Handout 4

The VWIL Story
Built on a historic foundation of preparing women to lead
in their communities and beyond, Mary Baldwin College
believed in the idea of the Virginia Women’s Institute for
Leadership before the program even existed. On August
22, 1995, the college welcomed the first class of 42
cadets in VWIL. Since that time, the program has grown
in both size and reputation as it continues to be the only
all-female cadet corps of its kind in the world. Today,
the corps includes a band platoon, four rifle platoons, a
company-level staff, and a color guard. Discover more at
www.mbc.edu/vwil.
CONTACT US
for more information or
to schedule a visit
1-800-468-2262
admit@mbc.edu
www.mbc.edu/about/keyfacts.php
Founded in 1842
On-campus enrollment (2011–12): 797 women
American Indian/Alaskan: 1%
Asian: 4%
Black/African-American: 31%
Hispanic: 8 %
White: 52%
International/Other: 3%
Student/faculty ratio: 11:1
Average class size: 17
Academic partnerships:
American Shakespeare Center
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
54-acre hilltop campus overlooking Staunton, VA,
a city of 24,000 with a vibrant arts and culture scene
and mountain vistas
APPLY NOW
Office of Admissions
540-887-7019 or 1-800-468-2262
admit@mbc.edu
www.mbc.edu/apply (select Residential College for
Women)
ASK A QUESTION
VWIL Office
540-887-7042
vwil@mbc.edu
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
“Like” Mary Baldwin College-VWIL
on Facebook today!
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 1500
Staunton, VA 24402
MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE
MBC IN A NUTSHELL
Where
women
lead the way
The Virginia
Women’s Institute
for Leadership
AT MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE
LEANNE PATTON
Fancy Gap, VA « Studio Art
The corps does not break you down to
build you up; it meets you where you
are and makes you better. I am still
surprised when I see how much I have
grown in just the past few years.
SHARMEKA WILLIAMS
South Boston, VA « English
VWIL has drawn out the leader in
me, and I have found potential I
didn’t recognize at first.
EMILY SIKORSKI
Lusby, MD « Mathematics,
four-year Navy scholarship
I knew that VWIL would benefit my
leadership skills, but I didn’t expect to
get such solid preparation for a future
career in the Navy. Through ROTC, I
will be able to complete all the training
necessary to commission.
VWIL
is a leadership program
with military preparation, not a military program
with leadership training on the sidelines. Whether
she is interested in commissioning into the U.S.
Armed Forces, guiding a classroom of students,
running a business, or finding fulfilling work in
another field, each VWIL student completes
Mary Baldwin’s leadership minor. The remarkable
transformation during the four-year program
sometimes even surprises the cadets themselves.
«
[
MEGAN BARRON
Plymouth, IN «
Communications
VWIL is unlike any other
military school. You can find
military training in many other
places, but VWIL’s civilian
leadership component puts
the program on a higher level.
I was able to maintain my
focus on commissioning into
the United States Navy while
playing varsity athletics.
PAULINE LANGSTON
Crewe, VA « Biology, Navy Reserves
A Little MORE about the CORPS
nULL is the term used to refer to a first-year VWIL
student. It translates to “zero and void” and suggests
that the new student is unfamiliar with the practices
of the corps and the values it represents. Your “sister
nULLs” are cadets who started VWIL during the same
academic year.
Physical training (also known as
PT) is a fundamental part of cadet life and part of our
commitment to help you improve your physical fitness.
Cadets participate regularly in PT and take physical
education and health courses.
I remember telling myself that I wanted to be a part
of a team with other strong, inspired females who are
destined to do something unique with their lives.
Cadet life is organized through two systems.
For each leadership position in the corps’ regimental system, there is an equal
role in the class system. Cadets spend a few days a week in uniform, but on most
days you can find them in a VWIL polo shirt and khakis or civilian clothes.
Regimental System
Class System
« Provides military discipline, drill and
« Governs class privileges and
«
«
«
ceremony, accountability, time management
Rank structure includes commanding officer,
executive officer, staff, color guard, rifle
platoons, drill team, honor guard, and band
platoon (also open to non-VWIL students)
Participation in ROTC training (all branches of
service offered)
«
encourages the spirit of the corps
Leadership structure includes a chair,
vice chair, and secretary for each
class, in addition to Class Congress
and committee chairs
Prepares cadets for public and private
career paths
]
Did you know that the Corps of Cadets
and MBC/VWIL marching band has
performed in parades in New York City, at
the Smithsonian Museum, and for several
Virginia gubernatorial ceremonies? The
marching band includes cadets and non-cadet
MBC students, and it is one of the most
visible ways that the program earns national
recognition.