forced from power, Iraq’s currency recognized this risk and have dramatically scaled back or cut off was becoming worthless, and counterfeiting was rampant,” Kimmitt altogether their dealings with Iran in all currencies.” told the Corps of Cadets. “In 2004, Treasury helped the government Kimmitt predicted a world in which economic issues will play of Iraq develop a new currency. About 2 billion banknotes have been an even more prominent role in national security and encouraged successfully swapped, and the result has been a stable Iraqi dinar VMI’s cadets to be aware of its importance as they contribute both that is widely used by Iraqis.” in the military and the private sector. The secretary added that Iraqi inflation has declined from 77 A 1969 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, percent in mid-2006 to less than 5 percent by last December. There Kimmitt holds a law degree from Georgetown University and has has been a surge in registered businesses – 500 percent post-Saddam distinguished himself both militarily and in public service as well – and with the advent of mobile technology, there are 8 million cell as in the private sector. He has served as deputy secretary of the phone subscribers, and more than 260,000 Internet subscribers, Treasury since 2005, as ambassador to Germany, under secretary of up from an estimated 4,500 before the war. In addition, the United state for political affairs, general counsel to the Treasury Department States has helped the new Iraqi government broker deals with and at the White House as National Security Council executive creditors to help eliminate and reduce debt, and it has helped identify secretary and general counsel. He is a member of the Council on and recover more than $2 billion stolen by the Hussein regime. Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy. Kimmitt used the Treasury’s role in U.S. policy toward Iran to Kimmitt’s visit to Post was sponsored by the John M. and Jane further outline its function in protecting national security. It has N. Roberts American Free Enterprise Program and is part of VMI’s alerted other countries about the threat Iran poses to the international Distinguished Speakers Series, which brings key themes and issues financial system and has implemented financial measures against of the day to the Institute Corps and community. PAGE 10, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 Greater Alumni Support Key to Enduring Success By Scott Belliveau, VMI Alumni Association VMI alumni are renowned for their intense loyalty to VMI. In one majority of it from the VMI Foundation, will constitute more than 31 category of loyalty — the willingness to make a gift or commitment in percent of its budget. support of the Institute — VMI alumni are found, though, to be more Moreover, the projects associated with Vision 2039 require sustained reserved than one might expect. In fact, only a little more than 36 financial support. percent of VMI graduates made a gift in Fiscal Year 2007. “To be frank, the enduring success of Vision 2039 will depend on “Other colleges and universities would be delighted with such a the success of fund raising, and that can be successful only through participation rate,” said Jim Adams ’71, executive vice president of sustained giving by VMI’s alumni,” said Adams. the VMI Foundation. “However, given our reputation for loyalty, it is a “Increasing alumni participation matters, therefore, because non- curious phenomenon.” participating alumni represent the greatest current source of untapped The VMI Foundation is concerned about the number of VMI alumni financial support for VMI,” he continued. “If half of the approximately who do not make gifts because private financial support, at any level, 8,000 graduates who didn’t make a gift to VMI last year donated $250 compounds with other gifts to provide funds that are critical to VMI. to VMI this year, it would generate $1,000,000 in unrestricted money “It used to be that money from the Foundation was considered to for VMI.” provide ‘a margin of excellence,’” said Adams, “because the funds that “Thanks to a lot of work by VMI Foundation’s staff and class agents, VMI received from cadets’ tuition and fees and the Commonwealth of alumni are now better educated about the importance of private support Virginia was sufficient to support the annual operations of VMI.” to VMI. This increased awareness has prompted a steady increase in This situation changed in the 1970s and 1980s as state support as the percentage of alumni who make a gift to VMI. a percentage of VMI’s annual revenues declined. At the same time, the “In Fiscal Year 2003, 27.6 percent of our graduates made a gift or cost of adhering to “the VMI Way” — small classes and a demanding commitment to VMI; in Fiscal Year 2007, 36.2 percent of them did so,” Barracks experience — increased markedly. Soon, the money from added Adams. private sources was essential to maintaining the Institute’s singular “All of us on Post are grateful to those alumni who give. Alumni education. participation, though, still has a long way to go before it matches the Indeed, in the current academic year, state funds will amount to less historic highs of late 1980s,” concluded Adams, “and VMI’s need for than 26 percent of VMI’s operating budget, and private support, the private support is not about to disappear.”

