MBCNews
VWIL Embraces Vision During Transition
Photos by Woods Pierce
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Just before the start of each academic year, new VWIL cadets—called nULLs—participate in “Wilderness,” which includes three days of camping, hiking, and ropes course activities (pictured) designed to build interpersonal bonds and develop teamwork skills.
» www.mbc.edu/news Read more about new VWIL Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Teresa Djuric, who also served as the 2013 Founders’ Day speaker.
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Fall 2013
n May 2014, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) will celebrate its 15th graduating class, a milestone that comes on the heels of a transitional period for the distinctive all-female corps of cadets. “President Fox called this a ‘defining year’ when she spoke to the corps as they assembled at the beginning of the year. And indeed it is, as we build on the solid foundation laid by the late Dr. Brenda Bryant as founding director and Brigadier General Mike Bissell as founding commandant,” said Col. Melissa Patrick ’78, who returned to her alma mater in 2012 to serve as deputy commandant. “This time represents a launch point for VWIL’s second chapter and increasing Mary Baldwin College’s recognition as the finest collegiate-level leadership development program for young women.” Bryant maintained close ties with the corps — teaching leadership courses and often participating in physical training with cadets — as she moved into other administrative positions at the college before her passing in August 2012. The most dramatic shift in VWIL leadership was the retirement announcement of Bissell in summer 2013. The decorated Vietnam veteran assisted early on with development of the military aspects of the program first as a volunteer and later as a full-time staff member, and he continued to serve as commandant while the college conducted a nationwide search for his successor. In October, the VWIL family welcomed its new leader, U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Teresa Djuric, who most recently served as deputy director in the Space Intelligence Office at the Pentagon. Over the course of her career, Djuric established the first Air Force civilian leadership course, managed the Air University officer training campus, and operated space systems at three space wings. She also deployed to Southwest Asia as the first director for space forces to support the war on terrorism and served on staffs at the Air Force Personnel Center, U.S. Pacific Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. “I’m eager to guide the corps into the next chapter of its legacy, and I’m already inspired by the cadets’ dedication to their education and willingness to participate in this challenging military environment and leadership program,” Djuric said. Former U.S. Army Capt. Amelia “Amy” Underwood joined the VWIL staff in July as director of leadership development and academic affairs, following the departure of Karen Parker, who worked closely with VWIL students for more than a decade. One of the early female graduates of West Point, Underwood worked in academia and as a sales engineer
