The Citadel names 21st college president

Just over a month after announcing four candidates to serve as the 21st president for The Citadel, the military college has chosen Gen. Frank McKenzie to fill the role.

McKenzie currently serves as the executive director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute and as the executive director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, Cyber Florida, according to a news release.

“I am honored and humbled to come home to The Citadel,” McKenzie said in the news release. He graduated from The Citadel in 1979. “This is where it all began for me. I look forward to giving back some of the things that were given to me during my time as a cadet. Marilyn and I are excited and energized about the opportunities ahead.”

McKenzie was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at The Citadel, majoring in English before committing to over 40 years of service. He has degrees from The Citadel Graduate College, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the School of Advanced Warfighting.

According to the release, McKenzie has been the commander of Marine Forces Central Command director of the Joint Staff, and commander of the U.S. Central Command where he was responsible for all U.S. military operations in a vast area of the world covering the Middle East and South Asia.

“The Citadel is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to bring Gen. McKenzie back to campus as the 21st president,” said Greg Delleney, chairman of the college’s Board of Visitors. “We had an outstanding pool of candidates and an exceptionally strong shortlist of finalists making this decision extremely difficult. Having Gen. McKenzie, with his experience as a theater commander and an academic institution leader, agree to lead The Citadel is a reflection of the outstanding institution we currently have and our bright future.”

The Citadel Board of Visitors voted unanimously for McKenzie, on the morning of the college’s 183rd birthday.

The current president, Gen. Glenn Walters, will retire at the end of June after 50 years of service. McKenzie will begin as president on July 1.

“I would also like to take a moment to recognize the remarkable things that my classmate and friend, Gen. Glenn Walters, has done for our college. He and Gail have given it their all. I also want to thank the Board of Visitors for their faith in me. It will not be misplaced. We’re excited about getting to work!” McKenzie said.