Commandant's Column

Forging the Future - Together

This past April, I had the honor of assuming the role of commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. As I walked Upper Quad, stood before our formation, and spent time with our remarkable cadets, I was struck by the spirit that lives at the heart of this Corps: a blend of tradition and transformation, of purpose and potential. The Corps of Cadets is not merely a college experience—as all of you know, it is a calling. The young men and women who answer that call represent the very best of what this institution stands for: honor, duty, leadership, and service above self.  

From the moment I joined this community, I was reminded that this Corps is a living legacy—one that spans over 150 years of leadership development and character building. We are deeply rooted in tradition, from our cadet uniforms and pass in reviews, to our collective commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). But we are not confined by tradition; we are inspired by it. It challenges us to evolve, to stay relevant, and to prepare our cadets not just for service, but for impact—in uniform or out, in boardrooms or classrooms, on the battlefield or in hometown communities.

In my short time here, I have come to see what makes our Corps exceptional: it is our student body – the cadets. Our cadets come from diverse backgrounds from across our country and the world, bringing with them a richness of experience and a strength of character that fills me with pride and hope. They are disciplined, selfless, and relentlessly committed to improving themselves and each other. They carry a heavy burden—academics, ROTC requirements, physical fitness, and cadet responsibilities—yet they meet every challenge head-on. They set expectations. They plan. They lead. They get things done.  

As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves an essential question: How do we shape the next chapter of the Corps while remaining true to our core mission and traditions? This summer, we will begin crafting a new strategic plan—one that will guide our growth and ensure we remain a national leader in character and leadership development. It will be grounded in four principles:

People First – We will prioritize the care, mentorship, and development of every cadet, staff member, and ROTC partner. A culture of respect, trust, and mutual support will be our foundation.

Excellence Always – From physical training to academic performance, from drill to leadership labs, we will pursue excellence in all we do, setting and maintaining high standards and holding ourselves accountable to them.

One Corps, One Team – Army, Navy/Marine Corps, Air Force/Space Force, Citizen-Leader Track—we are stronger together. Our unity and joint acculturation define us. We will foster cohesion, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose across every company and class.

Purpose Beyond Self – We will reinforce our commitment to Ut Prosim—not just as a military ideal, but as a way of life. Our cadets will graduate ready to serve their country, their communities, and a cause greater than themselves.

I know the road ahead is not without challenges. But I also know that this Corps has never backed down from a challenge. We were made for moments like this. With your support, and with the strength of our cadets, we will lead boldly into the future—preserving the soul of our Corps while adapting to meet the demands of a dynamic world.

Thank you for welcoming me into this extraordinary community. It is the honor of my life to serve as your commandant. Let’s get to work—together.

Let's go, Hokies!

Maj. Gen. William H. Seely III

U.S. Marine Corps (retired)

Commandant of Cadets