Office of the Commandant

William McCollough

"Right now, at perhaps more than any point in my lifetime, our country aches for the men and women of substance and character that Norwich produces. " 

BG William McCollough, VSM

Vice President of Student Affairs/56th Commandant of Cadets

William McCollough ’91 serves as the 56th Commandant of Cadets and Vice President of Student Affairs. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, McCollough returned to campus in 2022 to assume his current duties where he oversees the campus experience and leadership development of all Norwich students. He holds the rank of brigadier general in the Vermont State Militia (VSM).

Biography

McCollough was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1991 after graduating summa cum laude from Norwich University. As a Marine, McCollough developed into a distinguished leader. He commanded 1st Battalion 5th Marines, the 1st Marine Regiment, and the Crisis Response MAGTF for U.S. Central Command, as well as serving as an advisor team leader in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He served overseas in multiple Operations including Marathon, Southern Watch, Desert Thunder, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Kanjari, and Inherent Resolve. He graduated with honors from The Basic School, Amphibious Warfare School, and the Marine Corps War College, as well as served as a Congressional Fellow.

In his final tours he served as the Director of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, followed by serving as the Marine Corps Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit with “V” device and four gold stars, the Bronze Star with “V” device, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star. He is married to the former Ms. Caroline Sims of Columbia, Tennessee and has two adult sons, Jack and Hunter.