Prepare Leaders - Corps Life

Why Corps Life?

Private support for VMI’s distinctive leadership training impacts every area of the VMI experience and the rigorous traditions we hold in the highest regard. VMI’s military system and citizen-solider ethos encourages military service, improves training facilities, expands athletic opportunities, and supports those who help cadets develop as leaders.

Chaplain

The religious convictions of our cadets are respected regardless of one’s faith preference, and the religious freedom of all cadets is assured through the Chaplain’s Office.

Leadership Training

Introducing cadets to the responsibilities and rewards of leadership and fostering the development of integrity and self-discipline through the class and regimental systems is integral to VMI’s uncommon purpose. Gift to the Leadership Training Fund will enhance these efforts.

Clubs and Organizations

Cadets are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs. Clubs are an opportunity to serve, compete and develop leadership skills. Extracurricular options include marksmanship club, Regimental Band, search and rescue squad, The Bomb Yearbook, fishing club, Ranger Challenge, firefighters and many more.

Club and Intramural Sports

Gifts to the Club and Intramural Sports Fund support the sound physical fitness and leadership opportunities across the Corps. Club sports change from year to year, but may include: Boxing, men’s and women’s rugby, basketball, marathon, trap and skeet, powerlifting and more.

Meet Mark Shelton ’24

Mark Shelton ’24, a running back, was one of a handful of regimental commanders to also play football. And while Shelton never imagined as a rat that he’d one day be regimental commander, he didn’t discount the possibility, either. With a challenge-oriented mindset, Shelton has taken advantage of every chance VMI has offered to say “yes” to more than one opportunity.

Throughout his cadetship, Shelton immersed himself in a multitude of activities across post. He pursued a computer science major with a cybersecurity minor, served as Promaji Club vice president, and was a member of both the Cyber Club and the Cadet Superintendent Advisory Board. After graduation, he commissioned into the U.S. Army.

Balancing the demands of being a cadet-athlete with the top leadership position in the Corps was not easy, but Shelton embraced the challenge from the outset. “I definitely consider myself a high achiever and somebody who believes that I’m capable of doing whatever it is I set my mind to,” he stated.

Highlights:

• Served as regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets
• Led Promaji Club as vice president
• Member of Cyber Club and Cadet Superintendent Advisory Board
• Commissioned Army