VMI Center For Leadership and Ethics

Today, we remember D-Day and honor the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Their example reminds us that leadership is often revealed in moments of uncertainty, when duty, courage, and commitment to something greater than self are required.

May we continue to remember their legacy and reflect on the enduring example of service, sacrifice, and principled leadership they left behind.

Photo credit: National Archives, 26-G-2337.

What does peer leadership really look like?

In this episode of VMI Leader Journey, Cadet Heaton Lawrence ’26 shares what VMI taught him about leading peers, handling setbacks, and earning trust every day.

Always on Parade with Heaton Lawrence '26 What does peer leadership really look like — and what does it cost ...

Educate. Engage. Inspire.

This year the Center for Leadership & Ethics was filled with meaningful moments, from conferences and guest speakers to a Medal of Honor recipient, a one-man play, debates, civil discourse, competitions, and opportunities for cadets to lead, learn, and grow.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the next academic year.

Emerging Leaders concluded the academic year with a final session featuring Brig. Gen. Robert Moreschi, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty.

This professional development program gives VMI faculty and staff the opportunity to strengthen communication, decision-making, coaching, and leadership skills within the VMI culture. Their growth supports not only their departments, but also the cadets they serve and lead by example.

Congratulations to this year’s cohort on a strong finish.

Wrapping up the 2025–26 Civil Discourse Initiative

Members of the Civil Discourse Initiative recently gathered to celebrate a successful year. The group closed out the academic year with several meaningful accomplishments, including a presentation to the VMI Board of Visitors.

Pictured left to right: COL Sara Whipple, Cadet Amaral ’28, Cadet Richardson ’28, Cadet Tiller ’27, Cadet Farrell ’28, Cadet Denton ’27, LTC Kim Connolly, and COL Dimitrova-Grajzl.

Not pictured: Cadet Layman ’26 and Cadet Marlang ’27.

Building Bridges, VMI Service Club

Dr. Tucker wrapped up her CLE Beyond the Walls Lunch and Learn professional development training with the Air Force ROTC faculty team. The session focused on AI and adaptive leadership, using real-world examples, case studies, debate, and discussion to explore change and decision-making.

Team VMI recently competed in the Military Ethics Case Competition, hosted by the Stockdale Center at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Great to see our cadets representing VMI in thoughtful discussion, ethical decision-making, and leadership development.

The final Food for Thought session of the semester took place this week with a powerful discussion on capital punishment.

Cadets and guests explored difficult questions about justice, cost, rehabilitation, wrongful convictions, and cases in which constitutional violations were recognized but not fully corrected by the legal system.

The conversation encouraged cadets to think deeply about accountability, fairness, and the ethical responsibilities of those who serve within legal and civic institutions.

Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives and contributed to such a thoughtful discussion.

Building Bridges, VMI Service Club

VMI colleagues joined a CLE Beyond the Walls Lunch and Learn Seminar on Ethics, Accountability, and Answerability, taught by Dr. Tucker. Through open discussion and role-play, participants reflected on ethical leadership, personal responsibility, and accountability to themselves and others. These seminars help strengthen interpersonal and managerial skills for leading teams and small groups. Interested in future Lunch and Learns? Reach out to the CLE.