Leadership Forged, Leadership Returned

COL Mark A. Denton, USA, Class of 1997, has been selected as the 57th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and Vice President of Student Affairs.

There is a particular kind of homecoming that does not arrive with ceremony alone, but with memory and purpose. For COL Mark A. Denton, USA, Norwich University Class of 1997, his return to Norwich is the continuation of a path first set decades ago — one shaped by discipline, reflection, service, and an enduring belief in the power of principled leadership. On June 15, COL Denton returns to his alma mater as the 57th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and Vice President of Student Affairs following a distinguished career spanning 35 years of selfless service as both an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer in the United States Army.

A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, COL Denton moved to Milton, Massachusetts, during his adolescence, where he spent the remainder of his formative years. His journey comes full circle from his commissioning at Norwich University in 1997 to his final duty assignment as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army. 

“The world today demands leaders of character who are tested before they are tasked. Returning to Norwich is my commitment to the next generation and a mission to instill Norwich P.R.I.D.E. — Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence — into every student. Norwich is the bedrock where character meets academic rigor, and I am honored to mentor the leaders who will navigate the complexities of our nation’s future.” — COL Mark Denton 

That alignment — between lived experience and institutional purpose — was central to Norwich University’s search for its next Commandant and Vice President of Student Affairs. The combined role carries with it a profound responsibility: shaping the daily lives of students, stewarding tradition, and preparing young men and women for lives of leadership and service. For LtGen John J. Broadmeadow ’83, USMC (Ret.), 25th President of Norwich University, that responsibility demanded a leader whose credibility was earned not just by rank, but by example.

“COL Mark Denton embodies the very best of Norwich University through his service and spirit. A proud and distinguished Class of 1997 alumnus and a decorated U.S. Army officer, he brings home to Northfield more than three decades of leadership experience encompassing combat, institution, and strategic environments — but more than his resume, his unwavering dedication to developing leaders of character through education, discipline, and example makes him uniquely suited to guide our students through some of the most important years of their lives.” — LtGen John J. Broadmeadow

A Norwich Foundation

COL Denton’s leadership journey began long before he set foot in the Pentagon, Afghanistan, or Europe. It began as a Norwich cadet, student, and student-athlete — immersed in the rhythms of NU, learning firsthand what it means to be held to the Norwich standard.
Those formative years mattered. They still do.

“Norwich’s ‘I Will Try’ ethos has guided my life since my days on The Hill,” says COL Denton. “I am eager to return to my alma mater to lead, mentor, and prepare citizen-soldiers for service to the nation and society.”

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in philosophy, he developed an early appreciation for the intersection of ideas, ethics, and leadership — an academic foundation that would later inform his work as both a commander and an educator. Norwich, for him, was not merely a starting point; it was a compass. 

“My career has been defined by a commitment to developing principled leaders, fostering disciplined and inclusive communities, and managing complex organizations with integrity — values that are at the heart of Norwich’s mission,” says COL Denton.

A Path Shaped Early

COL Denton’s path to Norwich — and a life of service — began far from Northfield, Vermont. He was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, before his family migrated to Milton, Massachusetts, when he was 10 years old. Growing up, he gravitated naturally toward competition and teamwork, becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school. Athletics offered structure and challenge, and it was during those years that he began seriously considering a future in the military. 

Although Norwich was actively recruiting him to play football for the Cadets, he made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserves. Shortly after graduating from Milton High School, he reported to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for Basic Training. There, immersed in the discipline and demands of military life, COL Denton discovered something lasting: he enjoyed it.

More than that, he simultaneously realized that he wanted to go on to active duty and that football remained an essential part of who he was. The realization prompted a call to The Hill. After completing Basic Training, he reconnected with Norwich University and the Cadet football program, setting in motion the next chapter of a journey that would further define him. 

“As a member of the Corps of Cadets, Norwich challenged me to grow as a person and leader,” says COL Denton. “In addition to being in the Corps, I had the honor of playing on the Cadet football team.”

On Sabine Field, he became a multi-year starter on the defensive side of the ball, contributing not just physicality and skill, but consistency and accountability. Football and the Corps reinforced the same lessons: preparation matters, standards matter, and the individual is always responsible to something larger than themselves. 

