VMI’s first Black superintendent says ‘bias, emotion and ideology’ kept board from extending his contract
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The first Black superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is weighing in after VMI's Board of Visitors declined to extend his contract. In a lengthy statement, he accused the board of allowing "bias, emotion and ideology" to sway their decision, which he called "partisan."
Major General Cedric Wins has served as VMI's superintendent since 2020. He assumed that role shortly after scathing reports from both a news agency and the state itself called out VMI on its "racist and sexist culture."
On Friday, Feb. 28, VMI's Board of Visitors voted to allow Wins' contract to expire rather than extend it. A statement from the board reads, in part, that its members are "supremely grateful" to Wins for the "foundation he has provided" during his tenure.
In the wake of this decision, there has been significant controversy, including allegations that the board voted the way it did due to racism. This is a claim that a spokesperson for the board's president, John Adams, denied to 8News -- but said spokesperson declined to comment further.
Most of those currently sitting on VMI's Board of Visitors were appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), including two appointments made just days before the vote on Wins' contract. Democratic legislators like Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William), who is also a VMI graduate, believe Youngkin and others see Wins as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hire.
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Wins is a decorated officer with an extensive military history. During his over three decades of military service, he held a great many leadership roles. His several awards and medals include a Bronze Star Medal, which is given to soldiers for "heroic or meritorious achievement" in combat scenarios.
On Thursday, March 6, Wins released a statement on the non-renewal of his contract. In this statement, he celebrated his accomplishments, expressed his pride for VMI -- and weighed in on the claims that the board's decision was motivated by ideology and politics.
"I am extremely proud of what my team has accomplished over the past four years," Wins said. "We worked tirelessly to restore VMI's reputation as one of the nation's top-rated institutions. As a result, I am disappointed by the Board of Visitors' decision not to renew my contract as superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute. This decision was not based on my performance or the tangible progress we achieved. It is the result of a partisan choice that abandons the values of honor, integrity and excellence upon which VMI was built."
Wins said that, despite his assuming this position amid the COVID-19 pandemic, "intense public scrutiny and an enrollment crisis," he approached the role of superintendent with vigor and achieved the following:
- Increased state funding by 50%, with over $321 million going to facility upgrades
- Reversed a 10-year-long decline in admissions
- Increased Pell Grant enrollment with a $3.8 million grant
- Maintained a surplus in VMI's budget
- Implemented salary adjustments for VMI employees
- Launched a new scholarship program, "Call to Duty," which awarded $2.4 million to 172 cadets
Wins added that, during his tenure, a woman was appointed as a regimental commander for the first time in 25 years, VMI won its first conference championship since 1977 and the institute was the only senior military college to earn a five-star rating in Money Magazine.
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He continued by addressing the timing and circumstances of his appointment -- that being in the wake of the reports on VMI's racism and sexism.
"Leaders define the culture of organizations and bear the responsibility to protect it, not the other way around," Wins said. "What I can attest to since my arrival is I placed the right emphasis on repairing the culture and climate and charting a way forward for VMI."
According to Wins, his focus was on prioritizing cadets' "safety, education and well-being" so they understood that VMI had their backs "regardless of what they look like, where they come from, and how they identify themselves."
"Unfortunately, the winds of resistance by a few have drowned out those who desire to bring the Institute into the 21st century while maintaining the right traditions," Wins said.
Wins criticized the board, saying it chose to allow "bias, emotion and ideology rather than sound judgment" to motivate its decision to end his tenure.
"Their actions undermine the rich legacy of VMI for political gain," he said. "Instead of advancing this school from a crucible for principled leaders rooted in our values and a training ground that finds worth in cadets from diverse backgrounds, we risk returning to an obsessive focus on our distant past, believing it will produce tomorrow's leaders of character."
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Wins expressed that he has significant concerns about where he believes VMI is headed.
"I believe their [the board's] choice to subject cadets to a cycle of polarization is misfeasance that endangers VMI and the future of our nation," he said.
Wins stated that he intends to see his tenure to its end -- which is June 30 -- not as "simply the superintendent whose contract will expire," but as "a leader steering VMI through these tough times."
"I remain committed to serving this Institute and guiding its cadets until my tenure ends," Wins said.
He went on to issue a call to action.
"I urge the Corps of Cadets, alumni, faculty and all supporters who know its value to join me in safeguarding VMI," Wins said. "We must proactively commit to giving valor and right action precedence over ideology and political expediency. Cadets and alumni should embody our timeless values of honor, integrity and excellence regardless of their appearance, origin and identity. Our future depends on it."
In closing, Wins thanked those who have supported him during his time with VMI.
"With few exceptions, I have great admiration for how the Corps of Cadets demonstrates character and the bonds of brother and sisterhood each day," he said. "Leading this esteemed institution has been a highlight of my career. Rah Virginia Mil! Rah '85!"
Wins' full statement is included below.
VMI's Board of Visitors has not yet shared any information on who will become the college's next superintendent.
