Virginia Military Institute honors General Cedric T. Winns for transformative leadership

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors recognized the significant contributions of Major General Cedric T. Winns during their recent meeting on May 3, 2025. A resolution was passed to honor his service to both the institute and the country, highlighting his impressive career and leadership at VMI.

Major General Winns, a VMI alumnus who graduated in 1985, has had a distinguished military career spanning 34 years, culminating in his retirement as a Major General. He was the first commanding general of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command and has held various key positions throughout his service, including overseas deployments in Korea, Egypt, and Afghanistan. His accolades include multiple prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star.

Under his leadership as VMI's Interim Superintendent and later as the fifteenth Superintendent, Major General Winns guided the institute through challenging times, including a global pandemic and social unrest. His tenure saw a remarkable 70% increase in state funding, which facilitated critical improvements to campus facilities and infrastructure. Notably, he spearheaded efforts to enhance safety and security, renovate key buildings, and modernize the enrollment process, resulting in the second-largest number of applications in VMI's history.

The Board of Visitors also approved a strategic plan aimed at positioning VMI to produce the nation's leaders for the 21st century, further solidifying the institute's commitment to excellence in education and leadership development.

This recognition of Major General Winns underscores the board's appreciation for his impactful leadership and the positive changes he has implemented at VMI, setting a strong foundation for the future of the institute.