GMC News

Georgia Military College (GMC) is proud to announce the appointment of Colonel Jack Vantress, U.S. Army (Retired) 

as the institution’s Senior Vice President, Commandant of Cadets, effective July 13, 2026.

Georgia Military College (GMC) is proud to announce the appointment of Colonel Jack Vantress, U.S. Army (Retired) as the institution’s Senior Vice President, Commandant of Cadets, effective July 13, 2026.

COL Vantress brings more than 30 years of distinguished service as a senior leader in the United States Army, coupled with extensive experience in strategic leadership, organizational development, training, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has served in some of the Army’s most complex and high-impact roles to include Executive Officer to a four-star General, Brigade Commander, and senior advisor on international military readiness. His leadership has consistently focused on building high-performing teams, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and developing leaders at every level.

In this role, COL Vantress will serve as a member of the Cabinet and provide executive leadership and oversight for the Junior College Corps of Cadets. The Commandant of Cadets is charged with strategically growing the Corps by actively promoting and advancing the program through strong partnerships with U.S. Service Academies, international programs and collaborators, state legislators, and affiliated military leaders to expand enrollment and opportunity in the years ahead. In this role the Commandant of Cadets will also lead cadets in alignment with GMC’s mission of cultivating leaders of character, while fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and service.

As part of GMC’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership structure and military heritage, the Commandant of Cadets will now serve as a direct report to the President. Additionally, the President, will now also serve as Superintendent of the Corps of Cadets.

Under this realignment, College Athletics and Campus Security will transition to report under the Commandant, enhancing unity of effort across student development, discipline, safety, and performance.

At Georgia Military College, the role of Commandant is more than a position; it is an extension of service. COL Vantress embodies this calling through a lifetime dedicated to leading, mentoring, and serving others. His experience as a transformational trainer and trusted advisor will be instrumental in advancing GMC’s leadership model and strengthening the Corps of Cadets.

President Terry McKenrick shared his enthusiasm for the appointment saying, “We are honored to welcome Colonel Vantress to Georgia Military College. His distinguished record of service, leadership, and commitment to developing others aligns perfectly with our mission. As we continue to strengthen the Corps of Cadets and our institutional structure, Jack’s leadership will be invaluable. I am excited to have him join our team as we continue to serve our students and our community together.”

“It is a privilege to continue serving and especially in a role that allows me to influence the next generation of military and community leaders,” said COL Vantress. “I am honored to join an institution with such a meaningful mission and a team so deeply committed to service and excellence. Being part of GMC is a responsibility I embrace with gratitude and purpose. I look forward to working alongside the faculty, staff, cadets, and athletes to build on the institution’s legacy of excellence and leadership.”

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Colonel Jack Vantress and his family as they join the GMC family. Jack’s wife, Meredith, will be joining the Preparatory School faculty, where she will teach high school dual enrollment and will serve as a faculty mentor. Their daughter, Samantha, will graduate this spring from the University of Oregon, and their son, Ben, is a First Lieutenant in the South Carolina National Guard, currently stationed in Charleston.