Meet the 186th Regimental Leadership of VMI

Cadet Devin Auzenne ’26, from Opelousas, Louisiana, was named first captain and regimental commander, the highest-ranking position a cadet can hold. His goal as RCO is to foster an environment where cadets excel and are empowered to better the Corps. He chose to come to VMI after receiving a 4-year U.S. Marine Corps scholarship. “I wanted to be as prepared as possible to lead once I commission. VMI has a great Marine officer program, as well as leadership opportunities,” he said. As a 3rd Class cadet, he served as a cadre corporal, and as a 2nd, he served as regimental sergeant major. He was a member of the Regulators boxing club and is involved with the aviation club, the jiu-jitsu club, and is the secretary for the Virginia History Society.

Cadet Mark Stann ’26, named regimental executive officer, is part of a large VMI legacy that includes his grandfather, John Stann Jr. ’69; his father, John Stann III ’95; his uncle, William Stann ’98; and his three brothers, John Stann IV ’21, Matthew Stann ’22, and Luke Stann ’24. He came to VMI because he wanted to face the same challenges they faced. He applied for the position of XO as an opportunity for personal growth, and he wants to ensure the Rat Line is run effectively and smoothly. His current home is in Reston, Virginia, but he grew up in Okinawa, Japan, where his father was stationed as a Marine officer. Stann is majoring in civil engineering and will commission into the U.S. Marine Corps.

The new regimental chief of staff is Cadet Heaton Lawrence ’26, from Richmond, Virginia. He chose to attend VMI because he has family friends who are alumni, and because one of his close friends with whom he attended St. Christopher’s School, Warner Collier ’24, encouraged him to apply. As a 3rd Class cadet, he served as Company F cadre corporal and, as a 2nd, he was the 3rd Battalion sergeant major. Lawrence studied 16th- and 17th-century British literature and history at the University of Oxford in England last summer, and credits the rich experience as instrumental in his academic development. He sits on the Cadet Superintendent’s Advisory Board and is an operations intern for  the VMI Alumni Agencies. Following graduation, he hopes to work for the U.S. Secret Service as a special agent.

The new 1st Battalion commander is Cadet Samantha Waters ’26 from Brooklet, Georgia. A graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School, Waters chose VMI because she knew it produced great leaders. “When I commission into the Navy, I want other officers and leaders to have a positive connection to people from VMI,” she said. For Company A, she served as a cadre corporal as a 3rd Class cadet and operations sergeant as a 2nd. In her new position next year, she wants to help develop cadets into leaders. Her father and brother are two of her role models. “My dad served in the Marine Corps before my brother and I were born, and he has been a police officer our whole lives. My brother serves in the Marine Corps.”

Cadet Sarah Woosley ’26 has been named 2nd Battalion commanding officer. She is from Louisville, Kentucky, and a graduate of the Academy for Individual Excellence. She came to VMI to enhance her college experience and applied for the position of 2nd Battalion CO because she wants a leadership role that allows her to help others succeed and to develop her own management skills. In addition to her rank position, Woosley has been a member of VMI’s Ranger Challenge team since she was a rat. After graduation, she will commission into the U.S. Army and hopes to be an engineer officer. After serving her 4-year commitment, she plans to go back to school to become a physician’s assistant.

Cadet Anastasia Herrell ’26 has been named 3rd Battalion commanding officer. VMI is the only college to which she applied since she is part of a family legacy. Her father graduated from the Institute in 2001. As battalion CO, she wants to be involved in as many cadet activities as possible, and to uphold the importance of cadet training and the regimental system. Herrell stated that her family has been the greatest influence in her life. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them; they are my greatest supporters. She is the daughter of Bradford Herrell ’01 and Anneta Michailidou from Miami, Florida, and an alumna of Coral Gables Senior High School. Upon graduating, she will commission into the U.S. Army.

The new Company A commanding officer is Cadet Seth Patterson ’26 from Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where he attended Montgomery County High School. Patterson initially planned to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school but received a Marine Corps scholarship and chose to attend VMI to best prepare him for the challenges he would face as a Marine officer. During his 3rd Class year, he served as a cadre corporal, and during his 2nd Class year, he was the company’s master sergeant. He applied to the position of CO because of the immense impact previous COs had on his development as a leader. Patterson also wants to see the company continue its current trend of excellence, noting, “This past year, Alpha led the Corps in the highest GPA and lowest number of demerits.”

The new Company B commanding officer is Cadet Michael Hatfield ’26 from Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, where he attended Beechwood High School. His choice of attending VMI and serving as a regimental officer is his way of gratefully acknowledging his supporters, including his parents, Patrick and Susan Hatfield. He stated that he did not seek his new position for personal gain, but out of a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of the Institute. Hatfield served as cadre corporal and first sergeant his 3rd Class and 2nd Class years, respectively. His fondest memories on post are hearing his name called for first sergeant during 2nd Class announcements, serving as cadre during Matriculation Week, and receiving his class ring. After graduation, Hatfield will commission into the U.S. Navy.