Women’s Soccer Team Wins Academic Award By Bob Holland The VMI women’s soccer team, which advanced to Division I status in 2003, has won national honors for academic excellence. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America awarded VMI women’s soccer the Team Academic Award. To qualify, a team’s GPA had to be 3.0 or above for the 2006-07 season. The VMI team’s was 3.20, which put women’s soccer in select company even within the national roll of honored squads. In addition, VMI women’s soccer was one of the Keydet teams winning three of the Team Sportsmanship Awards given by the for its six fall sports. The other VMI winners were men’s soccer and football. “I am extremely proud of the academic effort the 2006-07 women’s soccer team made,” Coach Bryan Williams commented. “This recognition of these student-athletes, and in particular the five seniors Erin Squires (left) and Alexa Bernas, the two seniors on VMI’s that led this team, is well earned. NCAA women’s soccer team, stand with head coach Bryan “This is quite an honor for everyone associated with the program. With Williams. The team was recently recognized for academic this award coming at virtually the same time as being recognized for the excellence. – Photo courtesy of Chuck Steenburgh. 2007 Big South Women’s Soccer Sportsmanship Award, it shows that our men’s soccer, swimming and cross country – had cumulative GPAs program is building the right way, and we’re being recognized for that.” above 2.7 for the fall semester, noted Stephen Ross, academic adviser In addition to women’s soccer, four NCAA teams at VMI – wrestling, to NCAA athletes. THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 11

Visitors from Taiwan

Taiwanese cadets met with Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ‘62 during a Jan. 21-24 visit to Post that included participation in classes, tours of Post and the VMI Museum, lectures, sports and a farewell Chinese dinner. Peay welcomed the 13 cadets and their two faculty advisers and told them about the long relationship between VMI and the Republic of China Military Academy and gave them an overview of Vision 2039. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI Multimedia Presentation Attracts Attention By Sherri Tombarge Words, white on black, draw the eyes to the center of the screen. technologies.” “We were all looking for a challenge.” The presentation is part of a new recruitment initiative in which Cadets, male and female, fade in – in uniform, at attention, one prospective cadets receive an invitation in the mail that contains a unit. personal URL. When they visit the site, the video rolls. “Something that would test our limits.” It tells the VMI story through the words of Cadet Chris Alderman ’08, Cadets, brown T-shirt- and fatigue-clad, intensity etched in their faces, who wrote them in an unsolicited editorial for The Cadet. That, said appear, running in formation. Goetz, is one reason it works. Each line, each image, smartly framed in VMI black, resonates with “Its strength is [that] it comes from the Corps, it resonates with the music playing majestically in the alumni and it helps to engage the background. prospective students.” Click on www.imaginevmi.com, The video ends with an invitation and that’s what you get: the VMI from Jim Spellman, president of Communication and Marketing the VMI Alumni Association, which Office’s new recruiting video, a funded the project, to a recruitment Macromedia Flash presentation reception where alumni will meet that recently won a third-place with prospective students and their Special Merit Award from the families. Council for Advancement and “It touches a chord for those who Support of Education for the have been here,” said Goetz, “the Southeastern United States. challenges they’ve overcome.” “It’s a one-minute piece Apparently it touches a chord with designed to tell the VMI story,” said prospective students as well. “We Maj. Amy Goetz, assistant director know that because it has been viewed and marketing manager for the an average of 1.9 times for every Communications and Marketing Office who, with Denmar Information student who has logged on,” said Goetz. “So some students are watching Technologies, developed the video. it three or four times. Whenever you see data like that, it points to a It competed against interactive Web pages, digital e-mails and a host of success.” other projects in the council’s Division III CD-ROM and other Electronic Dennis Hackemeyer ’80, who runs Denmar, can track viewings. Communications category. “It shows a secondary effect, that they very likely are showing this “It’s an honor when VMI is recognized among colleges,” said Goetz. to friends and family that aren’t even on our mailing list,” said Goetz. “It confirms that we are on track in the development of the use of these “They’re coming back to watch it again later.” Please see page 12 PAGE 12, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008

