Published: March 31, 2021
Cadet Kasey Meredith ’22 has been named VMI’s next Cadet First Captain and Regimental Commander, the highest-ranking position a cadet can earn, for the 2021-2022 academic year. Meredith is an International Studies major, with a minor in Spanish, from Johnstown, PA, and a member of the Marine Corps ROTC program. She plans on commissioning after graduation. She is the 188th regimental commander and the first female in VMI’s 182-year history to hold the position.
As regimental commander, Meredith will be the military commander of the Corps of Cadets, responsible to the Commandant of Cadets for the training, appearance, discipline, health, welfare, and morale of the Corps.
Cadet Robert Hoeft ’22 earned the title of executive officer. The Corps will also be sectioned into three battalions instead of two, with Cadet Michael Hoffmann ’22 (1st Battalion), Cadet Max Burke ’22 (2nd battalion), and Cadet Ethan Hogan ’22 (3rd Battalion) earning the ranks of battalion commanders.
“Cadet Meredith has distinguished herself as a strong leader during her time at VMI,” said Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, VMI’s interim superintendent. “The regimental commander plays an important role in the development of future leaders. Ms. Meredith embodies the VMI values of honor, integrity, self-discipline, leadership and is well-suited to make a positive impact on the Corps of Cadets. I look forward to watching her take command.”
Meredith has taken on increasingly responsible leadership positions during her cadetship. She currently serves as the 1stBattalion Sergeant Major and has served as a Color Guard corporal, as well as a fire team leader in the Marine Corps ROTC Detachment. She is planning to commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. Meredith is a member of the running and CrossFit clubs.
A cadet is chosen for leadership positions through an exhaustive review of their academic and military record at VMI. They participate in interviews with members of the Commandant’s staff that include representatives of ROTC, academic faculty, athletics, as well as the current regimental commander and General Committee president. Recommendations are made and individual interviews are conducted by the superintendent for final appointment. The entire scope of one’s cadetship is evaluated, from academic performance to personal interactions with staff on post, like food service employees and physical plant team members.
“Ms. Meredith distinguished herself throughout the application and interview process,” Wins said. “There’s little doubt that she is the right cadet for the position. She is a role model with a clear devotion to duty who will earn the trust and respect of the Corps.”
Cadet Meredith will assume her role as regimental commander at a change of command ceremony in May. She, along with other cadet leaders, will participate in a leadership development program between now and then to prepare them for their new roles.
