On Friday, Jamaal Walton returned to Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in a happy homecoming as he was named the school’s director of intercollegiate athletics.
Walton, a decorated 2007 graduate of VMI, begins his new role next month.
“Jamaal Walton brings a wealth of experience to the athletic director position, and, as a VMI alumnus, provides a unique perspective. He is not just passionate about VMI athletics, but is passionate about the VMI experience,” said Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, superintendent, in a statement. “Jamaal clearly demonstrated a solid understanding of the changing NCAA landscape that will help VMI Athletics compete to win soon and for the foreseeable future.”
Walton returns to VMI after serving as the senior associate athletic director for strategic initiatives at the University of Washington since July 2021. There he was a key member of the Athletic Director’s Senior Leadership team and held many responsibilities including overseeing a variety of sports, maintaining fiscal oversight for programs such as men’s basketball and baseball, ensuring NCAA compliance and contributing to fundraising efforts with donors.
“I would like to thank General Wins and the search committee for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading Keydet Athletics,” Walton said. “This is a dream come true, and I’m humbled and thrilled to serve my alma mater as the next director of athletics. VMI changed my life, and my goal is to help serve and inspire future VMI graduates to be citizen-soldiers who embody the VMI spirit. The VMI family is special, and Marci and I cannot think of a better place to raise our family. Rah Va Mil!”
VMI’s new AD began his athletics administration career at HBCU Savannah State University before moving on to schools such as Tennessee, Oklahoma and Alabama. In 2017, he was the associate director for external operations at the College of Charleston until he moved to Washington in 2021.
Walton had a stand-out career VMI, earning the General George C. Marshall Citizen-Soldier Award and the Lemuel Mackennie Long Jarman Award. He was also a four-year letterwinner and captain of the VMI football team.
Walton takes over for Jim Miller, who retired after serving in the position since July 1st, 2022.
