The President's Blog

I'm not sure exactly what this title means...it is intended to reflect the last four days.  The Board of Trustees approved our new Strategic Plan, which I will post on our website before the summer.  This plan articulates our future, and it was clear through the Executive Committee and full Board meetings that all our actions and conversations will focus on creating that future.

The next two days were filled with memories of our past.  More than 300 alumni returned for our Alumni Weekend, one of the best ever, to share memories and create new ones.  After a few remarks before the BBQ Dinner, I spent Friday evening with the Class of 1963, our special 50th reunion class.  I enjoyed listening to the many different stories of what brought them to Fork Union, and was moved by the common thread in every story, which was just how much their experience had shaped their lives. 

I tried my best to summarize these thoughts in my remarks at the Alumni Dinner on Saturday night:

"I enjoyed visiting with many of you last night, and look forward to talking with more tomorrow.

It was clear through all I heard, just how much you cherish the relationships you had and continue to have with each other.  That is one of the many things at Fork Union that will never change.

One story I heard last night from a member of the Class of 1963 was that he remembered the excitement his roommate showed to have been selected for the Color Guard.  It made me realize how many of the same memories made 50 years ago are still being made here today.

It was heartwarming to see and hear how strong the bonds were among men, and hear the word "love" used to describe that bond.

Many, even if they did not come to faith here, saw their experience at Fork Union as the beginning of their walk with God.

Others spoke of the high regard they learned here for honor and integrity.

It was clear that character was being built here at Fork Union, and that this character was formed in a crucible of discipline.

Everyone I met had a sense of humor, and all showed respect and admiration for the men and women who taught and cared for them on the faculty and staff. 

Thank you for returning this weekend, and we look forward to seeing and hearing from you often.

There are many great moments in the life of Fork Union Military Academy Presidents, but none greater than the honor of presenting each Distinguished Alumnus.

This year it is even more special, because this year's distinguished alumnus has so many connections to the school, and lived his life with so much meaning and purpose.

Our Distinguished Alumnus for 2013 is Paul Frederick Cobb, Class of 1962.

Known by his friends as "Freddie," he attended Fork Union for a postgraduate year, before enrolling at Virginia Tech, and playing on the Hokies football team.  After college he joined the United States Marine Corps.

As a second lieutenant, serving as a Platoon Commander in Vietnam, he gave his life doing what he had done his entire life...looking out for others, and living life courageously and selflessly.  You will hear the posthumous Navy Cross Citation, awarded for extraordinary heroism under fire, in just a few moments.

Lieutenant Cobb was a courageous leader, a man who inspired others, and a man who represents all that is good about Fork Union Military Academy.

The motto of the Marine Corps is "Always Faithful," and Virginia Tech's motto is "That I May Serve."  Paul Frederick Cobb used his body, mind, and spirit and God's strength to faithfully serve this great nation.

His son, Paul Jr., never met his father.  Also a Fork Union and Virginia Tech graduate, Paul was born while his father was serving in Vietnam.

Here tonight to accept the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Paul Frederick Cobb, is his son Paul Jr., a 1987 graduate of Fork Union Military Academy.

Ladies and Gentleman, Paul Cobb."

One very pleasant surprise that night was the presentation of a $30,000 check from Cavalier Union Investments.  This money was placed into two scholarship funds, one in the name of 2LT "Freddie" Cobb, the other Coach Fletcher Arritt, and the remainder to be used for our postgraduate football program.  The donation was made by Dr. Carl Vaughn and Merrill Robertson (PG '99).

It seems as though we've been going non-stop since my last blog, summarized here "Kiplinger-style:" 

Hosted Congressman Hurt's Service Academy Day with representative from USCGA, USNA, USAFA, USMA, and USMMA...on the same day held an Open House with a record setting 36 families visiting to tour and learn more about FUMA...also organizing a car show on the Motor Lodge field to support Fork Union Community Day...and that same evening held our Military Ball where our cadets and their dates entered the dance through the traditional crossed sabers...the weekend ended with our first Full Dress Parade on Sunday afternoon in an ever-so-slight drizzle which required a quick adaptation to shorten the parade, yet preserve our "pass in review" for LTC Robert Spencer, a beloved and retired faculty member.

