Dear Keydet Nation,
June 2025 marks a full year serving as your Athletics Director! Marci (wife), Zadie (daughter), Krew (son) and I would like to pass along our deepest thanks for the warm welcome we have received from many of you. I am truly grateful for the unwavering support of VMI Athletics from Superintendent Cedric Wins, Mrs. Wins, VMI administration, the Board of Visitors, the Keydet Club and so many more. With the help of our fantastic athletic staff, coaches and administration, I have hit the ground running, and they have done a superb job making this first year a smooth one. My focus every day will be on how we provide the best cadet-athlete experience possible while staying true to the mission and vision of the Virginia Military Institute. As I begin my second year with you, I am motivated and optimistic about the future of VMI Athletics.
Past in Review
This past year numerous programs improved in the win column. Multiple teams earned their most wins dating back several years. Others achieved the largest turnaround in program history, first winning season record over ten years and the most Division I wins in program history. Our coaches and staff have VMI Athletics moving in the right direction and I'm excited about the progress we will create in the future.
I am even more proud of the academic accomplishments of our cadet-athletes. For the spring term, 196 cadet-athletes earned a 3.0 + GPA and 93 cadet-athletes earned a 3.5+ GPA. This past May, 74 cadet-athletes graduated from the Institute and 31 cadet-athletes commissioned into the military. I have tremendous pride in these achievements by our cadet-athletes and I'm grateful for the committed VMI faculty, staff and coaches who support these accomplishments. We also took meaningful steps forward developing and continuing support of causes and providing community service such as Hurricane Helen relief, participating in Read Across America Week and supporting the HEADstrong foundation.
Improvements and Innovation
With a new athletic season around the corner, our department understands the importance of enhancing our fan experience and investing in top-notch facilities. We have partnered with a texting platform aimed at enhancing the fan engagement for Keydet Nation. The platform will allow VMI athletics to contact fans via text message with updates on game information, giveaways, exclusive offers, ticketing information and much more. We have invested in digital ticket scanners for the upcoming football season through our ticketing provider that will ensure accurate attendance tracking, enhanced event security and streamline the entry process for our fans. Watching a football game at Alumni Memorial field is a sight to see but through creativity we are introducing the "Moe Zone". The Moe Zone will be a premium space behind the west end zone where fans can purchase a private tent, catered food and all while receiving an on-field fan experience. Speaking of Moe our beloved mascot we have partnered with Old Hat Creative to develop an official mascot logo and an official Keydet wordmark. We are excited to rollout and introduce a fresh look that generates revenue, increase fan engagement and elevates the VMI Brand. VMI has announced beginning in July, Barnes & Noble will assume management of all retail and online operations of the VMI Bookstore. This new partnership will allow us to have merchandise in-venue so our fans can purchase apparel at foster stadium and other VMI home events.
Friendly Reminders
2025 Football Season tickets are on sale so please support, spread the word about the opportunity to see the Keydets at home in Foster Stadium. Oh yeah… don't forget about the Moe Zone! This past Compete to Win we raised a record in donors and dollars. If you are supporting the Keydet Club thank you!!!! If not, please join the Keydet Club today. VMI Athletics partnered with Fan Word to produce the "Rah Virginia Mil" series at the start of this year. Check out the latest stories of the "Rah Virginia Mil" series. Finally please follow VMI Athletics or your favorite team via social media. Rah Virginia Mil!
The Plan Moving Forward
During my first year as your Athletics Director, I have spent a great deal of time, listening, learning and assessing the priorities needed for VMI Athletics. Currently, we are developing an athletic operations plan that communicates our core values, mission, vision and priority areas. In an increasingly complicated and competitive environment for collegiate athletics, Keydet Nation needs to be aligned in our vision, strategy and execution.
We look forward to sharing updates on the future of VMI Athletics in the months ahead. Value truly Makes an Impact and VMI Athletics is forever grateful of the support we receive from the VMI community.
Rah Virginia Mil!
Value Makes Impact!
Jamaal Walton
Director of Athletics
Virginia Military Institute
