Colonel William M. “Bill” Connor, V

USA (Ret.), ’90

Preserving Tradition. Strengthening the Mission. Leading with Honor.

My Vision & Mission

Fellow Citadel Alumni,

When I ran for this position in 2020, I promised I would prioritize ending the Sophomore Shuffle. I was able to make this happen in the first half of my term by gathering the committed votes and letting the administration know I would bring the resolution to end the shuffle. To the credit of the administration, they ended the Shuffle before I had to bring it before the board. Before I ran, I also committed to putting “Citizen Soldier” in The Citadel’s mission statement, where it had been previously. I spent years achieving buy-in, so that in 2025, I was able to move it through committee and then receive an overwhelming vote of the board. Citizen Soldier is now part of the mission statement, and this will keep the Corps of Cadets as the centerpiece of our identity and branding. I have made other lesser impacts, but these were two of the most impactful achievements.

I am running for reelection to continue the work in protecting the heritage, traditions, and branding as the top Senior military college. We are a rightfully proud “military” college, and the Corps of Cadets is at the heart of our identity. There are four primary issues I want to focus on over the next six years:

Defining the Citizen Soldier Mission

After restoring “Citizen Soldier” to the mission statement, the work is not complete. We must clearly define what this term means for The Citadel today. While the concept reaches back to the foundations of Western and American history, we need to articulate how it applies specifically to our training model and the product we produce.

We have also joined “Citizen Soldier” with our long-standing emphasis on the “Principled Leader.” The connection between these two ideals must be clearly explained and integrated. Finally, the new mission statement must be fully incorporated into the Strategic Plan, ensuring that the military component and the development of Citizen Soldier Principled Leaders are intentionally embedded throughout.

A primary motivation for reinstating Citizen Soldier in the mission was to ensure that our Strategic Plan remains fully aligned with our role as a Senior Military College.

Restoring Traditional Corps Dining and Formation

I will work with the new President and fellow Board of Visitors members to restore traditional, family-style dining at The Citadel. This includes formations and marching to Coward Hall for meals.

While there are current logistical restrictions, there are workable solutions — including dividing the Corps into staggered meal times. This tradition is central to discipline, unity, and leadership development, and we must make its restoration a priority.

My goal is to see this reinstituted before the end of my second term.

Strengthening The Citadel’s Military Commissioning Leadership

While maintaining a strong academic foundation, I will work tirelessly to ensure The Citadel produces the highest number of Armed Forces commissions possible.

As the Department of War reduces ROTC scholarships across all services, we must position The Citadel as the Senior Military College of choice. Federal military leadership should view The Citadel as the premier source for future military leaders — the “go-to” institution for commissioning excellence.

This priority connects directly to reinforcing our identity and strategic direction.

Preserving a Traditional Meritocracy

The Citadel must be recognized nationwide as a traditional, conservative meritocracy. All remnants of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) must be eliminated, and merit must remain the sole standard.

Throughout my tenure, I have opposed the use of the term “equity” when it undermines merit-based principles. While recent federal direction has accelerated the removal of DEI policies within the military, there is still work to do to ensure this philosophy is fully and permanently rooted out.

The Citadel must stand firmly for merit, discipline, and tradition.

Short Biography

Grounded in honor. Guided by duty. 1990-2021

Graduated from The Citadel

Graduated from The Citadel, Class of 1990, with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army following graduation.

Class of 1990

1990–2020

Served over 30 years in the U.S. Army

1990–2020 — Served over 30 years in the U.S. Army.

Graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law

2005 — Graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law with a Juris Doctor (J.D.).

2005

2018

Graduated from the U.S. Army War College

2018 — Graduated from the U.S. Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies, Distinguished Graduate.

Began service on The Citadel Board of Visitors

July 1, 2021 — Began service on The Citadel Board of Visitors, term through June 30, 2027.

July 1, 2021

2021

Awarded the Order of the Palmetto

2021 — Awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

Full Bio — William Mellard Connor V

COL • USA Ret. • Class of 1990

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William Mellard Connor V

COL USA Ret. Class of 1990

bill@billconnorlaw.com

Occupation

Retired Army Colonel; Lawyer; Owner, Bill Connor Law Firm. Chairman, STARRS Board of Advisors. Cable news contributor (National Security topics).