The next week started with my first meeting with the Virginia Council on Private Education.  I was invited to take a seat on the Board of Directors where we reviewed state legislation, both passed and proposed, relevant to private and independent schools throughout the Commonwealth.  I represent those schools associated with the Association of Military Colleges and Schools in the United States (AMCSUS).

We hosted the third Christian Leadership Series speaker.  Mr. Steve Hupp arrived on campus early on Tuesday, spoke at our Upper School Chapel service, toured the campus, enjoyed a lunch with cadets and staff at Careby Hall, then provided remarks at the Middle School before departing.  His message was one of faith, tradition, and the rewards of hard work.  He told of his walk with Christ, and how this taught him to rely on the Gospel and the strength of God.

This Christian Leadership Series is about to begin its fourth year, and was initiated by Mr. David Barrett, CEO of Barrett Capital Management LLC, and a member of our Board of Trustees.  This series has introduced all our cadets to a wide range of successful businessmen, political leaders, and educators, all with strong Christian faith in common.

The remainder of my week was spent preparing for the trustee meetings and final briefs for the Alumni Weekend.

Thank you to all those who either shared directly or through others that you appreciated this weekly blog.  I will continue writing as long as continue reading.  It is likely though that I will take a long break after graduation...

...well, I better get back to searching for an Academic Dean...figuring out how to replace aging buses...balancing the budget when expenses are about $4000 per cadet greater than income...finalize the Strategic Plan so it can be published...follow up on an interest among our Board of Trustees to provide more scholarships...finish defining our core values of Respect, Integrity, Faith, Character, and Discipline...pick a book for everyone (faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and cadet) to read next year...fill up our Summer School...and ensure we are prepared for the Upper School Commencement in 18 days...and the Middle School graduation in just 15...Whew!

Go FUMA!

Any head of school will tell you that each day is unpredictable.  One moment picking up a candy wrapper a visitor must have thrown down and the next moment I'm speaking with a communications consultant.   Carol Billingsley, the Principal of Billingsley Communications, and I spoke about final edits to our Strategic Plan and a strategy for publishing and implementing the plan.

It was refreshing to hear the enthusiasm in her voice as she spoke about the "exciting changes" in store for Fork Union Military Academy and insights into how best to communicate that future to alumni, trustees, parents, cadets, staff, and faculty.  Her sense was that we should do more to stress the core message of educating, developing, and inspiring "bright young men who can lead with character."

We hosted the Annual Gus Lacy Track Classic which was won by a narrow margin, but won nonetheless.  It was wonderful to see so many young people competing in the shadow of Jacobson Hall, our new 500 bed dormitory.  The weather couldn't have been better. 

The same track will be used for our Relay for Life this weekend.  Ms. Kate Pendergrass has shown tremendous leadership and planning skills, as the relay has already raised more than $11,000 to help cure cancer, with more to come on Saturday.  This event allowed our Cadet Corps to learn the value of service...and work together toward the noble objective of saving lives.

We completed contracts for most faculty, staff, and administrators...and I spent a few hours poking around steam tunnels, under-building storage, and even strolled through our central boiler plant to see work we are doing to repair one of two large boilers that provide our hot water and steam. "Finishing touches" are being made to Vaughan Hall, as Agnes and Hayden paint the outside.  An action video is linked here.

Some may not recognize Vaughan Hall because the phone booth "hut" is now gone.  No more "good old days" (less than a year ago) when you had to stand in line for the privilege of making an expensive phone call that worked only about half the time.  The Social Center (for those with 60 or less total demerits) is working well...and I've been impressed by how well everyone is taking care of the furnishings and games.

As I suspected, and has been proven to me time-after-time, if people are provided quality surroundings they will take care and be proud of them.  We remain a military, college-preparatory, Christian school that requires hard work and discipline to complete.  The standards remain high...but the living is more modern.

Early this week I travelled to Richmond to present our proposed budget to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board Committee on Emerging Leaders.  This committee recommends funding that may be available from the Baptist General Association of Virginia.  This year we requested funding to support our Musical Mission Outreach (to area churches), a Middle School Chaplain, and three Youth Ministry Interns.