Hentz Awarded Visiting Fellowship at Hoover Institute By Wendy Lovell

Col. James J. Hentz, head of the Department of cited and assigned to classes at the undergraduate and International Studies and Political Science, has been graduate level across Africa, Europe and North America. awarded the Duignan Distinguished Visiting Fellowship His most recent contribution to African studies is the at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute. new journal, African Security, which began publication The fellowship will begin June 1 and last for approximately earlier this year. Hentz is the editor-in-chief. six weeks. Hentz will explore the dynamics of civil war The fellowship, named for Hoover senior fellow across the Horn of Africa and examine how U.S. policy emeritus Peter J. Duignan and his wife, Frances, is might address those conflicts. The title of his project is, available to visiting scholars who have distinguished “Old Wars and New Wars in the Horn of Africa: Conflict, themselves through their research and writing about Contagion and Chain Reactions.” Africa, the Middle East and Western Europe; all are Col. James Hentz Most of Hentz’ research is in African studies, and his areas on which Duignan focused during his career at journal articles and book chapters have a wide audience and have been the Hoover Institution. The fellowship includes a cash award.

Marine Scholarship Numbers on the Rise By Capt. Joseph Garaux, Naval ROTC An increased number of commissioning “boat spaces” is being offered been approved to have the highest number of Marine-options selected this year by VMI’s Naval ROTC Department. The additional offering of for matriculation at a single university or institution. three- and two-year scholarships is the result of a January 2007 proposal Additionally, a new commissioning program has been started by the by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to expand the number of troops in the Marine Corps in order to meet the demands being placed in the Reserve various branches of the U.S. armed forces. Nearly 28,000 more Marines component. This program, the Platoon Leaders Class – Reserve, now are being recruited, bringing the total from 174,000 to 202,000. offers commissions directly into the Marine Reserves for those who VMI NROTC has nominated 20 Marine-option candidates for qualify. Previously, if a Marine Officer wanted to serve in the reserves, scholarships, the largest number submitted during the past four years, he or she would be required to fulfill an initial four-year active duty tour to the March selection board. VMI has always competed well on the before being eligible for reserve transition. Marine Corps scholarship selection board, with the past-three-year Candidates who pursue this program will be assigned to reserve duty average yielding a 90 percent selection rate. immediately after the completion of The Basic School and follow-on Even better results are expected with this year’s applicants. designator training. An added feature of this program is the individual’s The number of four-year Marine scholarship recipients will also be ability to select a guaranteed ground specialty or duty station for reserve going up. Primarily because of its productivity, VMI NROTC has recently assignment. Presentation Continued from page 11 One of the major objectives set by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ‘62, students, hence the theme, “Imagine VMI.” superintendent, to include all aspects of the Corps, is achieved in the “We were trying to get students who wouldn’t normally think of VMI photographs, which depict cadets in the classroom, in the lab, in training to imagine what VMI can do for them.” and on the field. Inspired by the possibilities of multimedia technology such as “We wanted to claim the VMI experience for what it is: a challenge,” this video, Goetz is now working with Maj. Kate Crossman, Web said Goetz. “A more informed student is likely to be prepared for all communications designer-editor, to develop multimedia presentations the challenges he or she will face when at the Institute. Our hope is featuring current cadets, explaining the VMI experience. These will this will help reduce attrition.” be used at alumni receptions and on the VMI Web site’s admissions And Goetz wanted to make that challenge appeal to a wide range of page. THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 13 Cadets and Civil Air Patrol Team Up For Flight By Capt. Sabrina L. Sparkman, Air Force ROTC Thirty-five VMI Air Force ROTC cadets flew 81 sorties fall semester with the orientation flight team of Detachment 880 and the Virginia Civil Air Patrol. For only $15 per cadet per year, the cadets receive up to four front-seat and four back-seat one-hour sorties during their ROTC career. Participation in the program placed Detachment 880 first in the Southeast region for number of CAP orientation flights accomplished, a 160-percent increase from the year before. Part of the mission of Air Force ROTC is to provide orientation flights to cadets in order to expose them to the Air Force mission of flying and flight activities. The Civil Air Patrol, operating locally out of Shenandoah Regional Airport, is an auxiliary of the Air Force used for non-combat missions, such as search and rescue and providing motivational training and experience to future Air Force leaders. The flights usually take off from the base airport, fly to and land at another local airport approximately one hour away, and then return. Since cadets are directly exposed to how a plane is controlled in the Air Force ROTC cadets receiving orientation flights with Capt. air, these flights help them assess early on whether a career in aviation Steve Hertz include (back row, from left) Matthew Jones, Liz- is right for them. Anne Carlos, Heidi Beemer, Justin Simmons, Benjamin Smith, Barring bad weather, Detachment 880 is shooting to continue the (front) Garrett Evans and Daniel Williams. Behind them is a upward trend this semester. The pilots, cadre and participating cadets Cessna 182. – Photo courtesy of Air Force ROTC. are all eager and ready to meet this challenge.

