VMI Athletics

Stephen Ross was elevated to Director of Athletic Academic Advising in the summer of 2009 after joining that department's staff in January of 2006. 

The longtime VMI staff member also spent 17 years as the head men’s soccer coach at the Institute, served as an economics teacher and acted in various other capacities, including serving as a Tactical Officer and Officer-in-Charge as part of the VMI Commandant of Cadets’ staff. He also advised several committees on matters of cadet behavior.

“I truly believe in the VMI Three-Legged Stool (athletic, academic, military), and our office will work within the VMI system to keep every cadet-athlete working to balance all three areas,” stated Ross. “We have to appreciate that young men and women choose VMI for many different reasons. VMI can give them a well-rounded education in the classroom, on the athletic fields and in barracks.”

Ross is a 1983 graduate of the Institute with a degree in Economics, and was a starter and co-captain of the 1982 Keydet soccer team. He has a Master's degree from the University of Arkansas.

After graduating from VMI, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force, three of which as a player-coach of the Little Rock (Ark.) AFB soccer team. Ross returned to VMI to teach economics in 1987, and has been under the employ of the Institute since that time.

“I believe there are no shortcuts for academic success, and our office will work to make sure that we provide quality support and accountability for our cadet-athletes,” said Ross. “I hope to help impart many of the same lessons that I learned at VMI from the many caring faculty and staff that reached out to make a difference in my life.”