We continue working through the process to remove Memorial Hall and the Old Pool.  We plan to have these two structures removed over the summer.  This should have a fairly dramatic effect on the "first impression" visitors have as they tour the campus...and even as they drive by FUMA while travelling on Route 15.  We continue to "refresh" the facility.  Next week we will complete minor repairs and recoat and line the outdoor track, allowing the track to last 3-5 years longer...

One of my highlights this week was meeting with Cadet Hellstrom, one of our PG Basketball players, who has an appointment to West Point.  I was interested in sharing some insight into the "Service Academy experience," and was impressed by his poise, curiosity, and positive attitude about service to his country.  He has shown tremendous leadership on the basketball court and as a senior NCO.

Wednesday afternoon I observed practice for our first full dress parade of the season, scheduled for April 28th at 12:30 PM (1230).  It was uplifting and encouraging...particularly the Battalion Staff and Colors...and while it is still early in the season, Echo Company had the best "pass in review" at this practice.  Congratulations 9th graders!

I also spent some time walking through our classroom buildings...observing athletic practices...and visiting those doing the work around campus...as we fit all we can into the last five weeks of this 115th year in the school's history.

One of the powerful things we do as a school is to pray as an entire community.  This week we prayed for those impacted by the tragedies in Boston and Texas.  One of last year's graduates called the Chaplain and asked if the Corps of Cadets could pray for his father.  We prayed. 

One of the two lessons in Chapel this week centered on God as our Father.  We are children of God...and should see each other in this way...and love each other as God loves us.

Today, using Moses as an example, we learned what it means to be a leader...and how to deal with criticism.  How many high schools in America (or the world) had leadership lessons today...and if they did, how many taught their students to maintain their humility, face the criticism squarely, pray for those who criticize you, and reconcile with them?  When was the last time you gave someone a second chance?

LTC Steve Macek asked me to remind the parents of current cadets that the deadline (for the $1000 reenrollment discount) is May 1, 2013.  If your cadet has been invited back, please send in your paperwork as soon as you can.  It is encouraging that this year we are way ahead of past years...a great sign for our bright future.

Go FUMA!

Last week I wrote: "We have one of the best athletic programs in the county right here in rural Fork Union, Virginia.  It is a rare combination of competitiveness and sportsmanship."   What I said at the Athletic Awards Ceremony, and meant to type, was "country" not "county."  We are blessed with a great athletic program, and it has the national recognition we will soon see with our academic programs.

I read in a recent professional publication that an emerging trend in education was to add "intensive courses" where students study only one subject at a time, without the distractions of studying other courses.  I found it interesting that Fork Union Military Academy has been on that "cutting edge" for over half a century.

Our "one subject plan" makes us unique in secondary education today.  One of my long-term goals is to have other schools emulate this strength, and the educational "innovators" are trending toward this end.  I've asked faculty to publish and present at professional conferences, and hope to see this initiative taken in the next year or two.

Ms. Katherine Giszack, who teaches and manages our English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum set an excellent example by presenting at The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) Global Symposium.  Her presentation on FUMA's program, and all we've learned along the way, helped other schools who may not be as far along.

While our ESL program is less than two years old, she left encouraged to be ahead of other (much more expensive and exclusive) independent private schools, and believes we are setting the standard in preparing international students for success.  For those interested in viewing her presentation, it is attached to this link.

Much of this week was spent welcoming prospective parents and young men interested in attending FUMA.  We are also working hard to have our Middle School graduates transition into our Upper School.  We've been impressed by the interest, with inquiries and visits at their highest levels in a few years.  This is encouraging...not only as a good economic indicator, but also gives us all hope that we will have the opportunity to impact the lives of so many more young men.

I was away from school on Tuesday, meeting with the Board Chairman and a prospective new member of our Board of Trustees.  While I cannot share his name here (will distribute the ballot tomorrow) both the Chairman and I were impressed by the intellect, leadership, and service of this distinguished alumnus.  He graduated from our postgraduate program in 1992, and is currently a surgeon at the National Institute of Health conducting cancer research.

The way he articulated how Fork Union Military Academy gave him the opportunity, time, and environment to put his life in perspective should be part of our "marketing strategy."

I met briefly with my Information Systems Director, MAJ Scott Krogh, to review the plan for all Academy classrooms to have wireless access points.  By the beginning of the next school year, every cadet will have their own laptop computer, and Wi-Fi will be as ubiquitous as it is at Starbucks and McDonalds.

