RICHMOND, Va. — A significant legislative proposal has emerged in Virginia that seeks to dissolve the Board of Visitors at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and transfer oversight to the governing board of Virginia State University (VSU). This bill, filed by Delegate Michael Feggans (D-Virginia Beach), was submitted on Tuesday and is positioned as a means to enhance accountability in public institutions.
In his statement regarding the legislation, Feggans emphasized the General Assembly’s duty to ensure that public educational institutions operate with stability and sound judgment. He assured that, despite the proposed changes to governance, VMI’s mission and military structure would remain intact. He stated, “The intent of the bill is structural, not punitive,” aiming to strengthen oversight, clarify accountability, and ensure VMI can continue to focus on its core mission in alignment with modern expectations of public institutions.
VMI has responded to the filing, with spokesperson Lt. Col. Sherry Wallace expressing surprise at the legislation. Wallace highlighted the school’s long-standing commitment to producing citizen-soldiers who contribute significantly in various sectors. With nearly 1,500 cadets currently enrolled at VMI, Wallace emphasized the institution’s focus on demonstrating its value to the community and discussions with elected officials.
Adding to the discussion, Delegate Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax) has also introduced a separate piece of legislation. His proposal calls for the establishment of a task force to explore whether VMI should maintain its status as a state-sponsored institution of higher education.
As of now, neither bill has been assigned to a committee nor scheduled for public hearings, leaving the legislative future of these proposals open-ended. The developments surrounding VMI’s governance structure continue to spark significant interest and discourse within the community, with calls for additional voices and perspectives on the matter.
The situation underscores the evolving nature of oversight in higher education and the ongoing dialogue about institutional accountability and adaptability within Virginia’s education system.