April 16 - Teddy Gottwald was elected interim president of the Virginia Military Institute board of visitors during a special meeting this afternoon, following the recent sudden resignation of former president John Adams.
The meeting, streamed live on YouTube, saw acting board president Damon Williams preside over a vote between himself and Gottwald, after they each received nominations from other members. Board members discussed both nominees' qualifications as well as the transparency of recent board actions, with several defending past use of executive sessions amid media criticism.
VMI Superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins urged board members to consider “character, courage, and commitment” in their selection, stressing the importance of rebuilding trust and focusing on strategic leadership.
Gottwald received 10 votes to Williams’ three. He stated he is committed to serving only through the end of June and does not intend to seek the full board president’s role starting in July. The board will hold its next regular meeting May 1–3.
