Virginia Tech has announced the committee charged with overseeing a national search for the next commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

The commandant is the highest-ranking military officer at the university and is responsible for providing strategic guidance, direction, and supervision to ensure the overall success and effectiveness of the corps. This officer is responsible for the mental, physical, and ethical development of cadets, including overseeing training programs, physical fitness regimens, and ethical education to ensure that cadets are well-prepared for the challenges of leadership service.

The next commandant will replace Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, who announced his retirement effective July 1 after 13 years of distinguished service to Virginia Tech.

The list of search committee members is as follows:

  • Frances Keene, search committee chair and vice president, Student Affairs
  • Whit Babcock, director, Virginia Tech Athletics
  • Laura Belmonte, dean, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
  • Rebecca Caldwell, director, Residential Well-being, Student Affairs
  • Debbie Day, associate vice president for presidential priorities, Advancement
  • Dwayne Edwards, professor and department head, Department of Biological Systems Engineering
  • Col. Craig Alia, deputy commandant of cadets, Corps of Cadets
  • Master Gunnery Sgt. Lance Jones, senior enlisted advisor, Corps of Cadets
  • Cadet Isaac Lerner, fall semester regimental commander, Corps of Cadets
  • Col. Greg Lowe, detachment commander, Virginia Tech Air Force ROTC
  • Elizabeth McClanahan, chief executive officer, Virginia Tech Foundation
  • Mark Owczarski, associate vice president, Communications and Marketing
  • Eric Paterson, executive director, Virginia Tech National Security Institute
  • J. Pearson, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Board
  • Chuck Rowell, president, Highty-Tighty Alumni Board, Corps of Cadets
  • Saonee Sarker, dean, Pamplin College of Business
  • Christopher Yianilos, vice president, Government and Community Relations

The search committee will be supported by a staff that includes Ron Fricker, vice provost for faculty affairs; Rachel Gabriele, associate vice provost for faculty affairs and primary point of contact for in-house questions/comments; Chelsea Haines, chief of staff for Student Affairs; and Stacey Duncan, manager of human resources for Student Affairs.

Virginia Tech is partnering with WittKieffer Executive Search to assist with the search process and receive nominations and applications for the position. The position description and application/nomination process will be posted shortly on the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost website.

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