Cadet Cadlee Jarvis ’26 has been named Company C commanding officer. He is part of a legacy, as his uncle is Col. Keith Jarvis ’82, VMI director of facilities management. From being exposed to VMI over many years and knowing of the opportunities VMI offers its cadets, Jarvis knew it was the place for him. He said he applied for the position of CO to make a difference. Other regimental positions he has held include cadre corporal in his 3rd Class year and company first sergeant in his 2nd Class year. Jarvis is from Waynesboro, Virginia, where he attended Fishburne Military School. Following graduation, he will commission into the U.S. Army.

Leading Company D as commanding officer is Cadet Emma Thompson ’26 from Lovettsville, Virginia. She attended Woodgrove High School in Purcellville. Her family legacy includes her father, Roderick Thompson ’95, and her great-uncle, Earl Lawhorne ’49C. She chose to come to VMI because her father inspired her with stories from his experiences as a cadet. Her previous leadership roles include cadre corporal and operations sergeant. Her goals as CO are to build stronger bonds and regain the Garnett Andrews Cup, presented to the company scoring highest in military efficiency throughout the year. Following graduation, Thompson will commission into the U.S. Navy.

Cadet Jonah Ibanez ’26 is the new Company E commanding officer. He is also part of a legacy as his father, Ramil Ibanez ’90, is an alumnus. Hearing how fondly his father always spoke of VMI and the personal growth and leadership development it offered, as well as the brother rat bond, Ibanez could not imagine going to college anywhere else. He applied for CO to serve the company that has been so integral to his leadership development. Ibanez is a member of VMI’s Ranger Challenge team, which involves physical training every morning along with practices every afternoon focused on honing Army skills. Ibanez is from King William, Virginia, where he attended King William High School. Following graduation, he will commission into the U.S. Army.

Leading Company F as commanding officer is Cadet Matthew Kleinschuster ’26, son of Dan and Dana Kleinschuster from Richmond, Virginia. He, too, is part of a legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jake Kleinschuster ’64, his uncle, David Kleinschuster ’94, and his brother, Jake Kleinschuster ’24, who has always been his role model. Kleinschuster’s previous leadership positions include company corporal during his 3rd Class year, company first sergeant during his 2nd Class year, and secretary on his class’s Ring Figure committee. As CO, he wants to help influence the future of the Institute. A special VMI moment for him was during his grandfather’s 60th Reunion last year, when he and his brother were asked to speak. Kleinschuster is an alumnus of Veritas School. Following graduation, he plans to commission into the U.S. Army.

Leading Company G as commanding officer is Cadet Kern Aughinbaugh ’26, from San Marcos, California, where he graduated from San Marcos High School. Aughinbaugh chose VMI to follow the same path as his father, Brad Aughinbaugh ’97, and plans to commission in the U.S. Marine Corps just as his father did. Aughinbaugh previously held the position of company master sergeant. He applied for CO to have a greater influence in creating the company’s culture. “I want a culture where cadets feel validated and are respected for their roles in the Corps and for their future goals, whether commissioning, continuing their education, extending their athletic career, or starting a new job,” he said.

Cadet Sadie Smith ’26 will be leading Company H as commanding officer. She first became interested in VMI as a freshman at St. Lucy’s Priory High School in Glendora, California, because, as she said, “It is a place like no other. I love the lifestyle here. It will prepare me for a successful career and life. I am a committed athlete on the women’s water polo team, and VMI makes it possible to balance intense academics, sports, and military obligations.” As CO, she wants to be representative of athletes and women at VMI. After graduating, she plans to work for the Defense Intelligence Agency or some other government agency. She hopes to later attend graduate school.

Cadet Grant Rose ’26 has been named Company I commanding officer. His brother, Luke Rose ’24, matriculated 2 years before him. “He was always telling stories about VMI, and all the opportunities it offered. When I was awarded a 3-year Army ROTC National Scholarship, I knew VMI would be a great place to further my academic career and build a foundation for my future in the military.” Rose stated that being CO will allow him to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as maintain VMI traditions and standards. Rose was also named Honor Court president for the next academic year after serving on the court during his cadetship, and he is a member of the Cadet Investment Group. He is the son of Steve and Kelly Rose from Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he attended Kellam High School.

Cadet Julia Ward ’26, a Peay Scholar from Frankfort, Illinois, has been named Band Company commanding officer. She chose VMI because she wanted a challenge, and it was the only college where she could compete in NCAA water polo, study engineering, and commission into the military. She applied for the position of CO because of the growth potential she sees in the company. “Within the past 3 years, we got a new music director and a new Pipe Band director, and there has been a shift in vision for the company. I want to help foster an environment of growth, setting the framework for the next generations,” she said. Ward is the daughter of Richard and Susan Ward. She attended Lincoln-Way East High School. Following graduation, she will commission into the U.S. Navy.