STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — Mary Baldwin University has named retired Marine Corps Major General Julie Nethercot commandant of cadets for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) and senior advisor to the president, following a nationwide search. Nethercot will be introduced at the VWIL Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 23, at 5 p.m. in the university’s Physical Activities Center.

According to Mary Baldwin University officials, Nethercot retired from the Marine Corps after 33 years of service. She commanded at multiple levels, including Officer Candidates School, 9th Communication Battalion, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region. In each assignment, she was reportedly responsible not only for accomplishing the mission, but for developing people, setting standards, and preparing future leaders for service.

Established in 1995 at the request of the Commonwealth of Virginia, VWIL is the nation’s only all-female corps of cadets. VWIL cadets pair their Mary Baldwin degree with military training, physical fitness, ethics, and leadership development. More than 540 women have graduated from the program.

“VWIL is one of Mary Baldwin’s most distinctive programs, and key to our future plans for the university. General Nethercot has the experience, credentials, and personal character to lead VWIL and Mary Baldwin University into its next thriving chapter,” said Mary Baldwin President Gary Daynes.

Nethercot holds a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and a bachelor of science in biology and natural science from Midland University.

Nethercot succeeds Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), VWIL’s second commandant, who has led the program since 2013. Nethercot assumes the role on October 26.

“I am honored to join the Mary Baldwin University team, and I hope to contribute my servant leadership style,” Nethercot said. “I’m eager to guide the cadet corps into the next chapter of its legacy. I am dedicated to creating an environment where every cadet can thrive academically, personally, and professionally to be successful in life.”