The Virginia Military Institute has found the right man to lead the institution through a very turbulent time.
After being named interim superintendent last fall, retire Major General Cedric T. Wins has taken the leap to become the institution’s full-time superintendent.
With this historic appointment he becomes the first African-American superintendent in the school’s history.
“Major General Wins has distinguished himself as a leader whose dedication to the Institute’s mission to the Corps of Cadets has endeared him to many during his brief time as interim superintendent,” VMI Board of Visitors President John William Boland quoted.
“VMI’s mission, Honor Code, and regimental and class systems are vitally important to the future success of our institution. There’s no question that Maj. Gen. Wins is the correct choice to persevere and advance VMI’s unique system of education going forward.”
Wins is a 34-year veteran and a member of VMI’s 1984 gradating class. He returns to his alma mater at a turbulent time. Last year. VMI graduate and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam approved a $1 million budget to investigate allegations of racism at the school. These allegations ultimately led to the resignation of Wins’ predecessor J.H. Binford Peay III.
Gov. Northam wrote a letter to the school expressing his deep concerns about the clear and appalling culture of ongoing structural racism.
He goes onto say Black cadets at VMI have long faces repeated instances of racism on campus, including horrifying new revelations of threats about lynching, vicious attacks on social media, and even a professor who spoke fondly of her family’s history with the Ku Klux Klan.
To say nothing of inconsistent application of the Institutes Honor Code.
As a graduate of VMI, Wins believes he’s the guy who can make the post be changes needed at the institution.
He also says he’s excited to return to VMI, a place that had an extraordinary impact on him as leader and person.
Wins also believes now more than ever, the lessons and values of VMI are essential in today’s world.
