What Happened to The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina?

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, traces its origins to 1822, when a state arsenal was established in response to the Denmark Vesey slave revolt. By 1842, this arsenal evolved into the South Carolina Military Academy, with instruction beginning in 1843. Cadets from The Citadel played a significant role in the American Civil War, notably firing upon the U.S. steamer Star of the West on January 9, 1861, an act often considered the first shots of the conflict. The college served as a vital source of officers for the Confederate army and was occupied by Union forces from 1865 until its reopening in 1882.

Throughout the 20th century, The Citadel solidified its reputation, moving to its current campus in 1922 and expanding its academic offerings. The institution navigated significant social changes, including the admission of its first African American cadet in 1966 and the first woman to earn a graduate degree in 1969. A pivotal moment for women in the Corps of Cadets came with Shannon Faulkner's legal battle for admission in 1995, though she left shortly after. The first woman to graduate from the Corps was Nancy Mace in 1999, who later became a U.S. Congresswoman. These events marked crucial steps in the college's ongoing evolution towards greater inclusivity while maintaining its military structure.

In recent years, The Citadel has continued to achieve national recognition for its academic excellence and value. For the 2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report named it the #1 Best Regional University in the South for the second consecutive year and the #1 Best Public University in the South for the 15th year in a row. Its engineering program consistently ranks among the top undergraduate programs nationwide. The college also earned the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation in January 2026 and was recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly Employer for 2026.

The college launched its comprehensive 'Our Mighty Citadel 2026' strategic plan in September 2020, aiming to enhance its legacy of leadership through six critical initiatives. This plan focuses on academic distinction, student success, campus infrastructure, and community engagement. Significant infrastructure projects are underway or completed, including Bastin Hall (home of the Baker School of Business) and the Capers Hall replacement. The corresponding fundraising campaign has already exceeded its $300 million goal ahead of schedule.

Leadership transitions are also a key development. President Gen. Glenn Walters, USMC (Ret.), '79, announced his retirement effective June 2026, culminating a 50-year career in public service. Following a search, Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), '79, was selected as the 21st president, with his tenure beginning in July 2026. The college has also addressed recent challenges, including implementing new mandatory training for cadets in April 2026 following charges against former cadets related to sexual exploitation of minors. Additionally, in April 2026, the Citadel Alumni Association suspended a North Carolina alumni club over the alleged use of the Confederate anthem 'Dixie,' sparking debate on tradition and inclusion.

As of May 2026, The Citadel remains a prominent institution dedicated to its mission. The Class of 2026 celebrated its commencement, with over 170 cadets commissioning into the U.S. Armed Forces. The athletic department achieved its highest overall GPA in four years in Fall 2025, and the baseball team secured the SoCon Baseball Championship in May 2026. The college continues to offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, adapting its curriculum to relevant fields like cybersecurity and intelligence studies.