Virginia State University Names History-making Brigadier General Sheila Baxter 2026 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal
The trailblazing alumna and former VSU student-athlete was the first African American woman to achieve the rank of Brigadier General in the Army Medical Service Corps.
Virginia State University has named retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Sheila R. Baxter, the first African American woman to achieve the rank of Brigadier General in the Army Medical Service Corps, as Grand Marshal of the 2026 VSU Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
A distinguished alumna, former student-athlete, and retired military leader, Baxter will return to The Hill as VSU celebrates the 80th anniversary of its ROTC program. Her selection brings her journey full circle, from her beginnings at Virginia State to a distinguished career of military leadership and service.
A native of Franklin, Virginia, Baxter began building her legacy at VSU as a standout student-athlete and ROTC cadet. A member of the women’s basketball program from 1973 to 1977, she earned All-CIAA honors, was named Most Valuable Player of the 1976 CIAA Tournament, and became the first woman in VSU history to score 1,000 career points.
After graduating from VSU in 1977, Baxter was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps in 1978.
During her distinguished 30-year Army career, Baxter held numerous command and staff positions in the United States and abroad and served during the first Gulf War. Her military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and numerous other awards and decorations. In 2005, Newsweek recognized Baxter as one of the 20 Most Powerful Women in America. In 2015, she was recognized as one of Virginia’s Strong Women in History.
In 2025, Baxter received a Presidential Award for Community Service from President Joe Biden. Most recently, on August 8, 2026, her hometown of Franklin, Virginia, honored her distinguished Army service by dedicating a street sign in her name.
As Grand Marshal, Baxter will lead the 2026 VSU Homecoming Parade, marking another milestone in a journey that began on The Hill and grew into a lifetime of historic leadership and service.
Virginia State University’s 2026 Homecoming activities will begin Sunday, October 3, and culminate Saturday, October 10, as the Trojans take on Livingstone College in the Homecoming football game.