Published: October 14, 2025
Dear VMI Alumni,
Just one month ago, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 arrived on post as VMI’s 16th superintendent. In the short time since his arrival, he has had remarkable energy and passion for the Institute, engaging deeply with cadets, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Today, he shares his vision for strengthening collaboration across the VMI community and supporting our shared mission. He looks forward to expanding the Institute’s impact—on our nation and the world—through the purposeful lives and leadership of our alumni.
Please take a moment to read Lt. Gen. Furness’ letter below.
Sincerely,
David Prasnicki
VMI Alumni Agencies
Chief Executive Officer
Statement of Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87
VMI’s 16th Superintendent
Oct. 13, 2025
To the Alumni of Virginia Military Institute,
It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 16th superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. As I begin this journey, I want to share with you the expectations I’ve set for our Corps of Cadets, faculty, and staff—expectations rooted in honor, discipline, education, and mutual respect. These time-tested and timeless values are the same values that you learned at VMI, carried into the world after graduation, and exemplify to this very day.
I have asked the cadets, faculty, and staff to recommit to honor, academic excellence, military bearing and discipline, respect and accountability, and physical and mental toughness. I have asked them to embrace these ideals, not merely as a set of rules, but as guiding principles for their behavior and actions every day. These values should continue to grow within each of us—not as mere ideals, but as a way of life. They have long defined the character of this institution and set our graduates apart from others across the nation. At its core, my message is simple: I am asking every member of the VMI community to commit wholeheartedly to the pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. For I believe that how we do anything is how we do everything. Excellence is not a part-time pursuit; it must be a habit of thought and action that pervades everything we do!
In this pursuit of excellence, I am asking for assistance and help from our alumni. You are the living, breathing soul of the Institute, the guardians of our traditions who uphold and personify our legacy of honor, courage, and excellence. Your connection to today’s Corps of Cadets endures—through your personal example and the daily demonstration of our world-renowned brother rat spirit. This spirit continues to provide tangible benefits and opportunities to our cadets and enriches the lives of every alumnus and alumna. Your continued engagement is essential to the future health of the Institute. In that regard, I need your help in:
Since the announcement of my appointment as superintendent, I have heard from many of you. I continue to listen as I visit chapter and alumni events around the country. For those who are concerned VMI has lost its way, let me assure you the strength of the VMI program is evident in the stellar cadets who walk this post. I am committed to our values, traditions, and unique process of educating young men and women. I fervently believe that if we all do our part, we will ensure that VMI remains a beacon of excellence in education, athletics, and leadership well into the 21st century. I look forward to working with every alumnus and alumna to reach that desired end state as soon as possible. Rah Virginia Mil, Whole Damn Team!
Respectfully,
David J. Furness ’87
Lieutenant General, USMC (retired)
16th Superintendent of Virginia Military Institute
