Opening Ceremonies

Dan LaVista

Dan LaVista has served as the Executive Director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) since August 7th, 2004. He provides leadership to Virginia's public and private institutions and acts as a liaison to the Education Council. He's a member of the following boards: Virginia College Savings Plan; the Virginia College Building Authority; the Commission to Review, Study, and Reform Educational Leadership; the Center for Innovative Technology Board of Directors; the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center; and the Virginia Environmental Education Commission, as well as ex officio on the Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission (VRTAC). 

John W. Knapp

John W. Knapp serves as the current mayor of the city of Lexington. He obtained his civil engineering degree from VMI in 1954, and became a member of the VMI faculty in 1959. He also served as head of the civil engineering department and dean of the faculty. His dedication and contributions to VMI was acknowledged when VMI appointed him as the superintendent in 1989. During his six years of leadership, the institution remained focused on its mission while undergoing necessary restructuring. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the George C. Marshall Foundation.