Published: January 26, 2026
Fellow Alumni, VMI Family, and Friends,
On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, VMI’s 16th superintendent, testified before a Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee to affirm the enduring value of a VMI education. This action was in response to two recently filed House bills, both raising questions about the value and public benefit of a VMI education.
At the same time, the VMI Alumni Agencies was developing a plan to mobilize alumni, family, and friends to defend the Institute, its mission, and its worthiness for support, to include blanketing Richmond and the capitol with a two-sided full-page ad in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and having 300 copies delivered to capitol offices. Click here to view the contents of the ad and see current ranking metrics.
View Richmond Times-Dispatch Ad
From Lt. Gen. Furness:
“We know exactly who we are and what we stand for: Honor, integrity, and a life of responsibility in service to something greater than ourselves. Our cadets and alumni carry powerful stories of transformation and accomplishment. These stories inspire and define us; they are within each of us. We need to share them boldly.”
Our Immediate Ask:
- Share your real story of VMI—the leadership, service, and character the Institute instills and the impact its graduates make across Virginia and the nation.
- Do not react with criticism and vitriol that will discredit VMI. Instead, maintain the composure of a citizen-soldier to defend VMI honorably with tact and logic.
- See below for three opportunities to comment; positive outcomes speak louder than any debate.
- Contact your Virginia representative urging support for VMI and get as many of your friends and family as possible to do so, as well. Find your representative here.
- House Bill 1377 calls for a study to determine whether VMI should continue to receive state funding. This is the bill that is assigned to the House Rules Committee. Let the committee know how the VMI experience has positively affected your life. Submit written comments here.
- House Bill 1374 calls for the dissolution of the VMI Board of Visitors and places governance of VMI under the Virginia State University Board of Visitors. The bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee. Submit written comments here.
Also, for those concerned by recent news reports or uncertain about VMI’s position, let me be clear: The VMI Alumni Association fully supports the stance of Lt. Gen. Furness. As he has stated, “Addressing and eliminating harassment and any form of uncivil behavior—challenges faced on campuses nationwide—remains one of our highest priorities. Such conduct has no place at VMI and will not be tolerated.”
As the Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies continue to develop separate but synchronized plans, we will keep you informed.
Rah Virginia Mil,
Brandon Bissell ’98
Chief Operating Officer
VMI Alumni Association
