Mobilize for VMI: Speak up for State Support

Mobilizing the VMI Family

VMI’s strength has always come from the VMI family. Today, alumni, parents, cadets, and friends across the country have an important role to play in ensuring the Institute remains a vital part of the Commonwealth. The Virginia General Assembly is considering legislation that could significantly affect VMI’s future, and your voice can make the difference.

This page gives you everything you need to take action now: We invite you to contact legislators online, by phone, and in person.

Three Ways to Help: Write, Call, and Visit In Person During VMI Days Feb. 11 and Feb. 24

It is critical that the VMI family show up to support the Institute. The mobilization plan provides important links based on your desired method of support. Write your Virginia House of Delegates and Senate members, call their offices and speak with them, or, most importantly, go to Richmond and tell them in person how important VMI is to the Commonwealth and nation. It is important that this work gets started right now. If you can visit in person soon, please do so by referring to the mobilization plan below.

VMI Days Feb. 11 and Feb. 24

VMI Days will be held Feb. 11 and Feb. 24 to advocate for the Institute. In your VMI colors, you will meet directly with your legislators, share your story, be a strong and respectful presence, and help ensure the full value of a VMI education is understood. Hosting a day on behalf of VMI is customary among many educational institutions and advocacy groups seeking to build relationships with lawmakers.

Latest Updates from Richmond

Legislation evolves quickly. We plan to release updates on new developments in Richmond on this page to provide a single point of reference.

2/23/26: HB1374 has been assigned to the Senate Education and Health Committee. HB1377 has been assigned to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. Neither has been assigned a subcommittee.

For VMI Day Feb. 24, plan on attending the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee wearing VMI colors at 9 a.m. in Senate Room A, Room 305. There is no information on whether HB1377 will go to a subcommittee or straight to a committee. View the mobilization plan page for details on visiting Richmond, including printable leave-behinds. 

2/13/26: The second VMI Advocacy Day has been scheduled for Feb. 24.

2/11/26: Lt. Gen. Furness ’87 released the following statement regarding HB1374:

Cadets, faculty, and staff:

This morning, I testified before the House Education Committee in support of an amended HB1374.

HB 1374 now focuses on the structure and makeup of the board members and no longer grants oversight of VMI to another school’s board of visitors. The amended bill keeps intact VMI’s Board of Visitors and will allow VMI’s board to continue to provide experienced, non-political oversight that is focused on the Institute’s mission and unique educational model.

I am appreciative to the patron of the bill for the time he spent listening to cadets during his visit to Lexington and his willingness to engage with the Institute. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to make all Virginians proud of VMI.

Many thanks to all who continue to demonstrate professional support and advocacy for VMI. Please keep reaching out to members of the General Assembly to share the value of the VMI experience

LtGen David J. Furness ’87, USMC (retired)
Superintendent​

2/6/26: While phone calls and emails are vital and provide a record of your efforts, we are designating a couple of days in Richmond to represent VMI, the first being Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, prior to cross-over, and one following cross-over on a date to be determined. View the mobilization plan page to help coordinate a visit to the Virginia State Capitol.

2/5/26: The effort and momentum so far have been essential to our progress. Lt. Gen. Furness ’87 continues to advocate for sustained support, underscoring the importance of maintaining constructive and respectful communication throughout. As he reminds us, “The work is not over. Continue to share the good news story about the value of VMI. Thank you for your continued support.”

Read Full Statement

1/30/26: Sign up for Zoom public comment on HB 1374 by visiting the Virginia House of Delegates website.