We have training scheduled for our entire faculty early next week.  Teachers from another school who successfully implemented a one-to-one laptop program will provide tips and answer questions and address concerns. 

We are also converting our allowance system to a more automated process, where parents will place allowance on a "debit card" which can be converted to cash at an ATM machine located on campus.  Our business office will now be able to focus in other areas, cadets will no longer have to stand in line during break, and we reduce the amount of cash we keep on hand.  More information will be provided soon.

I found my energy waning a bit...and realized it had been a while since I'd been in a classroom to interact with the "bright young men who lead with character."  Today I attended four presentations in Ms. Janice Simmons' class (College Research Technology).  Each student has a topic of interest, and part of his final grade is making a presentation which includes making a movie and sharing important information on the subject.

The presentations I attended were on Concussions, Photography, Italy, and Commercial Diving.  I enjoyed each one, and always like to make an observation or two, and ask a question.  While we should place all these on our website, for now I asked that the pictures taken by Cadet Conner Dahn be posted.  Photography is my only "hobby" outside of swimming, running, and bicycling, so these pictures really caught my eye, and show a side of Fork Union not often seen.

I ended the day by visiting our fledgling "Robotics Club," and watched a robot they'd built (from a Lego Robotic Kit) find its way out of a wooden corral.  These four cadets are working together to create a team that will compete throughout Virginia (and I hope the nation).  Robotics is clearly part of any strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program...and I'd like our students "leading the way."  The Middle School will also be starting a program.

This week we hosted Joe Ehrmann, author of InSideOut Coaching.  He addressed the cadets and conducted a workshop for our coaches.  I met Joe Ehrmann when he visited the Coast Guard Academy to make a similar presentation to the Corps of Cadets, and encourage you to learn more about him and his teachings, as his message is more important today than ever, and is aligned with FUMA's mission.  I will end this blog with his answer to the question:

"How do you define masculinity?"

There are two capacities in my definition of masculinity. The first is the ability to engage in fulfilling relationships. Being a man is having the capacity to love and to be loved, and yet "Be a man!" can be the three scariest words that a lot of boys ever hear. "Be a man!" almost always means to stop acting emotionally, to stop with the tears. Expressing emotion is considered a sign of masculine failure. Boys are taught to separate their hearts from their heads. When you become so disconnected that you can't understand your own feelings and emotions, you'll never be able to understand the feelings and emotions of other human beings. If you don't have a vocabulary that gives you the freedom to express your emotions, you won't understand how your words and actions impact another human being. Without an understanding of yourself, including your emotional self, you'll never understand others. This disconnection from emotion has created what I call "empathy deficit disorder" in this country. It's a precondition for bullying, dating abuse, gender violence, and violence in America in the many other forms it takes.

The second capacity necessary for masculinity is the ability to commit to a cause. You want to know that you can look back at what you've done and see that you've made some kind of a difference-you've left some kind of mark, some kind of imprint you can be proud of. To do that, you've got to identify a cause that is bigger than who and what you are. You need a transcendent cause so you can get up every day with more concerns than your own wants. If masculinity is about relationships with others and commitment to a cause, then what better opportunity is there to learn masculinity than by being part of a team? A team is nothing more than a set of relationships for a cause. It has common purpose, performance goals, and objectives; it depends on a work ethic; and it's always built on the mutual trust, respect, and integrity of every team member. A coach has the opportunity to help young people commit heart, body, and soul to a team, and so it is an ideal setting to develop masculinity.

Go FUMA!

I gave you a break from my blog last week.  The campus was very quiet, giving faculty a well-deserved rest, and administrators and staff some time to catch up, and maybe even get ahead...of course that only lasts a few minutes.

I used the time to get out and around the facilities and grounds, adding to the project and infrastructure to-do list.  There are some short-term (looking good for open-houses, parades, Alumni Weekend, and Commencement) items and long-term items (the next 3-5 years).  We are a mix of the very best facilities (Chapel, library, dining facility, dormitory, pool/gymnasium) and others in need of "tender loving care" and renovation (Hatcher, Perkins Technology Center, Alumni Gym, Thomas Gym).

