Retired Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, the Virginia Military Institute’s (VMI) first Black superintendent, will not have his contract renewed. This decision came despite his achievements, including boosting enrollment and securing over $321 million for facility upgrades.
Wins, who led the nation’s oldest state-supported military college for four and a half years, said “partisan politics” influenced the Board of Visitors’ decision. “This decision was not based on my performance or the tangible progress we achieved. It is the result of a partisan choice that abandons the values of honor, integrity, and excellence upon which VMI was built,” he stated.
Board of Visitors’ Controversial Decision
The VMI Board of Visitors, appointed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, held a closed meeting last week. In a 6-10 vote, they decided not to extend Wins’ contract. Board President John Adams, also a Youngkin appointee, praised Wins’ leadership but did not explain the board’s decision.
Two board members, C. Ernest Edgar IV and retired Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, voted to extend Wins’ contract, while another member, Maj. Gen. James Ring, was absent. The board has not yet announced the process for selecting a new superintendent.
Achievements Under Cedric Wins’ Leadership
Wins became VMI’s superintendent in 2020, stepping in during a challenging period marked by allegations of racism at the institution. His leadership saw a turnaround in enrollment, reversing a decade-long decline.
He also secured a $3.8 million grant to increase Pell Grant enrollment and boosted state funding by 50%. Wins maintained budget surpluses despite earlier projections and led efforts to modernize VMI while preserving its traditions.
Diversity Efforts Faced Backlash
During his tenure, Wins pushed to expand Title IX and strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, this led to opposition from a group of alumni, parents, and students affiliated with the Spirit of VMI PAC.
The group urged supporters to “reject the woke assault on VMI,” reflecting resistance to Wins’ modernizing efforts. Wins noted that while many supported his vision, “the winds of resistance by the few have drowned out those who desire to bring the Institute into the 21st century.”
What’s Next for VMI?
The board’s next scheduled meeting is set for May 1-3, but a special session may happen earlier to discuss the transition. Wins expressed gratitude to VMI’s faculty, staff, and alumni who supported him.
VMI remains committed to its mission of educating future leaders. However, the board’s decision not to renew Wins’ contract raises questions about the institute’s direction, particularly regarding diversity and modernization.
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