May 2026 Notes from the Provost
Dear Faculty and Staff,
For the Class of 2026, last week was the culmination of four years of leadership development and academic achievement. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters—families large and small—came for the commemoration and pageantry that The Citadel does so well. There were dinners and award ceremonies, pinnings and first salutes. More than 170 members of the Class of 2026 were commissioned as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces during Friday’s joint commissioning ceremony in McAlister Field House. Then on Saturday, more than 900 degrees were conferred during ceremonies for the Corps of Cadets and The Citadel Graduate College. It was a time of celebration for our graduates and their families.
Commencement celebrates beginnings. As we bid farewell to another class, I, too, am preparing to begin a new chapter as president of the University of Lynchburg. I want to offer my sincere thanks to each of you for your hard work and dedication. Together, we guided The Citadel through a period of growth, innovation and challenge, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. We expanded academic and graduate programs, increased student support services and created additional leadership opportunities. The Citadel is flourishing.
As faculty and staff, you should take pride in knowing that you play a critical role in the success of this great institution and in the success of our graduates. I leave The Citadel confident that the future is bright and that the mission of the college will continue in your capable hands.
Ad astra per aspera,
Brigadier General Sally Selden, Ph.D., SPHR
Provost and Dean of the College
