The VMI Board of Visitors Made the Right Call on not renewing MG Wins contract as Superintendent

The Board of Visitors (BOV) recently decided not to extend Superintendent MG Cedric Wins' contract, igniting fierce debate among cadets, alums, and state officials. In response, MG Wins alleged that the decision was politically motivated and accused the Board of "misfeasance"—an improper execution of duties that he claimed jeopardized the Institute's future. However, a closer look at the facts suggests that the BOV's decision was not only justified but also necessary for VMI's long-term stability. MG Wins contends that the BOV chose not to extend his contract due to political bias rather than his performance. Yet, this claim remains unsubstantiated. The BOV, bound by Virginia law, cannot publicly disclose personnel decisions. However, MG Wins can release his performance evaluations if he wishes to prove that bias was at play. More troubling is the pattern of misleading claims made by MG Wins regarding his tenure. Many resources open to the public demonstrate that while he has taken credit for increased state funding and new scholarships, these accomplishments primarily resulted from external factors, including state-mandated budget increases and alumni-driven initiatives. His assertion that he reversed a ten-year enrollment decline is demonstrably false—enrollment figures remained stable before his arrival and only began to decline significantly under his leadership. MG Wins' decision to label the BOV's actions as "misfeasance"—a term with legal implications—appears to be a strategic move rather than a factual assessment. His rhetoric has fueled external political pressure on the Board, with figures such as former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and advocacy groups jumping into the fray. However, Virginia law allows a governor to remove board members for misfeasance, incompetence, or misconduct, making MG Wins' language appear less like an objective critique and more like a calculated effort to reshape the Board's composition in his favor. He tells the public that "all speech, whether we agree with it or not, is important," yet represses one of the oldest independent student publications in Virginia to such a degree that he receives warnings and letters of concern from the top three freedom of speech advocacy groups in the nation. He tells alumni not to air VMI's "dirty laundry," then stirs up a media firestorm with claims of misfeasance and bias against the BOV in their decision not to extend his contract. One of the fundamental expectations of leadership is transparency, yet MG Wins has selectively withheld information that could clarify the circumstances surrounding his dismissal. If his performance evaluations support his claims of unjust treatment, why not release them? His refusal to do so raises serious questions about the validity of his narrative. Moreover, under MG Wins' tenure, cadet morale has suffered, as evidenced by multiple surveys that indicate widespread dissatisfaction with administrative decisions and policies. Many within the Corps report that VMI's regimental and class systems have weakened, contradicting MG Wins' claims of reinforcing those traditions. The Board of Visitors made a difficult but necessary decision by choosing not to extend MG Wins' contract. While some may view the move as politically motivated, the facts suggest otherwise. Declining enrollment, a growing rift between cadets and administration, and misleading claims about his achievements have defined his tenure. VMI is undoubtedly at a crossroads. To preserve its unique culture and commitment to excellence, it needs leadership that prioritizes institutional integrity over political maneuvering. The BOV's decision was justified and imperative for VMI's future. Take the survey on whether the Board of Visitors made the right decision not to renew MG Wins' contract at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WINSALUM Publication Note: We invite you to read MG Wins' First Class History in the1985 Bomb and his comments concerning VMI and what it had done for him; it can be found in this edition in the Tale of Two Departures article.