Auzenne ’26: Regimental Commander

“VMI only gives you two things—a Rat Bible and an opportunity,” wrote Cadet Devin Auzenne ’26 in the New Cadet Handbook to the Rat Mass of 2026+3.

Making the most of that opportunity has been Auzenne’s goal since he set foot on post, and now, as 2025–26 VMI regimental commander, he wants to lead the Corps to do the same. Choosing VMI for its challenge, tradition, and transformation, Auzenne spent the last 3 years fully embracing the experience. Now, in his 1st Class year, Auzenne is excited to give back through purpose-driven leadership and ensure every cadet has the same challenges and chances to grow.

When he received his U.S. Marine Corps ROTC scholarship, Auzenne began looking at schools with strong ROTC programs that would prepare him to commission after graduation. From the time he discovered VMI through a YouTube video, he thought, “This is the place for me.” Attending an open house during the spring of his senior year of high school sealed the deal.

As an aspiring history major, Auzenne was drawn to VMI’s well-regarded history department and by the tradition and history of the Institute itself. He also had heard stories of the alumni network and how alums were transformed by their experiences, and he wanted that transformation in his own life.

Hailing from Opelousas, Louisiana, Auzenne recalls the excitement of Matriculation Day and the moment he saw Blake Smith ’23, then-regimental commander, and resolved to become the same kind of leader one day. “As a rat, being regimental commander and pursuing rank within a regimental system going into 1st Class was something I really wanted, but I could never have pictured myself seriously being [regimental commander],” said Auzenne.

A history major wearing academic stars, Auzenne strives to remain 100% committed to every aspect of his cadetship. Learning to balance it all has been a challenge, but it has been more than worth it. In addition to participating in boxing and jiu-jitsu, Auzenne has served in leadership roles throughout his cadetship, progressing from Company G 4th Class private, to 3rd Class cadre corporal, to 2nd Class regimental sergeant major. “I have grown and matured a lot—not only as a person, but as a leader,” said Auzenne. “VMI has really taught me confidence as a leader. It’s taught me how to be decisive. It’s taught me how to wear my own skin a lot more confidently, how to walk into a place and have a commanding presence.”

To Auzenne, leadership also entails living out the VMI Honor Code in a holistic manner—in a practical manner and in spirit. “It’s ingrained in us from day one that a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do,” said Auzenne. “[The Honor Code] is also being there for your people; it’s doing the right thing when no one’s looking.”

Each role in his leadership progression, especially regimental sergeant major, has prepared Auzenne and prompted him to consider how he wants to lead as regimental commander. “Working with the regimental commander and regimental executive officer [2nd Class] year, I got to kind of look behind the curtain of how VMI runs and learn all the things it takes to make it run smoothly,” said Auzenne.

In preparing to lead the entire Corps his 1st Class year, Auzenne relied on the lessons he’d learned over the past 3 years, outlining a strategic framework for the Corps focused on peer accountability, passing guidance, and cadet leader empowerment. Peer accountability means ensuring every cadet, regardless of rank, holds each other accountable with the conviction that “each and every person is the face of VMI.” Passing guidance refers to the effective and timely communication of leadership operations and guidance across Corps leadership. Last is cadet leader empowerment, which he explained as encouraging cadets to voice concerns and make a difference at VMI.

His enthusiasm for his new role is palpable, and it flows from the energy of the Corps—especially his fellow 1st Class cadets holding rank or command positions. “They really care deeply about VMI, and [they’ve] really bought into the VMI system,” said Auzenne. Now, the 1st Class leadership is energized and equipped to make a powerful and positive difference. “It just gets people fired up, especially to be able to work with each other because this truly is a special place with special people.”

This ability to begin giving back to the Institute through leadership is important to Auzenne because of what it represents: Opportunity, transformation, and a Corps shaped by the Honor Code. “VMI is one of those places that has so much to offer you that not taking that opportunity would be just leaving, like leaving money, leaving cards on the table,” said Auzenne. “The people who come here—they want to be all that they can be.” He wants to give back to ensure the cadets following him are prepared to lead, just as he is “because at the end of the day, people come here because they want to be leaders.”

The Class of 2026 motto is “earned, never given,” and this has been the regimental and Honor Court systems’ commitment for the upcoming year. Through training and standards, they aim to ensure that cadets earn everything they receive in terms of privileges and success at VMI. This conviction is what prompted Auzenne to write that note to the incoming rats. This chance to seize an opportunity to grow, Auzenne elaborated, is what makes VMI special to him: “That’s one of the things I really love about VMI. It gives you all the tools, but it’s up to you to see what you’re going to do with them.”

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted in spring 2025, shortly after Auzenne was named regimental commander for the 2025-26 academic year.