The search committee for Virginia Tech Commandant of Cadets, chaired by the Virginia Tech Foundation's University Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer Raymond Smoot, announces three final candidates for the position.

Each candidate will visit the Blacksburg campus for two days, where they will tour campus and interview with the search committee and other campus groups.

“The search committee and I had our work cut out for us as we sought someone to fill this position with the vision and competence that General Allen has brought to our campus. We were just delighted by the quality of applicants; I look forward to meeting the final candidates in person when they visit our campus in the coming weeks,” said Edward Spencer, vice president for student affairs.

Retired Maj. Gen. Jerrold P. Allen, U.S. Air Force, announced his retirement, effective July 2011, after 12 years as commandant for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

Finalists for the position are Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart, U.S. Air Force, director of Global Reach Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition; Rear Adm. Ronald Henderson, U.S. Navy, retired; and Maj. Gen. Thomas Csrnko, U.S. Army, retired.

Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart serves as the director of Global Reach Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. As a senior government official, he facilitates relationships between the U.S. Department of Defense, Congress, industry, and the U.S. Air Force that account for more than $70 billion in Air Force programs.

Fullhart’s previous work experience includes serving as deputy chief of the Central Security Service, National Security Agency; commandant of the Air Command and Staff College; and commander of the College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education.

He has received several major awards during his more than 32 years with the military, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Fullhart holds a master’s degree in national security affairs from the National War College, a master’s degree in management from Webster University, and a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Fullhart will be on campus March 20 to 22.

Rear Adm. Ronald Henderson retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after 34 years of military service.

Henderson’s previous work experience includes serving as United States defense attaché in London; deputy director for operations, National Military Command Center; and commanding officer for USS John F. Kennedy (CV67) and USS Juneau (LPD10).

As United States defense attaché in London, he represented the U.S. secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the United Kingdom. Henderson also worked directly for the ambassador, U.S. Embassy London, as his senior defense official and senior advisor for defense matters.

Henderson’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal.

He holds a master’s degree from the National War College and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

Henderson will be on campus March 22 to 24.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Csrnko retired from the U.S. Army in August 2010 after 36 years of military service. 

Csrnko’s previous work experience includes serving as commanding general for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School; as commanding general for the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne); and as commanding general for the Special Operations Command, Europe.

As commanding general for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, he established a master of science degree in conjunction with Kansas University.

He has received several awards and decorations including Defense Superior Service Medals, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Csrnko holds a master’s degree in management from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Csrnko will be on campus April 6 to 8.

 

 

Written by Krystyne Hayes, a communications assistant in the Division of Student Affairs.
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