Gen. Frank McKenzie Selected as 21st President of The Citadel

The Citadel Board of Visitors unanimously chose the retired Marine Corps general to lead the college starting in 2026.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:39pm

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The Citadel Board of Visitors announced that they have selected Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), '79, to serve as the 21st president of The Citadel. McKenzie, who is currently the Executive Director of the University of South Florida's Global and National Security Institute and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, will take over the role from the retiring Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), '79, on July 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The Citadel, a prestigious military college in Charleston, South Carolina, is welcoming a new president with extensive military and academic leadership experience. McKenzie's appointment comes at a critical time as the college looks to build on recent infrastructure, academic, and financial improvements under Walters's tenure.

The details

McKenzie, one of four finalists selected by the presidential search committee, is a career infantry officer who was commissioned through The Citadel's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program. He has held a wide range of command and staff positions, including serving as Commander of Marine Forces Central Command and Director of the Joint Staff. His final military position was as the Commander, United States Central Command.

  • The Citadel Board of Visitors voted on McKenzie's appointment on March 21, 2026, just as the college marked its 183rd birthday with the annual Corps Day celebrations.
  • McKenzie will begin his tenure as the 21st president of The Citadel on July 1, 2026.

The players

Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.)

A retired Marine Corps general who was selected as the 21st president of The Citadel. He is currently the Executive Director of the University of South Florida's Global and National Security Institute and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity.

Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.)

The current president of The Citadel, who will retire at the end of June 2026 after nearly 50 years of service to his country and alma mater.

Greg Delleney

The chairman of The Citadel's Board of Visitors, which unanimously voted to select Gen. McKenzie as the college's next president.

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What they’re saying

“The Citadel is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to bring Gen. McKenzie back to campus as the 21st President. 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.”

— Greg Delleney, Chairman, The Citadel Board of Visitors

“I am honored and humbled to come home to The Citadel. 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.”

— Gen. Frank McKenzie

“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!”

— Gen. Frank McKenzie

What’s next

McKenzie is scheduled to begin his tenure as the 21st president of The Citadel on July 1, 2026, following the retirement of Gen. Glenn M. Walters.

The takeaway

The Citadel, a prestigious military college, is welcoming a new president with extensive military and academic leadership experience. Gen. Frank McKenzie's appointment comes at a critical time as the college looks to build on recent improvements and continue its tradition of excellence.