Institute Report Available Electronically

Readers of the Institute Report can sign up for a free electronic Report will be available as a PDF file, a format that presents documents subscription to the publication. The subscription provides a worldwide in a form nearly identical to a printed version. The file can easily be E-mail notification of the availability of the publication when it is posted printed on a home or office printer for a hard copy. Previous issues of on the VMI Web site. the publication are also available online. In the notification is a link to the latest issue of the Institute Report To enroll, fill out the brief subscription form (www.vmi.edu/ usually available well before the print version is mailed. The Institute subscribe/) on the VMI website.

Fellowship Enhances Careers Continued from page 6 said Hartman, who completed the program in 2007. “Although we’re “What I like about being a fellow is that what happens at Project from different schools, we’re going through similar circumstances that NExT stays at Project NExT,” said Lanz. “I like that our discussions are we can discuss with each other. Also, being assigned a mentor who confidential because we are freer to share issues with one another.” offers confidential and objective advice was beneficial.” Not every issue discussed by fellows is of a confidential nature. Lanz Hartman added that his participation in the fellowship resulted in a has found conversations about textbooks, teaching methods and dealing greater interest in MAA section meetings, and he continues to benefit with parents and privacy issues helpful. However, when a conversation from his association with other math professors in the region and attends took place about classroom behavior, Lanz found she had little advice section meetings. to give. In the short time she’s been a fellow, Lanz has found the networking “In some ways VMI is very different from other colleges,” said Lanz. opportunities to be quite helpful, as well. “Bad classroom behavior just isn’t an issue here.” PAGE 14, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008

Midwinter Formal

Rupert’s Orchestra from Atlanta, Ga., played for around 1,500 cadets and guests at the Midwinter Formal Feb. 9 in Cocke Hall. Guests included Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford and Mrs. Peay, Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Charles and Mrs. Brower and Commandant Col. Thomas and Mrs. Trumps. –VMI Photo by Kevin Remington.

