John Adams '96 Resigns from the BOV - Gottwald '83 named new BOV President

During a Special Meeting on April 16, 2025, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors (BOV) voted 11 – 3 to elect Mr. Teddy Gottwald '83 as the new Board president to replace Mr. John Adams, who resigned from the BOV recently. Following his remarks, during which he singled out The Cadet for criticism and made further unsubstantiated accusations against alumni and members of the BOV, MG Wins strongly advocated for Mr. Williams. Rear Adm. McKnight supported MG Wins' advocacy of Williams. Mr. Joustra '76 was not involved in the meeting. Mr. Gottwald brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this position as the Board plans for its upcoming May meeting, during which it will chart VMI's course moving forward toward the future. Mr. Gottwald won in an overwhelming vote from the board, with Mr. Williams only receiving three votes (Mr. Fain, Rear Adm. (Ret.) McKnight, and Mr. Williams himself). Mr. Gottwald also voted for himself. Radm McKnight is the only BOV member appointed by Gov. Youngkin to vote against Mr. Gottwald, and he previously voted against the majority in favor of giving MG Wins a new contract. Hon. John Adam '96 submitted his resignation to the Virginia Military Institute's Board of Visitors (BOV), citing personal reasons. Although VMI and the Alumni Agencies had not notified the VMI Family, the Washington Post obtained the information to report on his departure first. There are no indications that his decision was related to recent controversies regarding VMI or the superintendent's contract. Mr. Adams, appointed by Governor Youngkin to BOV, was up for reappointment in the next BOV cycle, and it is not unusual for BOV members not seeking reappointment. During his tenure, Adams earned widespread respect for his steadfast support of the Institute. At Matriculation in August, he addressed the incoming class with a heartfelt message: "To our new Rats, you are about to embark on one of the most challenging and formative years of your life. Embrace it fully," he told The Cadet. "The systems VMI has in place have proven for generations to teach many of the most important lessons one needs in life," continued Adams, "You will be pushed to do things you probably don't believe you can do. And you will make the best friends of your life." His advice to cadets reflected his own experience and called for unity: "Getting through the ratline is a team sport. You and your Brother Rats must rely on one another constantly. When you are up, lift up someone who is down. When you are down, someone will be there for you. I can assure you, the reward of completing your VMI journey is worth all the pressure and stress." Adams also extended his message of support to cadet families: "To the families who are new to VMI, we welcome you as well. You will certainly learn that VMI is very much a family—Corps, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and extended families." His presidency guided the Board through a particularly intense chapter in VMI's history, including its current search for a new superintendent. Adams laid the groundwork for a transparent, forward-looking process that the Institute will continue to build upon. As tradition dictates, the Board of Visitors is expected to convene in a special session soon to appoint a new president before its May meeting. The Cadet and The Cadet Foundation join the VMI community in extending its deepest gratitude to Mr. Adams. In the words borrowed from his time in the Navy: "Fair winds and following seas." Full video of the BOV meeting is available in the online version of this article at www.cadetnewspaper.com. The Cadet is 100% self-supporting. Please consider making a donation at this link to help us remain one of the oldest independent college newspapers in Virginia.