Education

BA History, The Citadel (1990); Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina; Master’s in Strategic Studies (Distinguished Graduate), U.S. Army War College.

Citadel Activities

“Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities” for Class of 1990
Cadre Corporal; Platoon Sergeant; Second Battalion Executive Officer
Boxing Team Captain
Selected for Ranger School as a cadet; Airborne School as a cadet
Dean’s List for multiple semesters
Cordell Airborne Ranger Club

Alumni Involvement

Life Member, The Citadel Alumni Association (CAA)
Elected member, Board of Visitors
Citadel Presidential Selection Committee
Member, Charleston Citadel Club and many previous clubs
Member, CAA Executive Committee
Parent of Class of 2023 cadet; active in parent groups
Inducted into Leaders in Philanthropy (Legacy Society), The Citadel Foundation
Former recruiter for new cadets throughout the Southeast

Military Service

Retired Infantry Colonel (30+ years). Positions include:

Infantry platoon leader and executive officer (Ft. Stewart and Kuwait)
IN S4; Sinai, Egypt
Light Infantry Company Commander (Hawaii)
Ranger Company Commander (Ranger Training Brigade, Ft. Benning)
Aide-de-Camp to Commanding General, Ft. Benning
Infantry Captains Career Course SGI
Senior U.S. Military advisor to Afghan forces, Helmand Province
Senior Instructor, Command and General Staff Officers Course (South Carolina)
Senior DSCA representative to South Carolina, USARNORTH

Memberships & Offices Held

Former Governor’s SC Floodwater Commission; Chairman, National Security Task Force
Former Chairman, Republican Party (SC 6th Congressional District)
Former Chairman of the Board, Orangeburg Christian Academy
GOP Runoff Candidate for SC Lt. Governor
Past President, Sons of The American Revolution
Board Member, South Carolina Youth Challenge
State Board Member, South Carolina Child Evangelism Fellowship
Association of the U.S. Army; VFW; American Legion
Member, The Citadel Board of Visitors; CAA Executive Committee
Chairman, Board of Advisors (STARRS)
Selection Committee for The Citadel President
Chairman, BOV Legal Committee; Vice-Chairman SVG

Awards & Honors — Military

Qualifications and badges:

Master Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Expert Infantryman’s Badge
Ranger Tab; Airborne Badge; Air Assault Badge

Select medals and honors:

Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal; Multinational Forces and Observers Medal (Sinai)
Overseas Service; Order of St. Maurice
Chosen for induction into South Carolina Veterans Hall of Fame (Induction June 6, 2026)

Awards & Honors — Civilian

Order of the Palmetto (South Carolina’s highest honor)
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (highest rating for ethics and competency for attorneys in America)
Community of Character Citizenship Award (Orangeburg)
Top company grade officer in U.S. Army Pacific (1997) (McArthur Leadership Award nominee)
Author of book “Articles From War” and numerous articles in military and public media

Personal

I met my wife, Susan, as a cadet and we were married at Summerall Chapel after graduation. She went through the Ring with me (Class of 1990). Our son, Will (Class of 2023), is in the Army. We also have two daughters, Brenna and Peyton, and two grandsons. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Candidate Statement

The Citadel was the most formative experience in my life beyond my Christian faith. It prepared me for life challenges: Ranger School, combat, and starting and running a business. I am proud my son attended and has followed me in the Army.

As I have done while on the Board, I will continue to prioritize protection of The Citadel’s culture, tradition, and heritage. In 2020, I promised to restore company culture and followed through by bringing the sophomore “shuffle” issue to the Board’s attention; the administration ended the shuffle after my communication.

I also promised to put “Citizen Soldier” back in our mission statement as a key means of protecting our identity and culture. After years of work and building support, the Board overwhelmingly passed my resolution to restore “Citizen Soldier” to the mission. I am running for reelection because we have more work to do in restoring and protecting our heritage and identity.

Sent from The Citadel Alumni Association.

A Final Word

Leadership Rooted in Service

The Citadel is more than an institution — it is a legacy built on discipline, honor, and earned leadership. As a retired Army Colonel, I remain committed to preserving its traditions, strengthening its mission, and developing Citizen Soldier Principled Leaders.

If entrusted to continue serving on the Board of Visitors, I will lead with conviction and respect for the Long Gray Line.

For The Citadel. For the Corps. For the future.

— Colonel William M. “Bill” Connor, V