A message from Gen. Walters on the upcoming year

Citadel Family:

Greetings and welcome to a new school year at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. It’s an exciting time on campus, and we’re expecting a tremendous year.

Last week, we welcomed more than 800 Cadet Recruits of the Class of 2029, beginning the process of becoming tomorrow’s Principled Leaders. Combined with Upperclassmen returning Sunday, the Corps is larger than since before COVID, and the barracks are full. While this would be something to celebrate any year, it is especially noteworthy in a time when colleges are competing to educate fewer young adults every year. We offer a unique educational opportunity and always attract those who seek a challenge. This year is no exception.

As in years past, the challenge began early — Upperclassmen volunteered to return to campus early to train the knobs. As part of their training, the Commandant’s Office partnered with Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where Cadre was able to practice their professionalism, teambuilding, and leadership. Fall athletes also returned to campus early to prepare for their seasons. It has been good to have Cadets back on campus these past few weeks.

Leadership starts here. We soon break ground on a home for our sixth school, The Krause School of Leadership and Ethics. The important work done by both the Krause Center and the Department of Leadership Studies will combine under one roof creating the Nation’s pre-eminent school of leadership. We also look forward to Phase II approval from South Carolina leading to construction of a new, state-of-the-art Engineering facility matching the high caliber of our engineering programs and professors. With generous appropriations from the State and our continued philanthropic efforts with The Citadel Foundation, it’s a great time to be an Engineer at The Citadel. As an Electrical Engineering grad, I’m very excited.

Over the summer, the phenomenal team from Facilities and Engineering worked overtime, executing a multitude of campus upgrades and repairs. A second third of Stevens Barracks was completely renovated – the final third will be finished next summer. The F&E team also tackled serious issues with our steam and water systems ensuring livability in the barracks and elsewhere. More work took place in Deas Hall, Mark Clark Hall, and scores of other buildings. More than $13M in projects were completed in the fifteen short weeks between Commencement and Matriculation.

As we settle into the school year, Gail and I eagerly look forward to an exciting year for Citadel Athletics. We are days away from the first football game, where we’ll face the North Dakota State University Bisons. Playing the defending FCS National Champions in the first game of the season is a matchup many schools would avoid, but we’re The Citadel and we chose a more challenging path on purpose. We expect a big crowd from North Dakota on Saturday, and Johnson Hagood Stadium is going to be packed. Soon, we will be able to host even more visitors in Johnson Hagood — after this season, we begin construction on the new East Side Stands and facilities building, allowing 2,000 guests to comfortably watch Bulldog games.

On the academic front, I recently had lunch with new Faculty. What an impressive group of professors coming to The Citadel from all over the world. We are clearly an institution of choice for top academicians, increasing the offerings to our Cadets and Students. The Citadel continues to rank amongst the Best Colleges in America in so many categories, and we always strive to maintain this legacy of excellence.

Remember — whether you’re a Cadet, Student, Faculty, or Staff — you came here for a challenge and to make a difference. The work done at The Citadel, developing Principled Leaders for all walks of life, is immensely important. Leadership starts here because it is built into everything we do.

Welcome back to The Citadel. This year will not always be easy, but it will be worth it. Accept the challenge!

Go Dogs!

GLENN M. WALTERS ‘79
General, USMC (Retired)
President