Commissioning Midshipmen Receive Assignments By Lt. J.T. Gombos, Naval ROTC As the spring semester of 2008 begins, 12 cadets in the Naval ROTC program are seeing their final months at the Institute as a launch point for their careers in military service. For them, graduation day will mean not only a diploma from one of the most competitive military institutes in the country, but a commission to serve as leaders in the finest military in the world. The following midshipmen have been selected to their respective communities: Jonathan Ostermann will attend Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, S.C., for roughly 15 months of training before reporting to his first submarine command. Jason Webb and Jeremy Whitsitt were selected to Basic Underwater Demolition School in Coronado, Calif., for approximately six months, to be followed by U.S. Army parachute training and then assignment Among the Naval ROTC cadets commissioning in May who are to their first SEAL teams. receiving their assignments are (from left) Stephanie Mills, Christopher Malta, Dennis Harbin and Stephanie Mills were Jonathan Ostermann, Dennis Harbin, Walter Stull, Jeremy selected to join the surface warfare community. Surface warfare Whitsitt, Matthew Harrison, Jason Webb and Matthew Turner. officers will first report to their respective ships. Later, during their – Photo courtesy of Naval ROTC. first sea tour, they will attend Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, R.I. fleet service. Allan Fortier, Nikolai Howe and Matthew Turner will attend Aviation Three other soon-to-be ensigns are waiting for interviews or additional Preflight Indoctrination at Naval Aviation Schools Command in qualifications for specialized duty before they are selected. Pensacola, Fla. Aviators will spend 18 to 24 months in training before We at NROTC are proud of the success of all of our midshipmen. THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008, PAGE 15 Post Briefs VMI Places Second in College Bowl will compete in the College Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 23 at VMI’s College Bowl team placed second out of eight teams at the Big Virginia Tech. South tournament Feb. 2 at Liberty University. Of three teams that finished 5-2, Liberty University took first place with 350 total points, Kilroy Edits Homeland Security Affairs Special Issue while VMI had 290 and Gardner-Webb, 220. The VMI team was Col. Richard J. Kilroy Jr., professor of International Studies, recently composed of cadets Mackenzie Colella ’08, team captain, and Joseph edited a special edition of Homeland Security Affairs, “Cross Border Swearingen ’08, Joe Brennan ’08, John Maurice ’10 and Patrick Security in North America.” The special edition also carries an article Leugers ’11. Of the 40 players in the tournament, Leugers was sixth he wrote, “Perimeter Defense and Regional Security Cooperation in in individual scoring with 21.4 points per game; Colella, ninth with North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico.” The article is 17.9 points; and Swearingen, 11th with 15.7 points. Advised by Dr. accessible online at the journal’s Web site, http://www.hsaj.org/?special: Michael Crowley, English instructor and Writing Center tutor, the team home=supplement.1.

