Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University

The Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University is the only all-female corps of cadets in the nation, and perhaps in the world. Its Regimental System and the ROTC program provide extensive training in leadership and experience in a hierarchical organization that stresses the chain of command, accountability, and adherence to clear standards of performance.

VWIL provides an unparalleled opportunity for young women to develop the skills, discipline, knowledge, and character they need to succeed as principled, contributing citizens and leaders in their communities and chosen careers, whether civilian or military. Its design incorporates military structure, participation in ROTC (regardless of intent to commission), practice of collaborative civilian leadership styles, academic study of leadership, physical training, extracurricular workshops and seminars, and a leadership challenge program. ROTC for all service branches is provided through a partnership with active-duty ROTC units headquartered at the Virginia Military Institute, giving students a coeducational military experience that complements the single-gender VWIL Corps of Cadets.

• Only all-female Cadet Corps in the world developing leaders of character
• An undergraduate leadership program within a Master’s and PhD level university located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley
• Emphasis on military and civilian leadership for women; 50% of our graduates choose to commission in the Armed Forces
• Over 30 Majors to choose from; cadets earn a Leadership Minor