.jpg)
The Virginia Military Institute’s board of visitors voted Friday morning not to renew the contract of retired Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, the school’s first Black superintendent, ending his tenure amid an ongoing political battle over diversity and governance at the state-funded military college.
“The [board’s] special meeting was this morning, and they voted to not extend the superintendent’s contract,” Sherry Wallace, director of communications and marketing for VMI, confirmed to The News-Gazette.
According to media outlets, 10 of the board’s 16 members voted against the contract renewal, and all of the 10 were appointed to the board by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, including two whose appointments were just announced this week. Two other Youngkin appointees voted with the minority.
Wins will continue to serve as superintendent through the end of his contract, June 30.
In a statement, VMI board of visitors President John Adams said, “The BOV is supremely grateful to Major General Wins for his service to the Institute during some very difficult times. The foundation he has provided us will ensure VMI continues to fulfill its vital mission of educating future leaders. We would also like to extend our thanks to Mrs. Cassandra Wins for her support of VMI.”
Information about the search for a new superintendent will be provided at a later date, according to Wallace.
This is a developing story. For background and more information, see next week’s issue of The News-Gazette.