Tapping the Power to Change Perception

VMI’s International Club Stages Film, Discussion Event

By Sherri Tombarge “All of our careers will most likely be molded because of Sept. Barbari used anecdotes from his abroad experiences – such as 11, and understanding the cultural implications and consequences the Muslim woman covered from head to toe in traditional garments of the catastrophe will greatly assist cadets in understanding their on the public street whose cell phone rang an American rhythm and environment.” blues song – and leading questions to That’s the opinion of Cadet Rammy provide background and momentum for Barbari, who spent spring semester last the discussion. year at the University of Jordan and this “My study abroad experience had an year is president of VMI’s International enormous impact on me, because I not Club. only had my own eyes pried open by “The club,” said Barbari, “is absolutely the immersion in Arabic culture, but I essential to the VMI experience because saw two of my Brother Rats truly gain an many cadets are not too keen on cultural understanding and respect for Arabs and awareness. I want cadets to broaden their beliefs and traditions,” said Barbari their horizons with regard to being in an interview later. knowledgeable about world events “I know that both of my BRs will be 100 and being able to see things through a times better Army officers after graduating different set of eyes.” here because of their experiences in Apparently cadets are ready to Jordan.” broaden. More than 60 turned up for “I want this to be a forum for everyone just the International Club’s first event this to speak their minds,” he said that evening, semester, a film and discussion Feb. 8. inviting cadets who had been abroad to “Why the Hate? America from a Muslim International Club president cadet Rammy Barbari share their own experiences. Point of View” explored the mixed ’09 (left) and cadet Adam Grabill ’09 take an Calling the discussion “engaging,” Barbari emotions felt by Muslims around the excursion to Egypt during their semester in Jordan observed that the cadets had “had an world toward the U.S. since the terrorist last spring. – Photo courtesy of Rammy Barbari. open and respectful dialogue.” He plans attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. to improve the set up at future events by The cadets gathered in Preston Library’s Turman Room for pizza and, arranging seating so cadets can face one another and preparing slide following the film, stayed to talk. presentations or handouts to aid discussion. “The American public doesn’t really make the effort to make Barbari hopes to show a series of films on a variety of issues during the the distinction between radical Islam and Muslims,” observed one course of the semester. “They are meant to really stimulate discussion cadet. and get people talking. I’m a strong believer in dialogue and its power “When you don’t understand something, you dislike it,” offered to change minds and perceptions,” said Barbari. another. And then there’s the power of pizza. With such strong interest among “Foreign policies really affect the people over there,” remarked cadets, there’s one change Barbari will be sure to make for future events: another. “They see U.S. support for countries with no democracy.” “Next time we’ll definitely order more.” PAGE 16, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, FEBRUARY 2008 Sparky Woods Named New VMI Head Football Coach Courtesy of VMI Sports Information Athletic director has named Sparky to extend my thanks and gratitude to General Peay, Woods as VMI’s new head football coach. the committee, and special thanks to Coach Donny Woods, a veteran coach in the college ranks with White for the confidence he has shown in us. I over 30 years of experience, replaces Jim Reid who am appreciative of Coach Jim Reid and his staff’s resigned the position in January to become outside contributions to the program and intend to visit with linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins. each assistant coach as we go through the process of Woods becomes the 30th head coach in the assembling a staff. I especially look forward to meeting Institute’s 117-year football history. He brings ten the players as we work together to keep VMI football years of head coaching experience at both the SEC moving ahead in the years to come.” and FCS (I-AA) level. Woods recently served as running backs coach at “I am extremely happy that Sparky Woods was Alabama from 2003 through 2006. The Tide led the interested in VMI,” said White. “His experience SEC in rushing for three consecutive seasons (2003, as a head football coach, both at Appalachian State 2004, 2005). University and the University of South Carolina, Sparky Woods – Courtesy of Woods was also head coach at South Carolina from put him at the top of our list. I also like his rich University of Alabama Athletics. 1989-93, and later served as offensive coordinator and background as an offensive coordinator in some quarterbacks coach at Memphis (1995-96), Virginia outstanding programs. I am excited about the potential of VMI Football (1997-98), and Mississippi State. At Virginia, Woods tutored NFL QB and I feel that Coach Woods will build a successful program here.” Aaron Brooks who finished as the school’s third all-time leading passer “I am pleased that Coach Woods has accepted our offer and the (5,118 yds) and second all-time leader in passing TD’s (33). While at challenge to lead VMI football,” said VMI Superintendent General J.H. MSU, Woods coached MSU’s all-time passing leader Wayne Madkin and Binford Peay III. “We are fortunate to have such a highly principled, help establish record-setting offenses for the Bulldogs. seasoned coach and we are confident in his abilities to win here and Woods as an assistant coach participated in five bowl games: the 2006 do so in the VMI way.” Cotton Bowl, 2004 Music City Bowl, 2000 Independence Bowl, 1999 Woods, 54, returns to the FCS (I-AA) ranks where he produced a Peach Bowl, and 1998 Peach Bowl. successful run as head coach of Appalachian State for five seasons In 1994, Woods served as an offensive assistant for the New York Jets. from 1984 through 1988. Woods guided the Mountaineers to a 38-19-2 Woods is a 1976 graduate of Carson-Newman, and began his coaching mark and two titles (1986, 1987) and two I-AA career at Tennessee later that year. In 1977, he moved to Kansas before playoff appearances. Over the two-year span in ‘86-‘87, Appalachian serving one year as defensive backs coach at North Alabama in 1978. State posted a perfect 13-0 conference mark. From 1979 to82 he coached at Iowa State, handling the receivers The Southern Conference tabbed Woods as Coach of the Year for three before joining Appalachian State in 1983 as offensive coordinator, consecutive years (1985-87) and he was also named Kodak Region II quarterbacks, and running backs coach under . One year Coach of the Year in 1986. As a head coach overall, Woods holds a 62- later, Woods was named head coach at Appalachian State. 47-5 mark. Woods is married to the former Jean Ann Higginbotham and the “We are excited about joining the Keydets,” said Woods. “I wanted couple has two children, son Casey (24), and daughter Emily (20).

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE NON-PROFIT COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICE ORGANIZATION LEXINGTON, VA 24450-0304 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 14 LEXINGTON, VA 24450-0304