Academy hosts annual board of Visitor's meeting

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ricky Ricciardi
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A group of federal and state leaders and retired senior military officers received a broad overview on current Academy achievements and issues during its annual Board of Visitors meeting here March 7 - 8.

Along with touring various Academy facilities, the board members visited the cadet area and dined with cadets in Mitchell Hall.

"When I interact with cadets, I get a perspective of what it was like when I was here and then I fast forward to reality because it isn't 1982 when I graduated," Board of visitors chairman and Academy graduate Alfredo Sandoval said. "For the board, it's really important because they have limited contact and this allows them to see the excellence in our cadets."

During the board members visit, they met with several Academy senior leaders to discuss a variety of topics, including the effects on the Academy should the Defense Department's fiscal year 2015 budget be approved, the essence of the Academy, and the institution's strategic initiatives, he said.

"The (Board of Visitors) has an oversight priority to observe and make recommendations by working very close to the superintendent," Sandoval said. "We help by using our oversight capabilities to help (Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson) execute the mission."

Brig. Gen. Andy Armacost, dean of faculty, reviewed the Academy's core curriculum for cadets, consisting of 101 semester hours, with the board members, and Col. Kabrena Rodda, the Academy's Preparatory School commander, spoke on the Prep School's mission.

"We want to get better educated and that's why we received a deep review of the USAFA Prep School," Sandoval said.

Col. Carolyn Benyshek, director of Academy admissions, spoke to the board members about the Academy and Prep School application process.

Along with the cadet area and Prep School, the board members visited the Center of Innovation and Cyber Center and attended Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation, Academy Endowment and Association of Graduates presentations.

The board consists of 15 members and meets with Academy leaders at least four times a year, with at least two meetings occurring here.

Visit www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/bov for more information.