With only 40 days until the May Board of Trustees Meeting, there is much to do as we find new board members, and put together various committees and leadership nominations.  As I've indicated before, we are fortunate to have a Board who have such a "heart for the school" and its mission.  Informing our Board and keeping them active is always time well spent.

The break allowed me the freedom to travel to Yorktown, VA to address their Rotary Club.  Bill Reiser, an active alumnus from the Class of 1952 invited me down, and I spoke about my new favorite subject: Fork Union Military Academy.  The Rotarians were joined by three "classmates" from the USCGA Class of 1955.  This class made me an honorary member when I served as Superintendent, and we've remained close.  It was a pleasant surprise...and allowed me to spread the school's message even farther than expected.

It was also great to spend some time catching up with "old friends" at Training Center Yorktown, which I led less than a decade ago.  I enjoyed being among Coast Guard men and women...and even saw some former cadets...now showing tremendous pride to serve aboard ships (now as ensigns) around the country (going to various schools there). 

My former Command Master Chief, Mike Wilton, reminded me of something he heard me say:  "In the end, it is not the work or the things we accomplish that will be remembered, or that will really even matter...in the end it is all about the relationships we have with each other." 

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Community learned that Colonel Bob Miller, our Academic Dean, will be transitioning after almost two decades of service as our Dean.  Before coming to Fork Union he was Superintendent at Fishburne Military School for 10 years.  We are preparing an extensive external and internal search for his successor.  I've linked the job posting, and will provide more details as they are available.

We are also working through a few other transitions, teachers retiring, or accepting positions of greater responsibility.  I've often said that it is flattering when so many schools look to our faculty, staff, and administrators and try and "woo" them away.  It is recognition of excellence, and more importantly leadership, which is in such short supply.  This process is a reminder that the "most alive" organizations are always learning to change and adapt...while staying true to their values and purpose.

Nonetheless, change is hard...even if it is necessary. 

The cadets returned to cold, rain, and a dusting of snow...yet at lunch on Monday there were many smiles and friendly conversation at all the tables.  I was impressed by their ability to get right back "into the rhythm" of the school routine.  Chaplain Benson's message on Tuesday was a primer on prayer.  He quoted Matthew 6.6:  "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." 

He introduced the "ACTS" acronym.  Start each prayer with Adoration [of God], Confession [of your weakness], Thanksgiving [for the many gifts and blessings], followed by Supplication [asking for what you need].  James (our James) is a gifted spiritual advisor...and the cadets are fortunate to have such a man leading them in their spiritual journey.

I learned that over the past weekend LTC Bob Grant, and our Quartermaster, Suzanne Grant, held an admissions fair in Northern Virginia last weekend and spoke with 15 families.  This was impressive, generous (of their precious time), and will go a long way toward a full Jacobson Hall next year.  Our goal is to begin next year with 500 cadets...many new, along with everyone (except the seniors and postgraduates) returning for the 2013 - 2014 school year.

The Social Center (formerly known as the Recreation Center and Activities Center) will open this week.  We still need to iron out a detail or two...but this newly renovated facility is an important addition to the array of activities offered during the week and on weekends.  It will be open 24 hours a week to start, with most of that time on the weekends. 

We plan to have a staff member present in the facility the rest of this year, but anticipate it being "cadet-led" next year.  I've attached two pictures...one of the facility in the late 1930's and another taken this week.  Thank you to all those who helped us make this possible.  Of the slightly over $100,000 it took to do this, over 60% was provided through the generosity of parents and friends.

My "highlights" of this very challenging week were the time spent on Tuesday afternoon watching the start of track practice, and the varsity lacrosse team running through a scoring drill.  It is always refreshing to see the camaraderie, teamwork, and leadership displayed on the playing field. The second highlight was today's message of hope by Coach Fletcher Arritt.

On Tuesday I did find the time to swim a mile (instead of eating lunch), and ran six miles through Fork Union later that evening...and before writing this blog ran another six miles at sunset through wooded paths on our cross country course.  I used to think there was nothing a run couldn't fix.  Now I've come to realize that prayer is the real answer...and my "room" as mentioned in Matthew is often the pool...or the surrounding woods and running trails.

There is nothing that prayer, swimming, and running can't solve.

Go FUMA!