Former Virginia Sen. Norment ’68 Honored

VMI honored former Virginia Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68 for his 30 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia with a parade on post April 26, 2024. Norment took review of the Corps of Cadets along with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent.

Following the parade, a reception was held in Preston Library, where many of Norment’s brother rats, friends, and family members were in attendance to show their support. Wins read and presented Norment with a resolution from the VMI Board of Visitors expressing their deepest gratitude to him. Norment accepted the recognition humbly and appreciatively, stating, “This is an extraordinary thing. I am thankful to have been a vessel moving through the legislative process. We’ve done a lot, but I didn’t do it alone. This legacy belongs to the Class of 1968.” He encouraged his fellow alumni to continue supporting Wins. “He has served with dignity. I’m incredibly proud of him, and I will keep on helping him however I can.”

Norment graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He attended William & Mary Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1973. Following service in local government on the James City County Board of Supervisors, Norment began his service in the Virginia Senate in 1992.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 presents Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. ’68 with a resolution from the VMI Board of Visitors.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

During his tenure, Norment served as both the majority leader and minority leader, co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee and chair of its Education and Capital Outlay subcommittees, and chair of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

A stalwart advocate for higher education in the General Assembly, Norment patroned countless budget amendments on behalf of VMI, including additional faculty and staff positions, compensation increases, academic program enhancements, academic support positions, and additional funding for the unique military programs.

While Norment was in office, VMI embarked upon a significant capital improvement plan funded largely with state funds appropriated by the General Assembly. This capital plan included such notable projects as Third Barracks construction/Old and New Barracks renovation, the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds construction, Maury-Brooke Hall renovation, Scott Shipp Hall renovation, and the Corps Physical Training Facility and Aquatic Center construction.

Notable recognition from VMI includes being honored with the VMI Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2007 for his exemplary dedication to the Institute and its mission. He was also the graduation speaker for the Class of 2012.

Norment welcomed cadets visiting the General Assembly at every opportunity and encouraged them in their cadetship as they worked toward a commitment to commissioning and public service. The BOV further recognized Norment’s service to the Institute by naming a meeting room within the planned Moody Hall renovation the Thomas K. Norment ’68 Room.