U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William H. Seely III has been named the next commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and will officially step into his new role upon his departure from active duty, which is planned for the spring of 2025.

Seely will succeed Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, who will officially end his tenure as commandant on July 1.

As the commandant, Seely will serve as the highest-ranking military officer at the university and will provide strategic guidance, direction, and supervision to ensure the overall success and effectiveness of the corps.

“The Corps of Cadets is an essential part of the identity of Virginia Tech, founded as a military, land-grant institution that grew to become a leading research university and senior military college,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “We look forward to advancing the corps’ role in the university’s mission under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Seely. His experience, achievements, and exemplary military career will be an inspiration to the cadets who will become tomorrow’s global, ethical leaders.”

“As I step into this honored position, I am filled with excitement as Virginia Tech is an incredible institution with a legacy of exceptional leadership within the corps,” said Seely. “I look forward to working across the institution to shape outstanding officers and civilian leaders who excel in both military and non-military settings.”

Throughout his 35-year military career Seely has held critical leadership roles. He served as the communications platoon commander for H&S Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion from 1990-92, company commander for India Company, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion in Kunia, Hawaii, from 2000-02, and battalion commander for 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division from 2006-08. Additionally, he commanded the Marine Corps Intelligence Schools at Training Command from 2011-13, led Task Force-Iraq as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve from 2019-20, and served as the commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College from 2020-21. Currently, he is serving as the commandant of the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

Seely has held numerous staff assignments that have demonstrated his versatility and strategic acumen. He served as the S-2 for 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion from 1992-93, deputy G-2 and G-2 operations officer for Marine Forces Central Command from 2002-03, and director of the Intelligence Integration Division at Marine Corps Combat Development Command from 2010-11. Notably, he also held the position of intelligence director for the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Commander-Iraq from 2015-16.

Seely also has received numerous military awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze Star with two Gold Stars and “Combat V,” Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

“Throughout his 35-year military career, Maj. Gen. Seely has distinguished himself as a highly-respected leader guided by a commitment to service, personal and professional ethics, and strength of character,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke. “The experience and expertise he brings to Virginia Tech will be invaluable to the Corps of Cadets and the development of military and civilian leaders through the tenets of Ut Prosim. I look forward to working with Maj. Gen. Seely and having him as a part of our university’s leadership team.”

Additionally, Seely’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from American University and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University, National Intelligence University, and the Naval War College.

"I am thrilled that Gen. Seely has agreed to serve as our next commandant of cadets,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene. “I have no doubt that Maj. Gen. Seely will lead the corps leadership in a way that will expand the impressive legacy of the corps.”

Retired U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Dwayne Edwards, head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological System Engineering, will serve as interim commandant until Seely’s arrival.

"I am profoundly honored to serve Virginia Tech as the interim commandant,” said Edwards. “It is a distinct privilege to be part of such a storied organization dedicated to developing the future leaders of our nation, to continuing its legacy of excellence, and to supporting our incoming new commandant, Maj. Gen. Seely.”

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