April 2026 Notes from the Provost
Dear Faculty and Staff,
March, with all of its momentum, swept through campus in a whirlwind. Amid lectures, research, papers and conferences, we hosted Recognition Day and Corps Day. Families flocked to campus to take part in the activities and watch as the Class of 2029 marched to Marion Square, the site of the original Citadel campus, where they renewed their oath, recommitting themselves to the standards and responsibilities of the Corps of Cadets.
Last week, the Board of Visitors announced that retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, ’79, has been selected to serve as the 21st president of the college. A career infantry officer, he concluded his military service as commander of U.S. Central Command and retired in 2022 after 42 years of service. He later served as executive director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Gen. McKenzie brings an impressive record and clear vision and will build on the strong foundation established by Gen. Walters.
On a personal note, I will return to the University of Lynchburg in July, where I will serve as president. It has been a privilege to serve alongside this faculty and to support the academic mission of The Citadel. I am deeply grateful for the collegiality, dedication, and shared commitment to excellence that define this faculty and have made this work so meaningful.
As we move toward the end of the semester, I am proud of all we have accomplished. I believe in The Citadel’s mission, in our students—and in you and the work you do each day.
Until next time,
Brigadier General Sally Selden, Ph.D., SPHR
Provost and Dean of the College
