Virginia Military Institute has named Brigadier General Dallas Clark as acting superintendent. The announcement came Saturday afternoon during a Board of Visitors meeting. This leadership change follows the board’s controversial decision not to extend the contract of Major General Cedric Wins, VMI’s first Black superintendent.
Clark, a VMI graduate, previously served as institute planning officer and deputy superintendent for finance and support. His appointment arrives amid ongoing tensions about VMI’s future direction. Meanwhile, the search continues for a permanent replacement with no firm selection date established.
VMI’s Historic Leadership Transition Sparks Campus Debate
The board’s February vote against extending Wins’ contract beyond June passed with a 6-10 margin. Board members provided no public reasoning for their decision. They did issue a resolution expressing gratitude for Wins’ service during what they called a “tumultuous time” for the institution.
Wins took leadership in 2020 when VMI faced serious accusations of racism. His appointment followed a Washington Post investigation that exposed troubling racial issues. A subsequent state-commissioned report confirmed deep-rooted racial and gender problems at the military college.
During Saturday’s meeting, reactions to the leadership change revealed sharp divisions. Vince Allen, a 1986 graduate, praised the board for “rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.” He urged them to “restore the honor, ideals and traditions of VMI.”
Record Achievements Under First Black Superintendent
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Wins’ tenure included notable successes. Under his leadership, VMI received the second-highest number of applications in school history. He also secured increased state funding and major capital project investments.
These achievements came while navigating extraordinary challenges. The school faced a global pandemic, widespread social unrest, and a decade-long decline in admissions that preceded his arrival. Wins managed these obstacles while implementing requested reforms.
Cadet Isaiah Glover spoke during the board meeting about Wins’ impact. Glover credited the superintendent’s 2021 Business Insider interview for inspiring him to attend VMI. He specifically mentioned the “inclusive culture” he experienced through sports and various programs.
Controversy Over DEI Initiatives Divided VMI Community
Tensions between Wins and certain alumni groups intensified in 2022. The conflict centered on his requests for expanded Title IX funding and strengthened diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These efforts triggered significant backlash from some stakeholders.
A group called the Spirit of VMI PAC actively opposed these initiatives. The political action committee urged supporters to “reject the woke assault on VMI.” This resistance created growing friction between the superintendent and board members.
After the February vote ending his tenure, Wins defended his leadership record. He suggested his contract wasn’t renewed because of “bias, emotion and ideology” rather than performance-based assessment. This statement highlighted the deep divisions within the VMI community.
Search Continues As Alumni Voice Mixed Reactions
The superintendent search committee reported approximately 35 candidates have expressed interest in the position. This update came during the same meeting where Clark was named acting leader. The board has not announced when they expect to select a permanent superintendent.
Ronald Norman, a 1975 graduate, expressed disappointment with the board’s decision during public comments. He praised Wins for doing “nothing but great things for this institute.” Norman questioned whether “personal and hidden agendas” influenced the board’s vote.
Thomas Gottwald, interim board president, responded to concerns about inclusion. “There’s not a person on this board that doesn’t share your desire to have an inclusive culture here at VMI for everyone,” he stated. Gottwald added, “The proof’s in the pudding. So, I’m telling you you can judge it by our actions.”
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