Col. Craig Alia named vice commandant for Corps of Cadets
Retired U.S. Army Col. Craig J. Alia, who has served since 2019 as the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets’ deputy commandant for the 1st Battalion, has been named the vice commandant for the Corps of Cadets and will immediately begin serving in his new role.
As the corps’ vice commandant, Alia will serve as the principal advisor to the commandant and be responsible for day-to-day leadership and direction of the commandant’s staff, particularly regarding corps operations.
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Alia has a distinguished career of service in the U.S. Army as a company commander with the 82nd Airborne Division, battalion commander with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, and brigade commander with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), along with numerous additional staff and leadership assignments.
During his 5 1/2-year tenure as deputy commandant for the 1st Battalion, he has provided guidance and mentorship to over 1,500 cadets. Alia will concurrently serve as deputy commandant while a search committee forms to identify his successor.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Col. Alia for years. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to excellence, and he will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to provide our cadets with excellent opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and service by expanding relationships with university partners,” said Frances Keene, vice president of Student Affairs. “I am thrilled to welcome him to his new role and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our Corps of Cadets and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
Alia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the U.S. Military Academy; a Master of Arts in education from the University of St. Mary; a Master of Military Arts and Science in theater operations from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College; and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Liberty University.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star (four awards), the Air Medal (three awards, including Valor), the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Aviator Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.
