Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart named Commandant of Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart has been named Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, effective June 25. He will succeed Maj. Gen. Jerry Allen who is retiring after serving as commandant for the past 12 years.

“I am very pleased that Gen. Fullhart has accepted our offer to become the new commandant of cadets,” said Edward Spencer, vice president for student affairs. “He will bring to the position 32 years of Air Force experience in operations, safety, acquisition, and government affairs at the major command and headquarters levels. His previous experience as commandant of the Air Command and Staff College, his extensive work in teaching leadership and team building, and his visionary thinking about the future will serve the corps and the university well.”

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is the oldest tradition at the university. With its beginnings in 1872, the corps has seen tremendous growth in recent years. In 2010, the corps achieved its highest number of cadets since 1969. In his role as commandant, Fullhart will continue the corps’ strong tradition of dedication to leadership and service.

“My wife Kathy and I are humbled and thrilled to join the Virginia Tech team. During my recent visit, I was thoroughly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the corps of cadets and the ROTC instructors,” said Fullhart. “Throughout my discussions with faculty and staff of the university, I found an eagerness to look for increased opportunities for partnership, especially in the area of leadership development.”

The corps’ leadership philosophy centers around the principles represented by the eight pylons found on Virginia Tech’s War Memorial: Brotherhood, Leadership, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Honor, Service, Duty, and the university’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The corps provides students at Virginia Tech a unique environment to prepare for leadership roles within the university and beyond. 

“My time with cadets was certainly the highlight of my visit and the primary reason I sought this opportunity,” said Fullhart. “These young men and women are our nation's future leaders. I recognize that they shoulder additional responsibilities to prepare themselves for that future and I look forward to the time we will have together in that endeavor.”

In addition to developing relationships within the current regiment, Fullhart plans to reach out to corps alumni.

“I look forward to meeting and benefitting from the insights and experiences of our alumni community,” Fullhart said. “They are the ultimate grade card of our efforts and their success and generosity in giving back sustains the history of this great corps.”

Prior to his appointment as commandant of cadets, Fullhart has served as the director of Global Reach Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. As a senior government official, he facilitated relationships between the U.S. Department of Defense, Congress, industry, and the U.S. Air Force that accounted for more than $70 billion in Air Force programs.

Fullhart’s previous work experience includes serving as deputy chief of the Central Security Service, National Security Agency; commandant of the Air Command and Staff College; and commander of the College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education.

He has received numerous awards during his more than 32 years with the military, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Fullhart holds a master’s degree in national security affairs from the National War College, a master’s degree in management from Webster University, and a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the U.S. Air Force Academy.