Meet The Citadel's Presidential Finalists: 4 Military Leaders Vie for Top Role (2026)

The Citadel's search committee has unveiled a diverse group of four finalists in the quest to find the college's next leader. But here's where it gets intriguing: these candidates bring a range of experiences and backgrounds to the table, each with their own unique journey. Who will step into the shoes of the retiring President Gen. Glenn M. Walters, and what impact will their distinct paths have on the institution's future?

The finalists are:

  1. Lt. Gen. E. Miles Brown, U.S. Army ('95): With a Bachelor of Arts in history from The Citadel, a Master of Science in administration, and another in national security and strategic studies, Brown brings a strong academic foundation. He has served in various leadership roles, including as the acting deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command, and the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Futures Command.

  2. Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr., U.S. Army (Ret. '85): James Jr. brings a wealth of experience, having served as the commanding general of First United States Army and the director of operations for United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in business administration from The Citadel, a Master of Military Art and Science, and a Master of Science in national security and strategic studies.

  3. Gen. Kenneth F. 'Frank' McKenzie Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret. '79): McKenzie Jr. has a unique background, having served as the commander of U.S. Central Command and director of the Joint Staff. He brings a Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration in history from The Citadel, along with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

  4. Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, U.S. Army ('90): Phillips has a strong technical background, with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from The Citadel and a Master of Science in strategic studies from the Army War College. He currently serves as the director of communications and cyber operations at the U.S. European Command.

Each of these finalists brings a distinct perspective and a wealth of experience to the table. But which one will be chosen to lead The Citadel into the future? And what impact will their unique journeys have on the institution's direction? The search committee's decision will shape the college's trajectory, and we can't wait to see how this controversial choice unfolds!

Meet The Citadel's Presidential Finalists: 4 Military Leaders Vie for Top Role (2026)

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