The Citadel's presidential search committee has identified four high-ranking military officers as the final candidates to become the 21st president of the historic military college in Charleston, South Carolina. The announcement marks a significant step in the process to replace Gen. Glenn M. Walters, who will retire on June 30, 2026.
All four finalists are distinguished alumni of The Citadel, bringing extensive experience in military command, strategic planning, and leadership. The selection process now moves into its final phase as the college prepares to choose its next leader.
Key Takeaways
- Four finalists have been announced for the position of the 21st president of The Citadel.
- All candidates are high-ranking military officers and alumni of the college.
- The new president will succeed Gen. Glenn M. Walters, who is set to retire in June 2026.
- The finalists have diverse backgrounds in military operations, strategic command, and academic leadership.
The Search for New Leadership
The Citadel has officially narrowed its search for its next president to a group of four distinguished graduates. The announcement, made on February 16, 2026, concludes a comprehensive search that began after current president Gen. Glenn M. Walters, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Class of '79, announced his retirement plans in December.
Walters is scheduled to step down at the end of the academic year on June 30, 2026, concluding a notable tenure at the helm of the institution. The search committee was tasked with finding a successor capable of guiding the military college into its next chapter, upholding its traditions while navigating the future of higher education and military leadership.
A Legacy of Leadership
The presidency of The Citadel is a highly regarded position, historically held by individuals with significant military and leadership experience. The college, founded in 1842, has a long-standing tradition of producing principled leaders for the military, public service, and the private sector. The selection of the 21st president is a critical decision for the institution's future.
The final candidates represent a cross-section of the U.S. Armed Forces, with two from the U.S. Army and one from the U.S. Marine Corps. Their collective experience spans decades and includes service in some of the highest echelons of military command and strategic operations across the globe.
Profiles of the Finalists
Each of the four finalists brings a unique set of qualifications and a deep connection to the institution as an alumnus. The committee has presented a slate of candidates with extensive backgrounds in command, operations, and academia.
Gen. Kenneth F. “Frank” McKenzie Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), ’79
A member of the same graduating class as the outgoing president, Gen. McKenzie currently serves as the executive director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida. His distinguished military career was capped by his role as the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing military operations in the Middle East.
Before leading CENTCOM, McKenzie served as the Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. His academic credentials from The Citadel include a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in history, providing him a unique blend of military and educational leadership experience.
Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), ’85
Lt. Gen. James most recently served as the commanding general of the First United States Army. His career includes extensive operational and command experience, including his time as the director of operations for the United Nations Command in Korea and as commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
James graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He furthered his education with a Master of Military Art and Science from the Army Command and General Staff College and a Master of Science in national security and strategic studies from the National Defense University.
Diverse Educational Backgrounds
The four finalists hold degrees in a range of fields from The Citadel, including history, business administration, electrical engineering, and English. This highlights the broad liberal arts and technical education the institution provides as a foundation for military and civilian leadership.
Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, U.S. Army, ’90
Currently serving in a critical international role, Maj. Gen. Phillips is the director of communications and cyber operations (J6) at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. His expertise lies in the increasingly vital fields of information technology and cybersecurity within the modern military.
Phillips previously held the position of director of IT planning, programming, budgeting, and execution at Headquarters, U.S. Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from The Citadel and holds a Master of Science in strategic studies from the Army War College, reflecting a strong technical and strategic foundation.
Lt. Gen. E. Miles Brown, U.S. Army, ’95
The youngest of the finalists, Lt. Gen. Brown is the acting deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command. His career has been focused on the future of the Army, having previously served as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Futures Command and commanding general of the Combat Capabilities Development Command.
Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from The Citadel. His postgraduate education includes a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in national security and strategic studies from the National Defense University, equipping him with a forward-looking perspective on military development.
The Path Forward
With the finalists now public, the next stage of the selection process will involve further interviews and campus visits. This allows the Board of Visitors, faculty, staff, and cadets to engage with the candidates and learn more about their vision for The Citadel's future.
The Board of Visitors will make the final decision, choosing the individual they believe is best suited to lead the institution. The successful candidate will be tasked with overseeing the college's academic programs, the development of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, and the institution's overall strategic direction.
The decision is expected in the coming months, providing ample time for a smooth transition of leadership before Gen. Walters' departure in June 2026. The choice will shape the direction of one of the nation's premier military colleges for years to come.