Those lessons endured. 

Leadership Forged Through Service

Following graduation, COL Denton embarked on a military career defined by breadth, complexity, and sustained responsibility. As a seasoned commander and strategic thinker, he served at the tactical, operational, and enterprise levels of the U.S. Army in assignments that were joint or multinational and often conducted in high-stakes environments.

A combat veteran with eight overseas assignments and six combat deployments, COL Denton has led in environments marked by uncertainty, cultural diversity, and moral consequences. His work has spanned combat operations, stability missions, humanitarian assistance, and intelligence security cooperation with allied forces — each requiring disciplined leadership and ethical judgment while simultaneously providing care for people.

As Battalion Commander of the 309th Military Intelligence Training Battalion, COL Denton oversaw the U.S. Army Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence training at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. There, he managed a $150 million budget while ensuring academic rigor, compliance, and leader development — experience that closely mirrors the responsibilities of a modern university administrator.

Among his most consequential operational roles was his service as Deputy Director of Intelligence for Special Operations Joint Task Force–Afghanistan, where he led intelligence support and managed $4.5 billion in contractor and linguist programs. The scale was immense, but the responsibility — ensuring accurate information, safeguarding lives, and enabling mission success — was personal.

“At Norwich, leadership is not taught in isolation; it is lived every day through standards, accountability, and care for others,” says LtGen Broadmeadow. “COL Denton understands that truth deeply. He knows that developing leaders of character requires both high expectations and genuine relationships, and he brings experience and judgment to do both with purpose in the Norwich spirit.”

Educator and Mentor

COL Denton’s career is notable not only for where he served, but how he served. As a faculty instructor at the U.S. Army War College, he guided senior leaders in strategic leadership, ethics, and decision-making, helping shape the minds of those entrusted with national responsibility. He brings a sophisticated understanding of how to bridge the gap between military leadership and academic achievement.

His commitment to education and mentorship aligns directly with Norwich’s mission to develop leaders of character through both experience and instruction. It also reflects COL Denton’s belief that authority must be paired with understanding, and discipline with purpose. 

COL Denton’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that institutions like Norwich are essential to the national fabric. He is dedicated to instilling Norwich P.R.I.D.E. — Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence — through intentional relationships and a commitment to holistic health, fitness, and wellness. 

His academic credentials reinforce that philosophy. COL Denton holds a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University, both of which compliment his Norwich bachelor’s degree. His professional military education includes Command and General Staff College and advanced intelligence officer courses — preparation that blends theory with practice.

Command at Scale

COL Denton led at every level of the U.S. Army, most notably as Brigade Commander of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, leading operations across 54 African nations and ensuring the welfare, training, and readiness of more than 1,000 personnel. The parallels to Norwich’s Corps of Cadets are clear: holistic development, accountability, and leadership under pressure.

Most recently, COL Denton served at the highest levels of the Army’s institutional leadership. As Senior Military Advisor and Executive Officer to the Under Secretary of the Army, and later Executive Officer to the Deputy Under Secretary, he directed enterprise-level initiatives impacting more than 1.3 million soldiers and civilians. These roles required strategic alignment, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to translate vision into execution — skills essential for a senior leadership position at a unique institution such as Norwich University.

His career is defined by global operational experience, including multiple combat, peacekeeping, stabilization, and humanitarian deployments to Africa, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Sinai Peninsula, and the greater Middle East. His travels also include an assignment as an enlisted with the 368th Engineer Battalion in Rutland, Vermont. These assignments — many conducted alongside allied and multinational partners — reinforced the reality that leadership is both situational and universal, shaped by culture, context, and shared purpose. The experience sharpened his ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex environments, upholding high standards while respecting differences.

Returning to Serve

As 57th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and Vice President of Student Affairs, COL Denton will serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, advising university leadership on student development, retention, and success. His portfolio will include oversight of housing, morale, welfare, and a wide range of policies and services designed to support both the Corps of Cadets and civilian students.

In keeping with long-standing Norwich tradition, the position carries the rank of Brigadier General in the Vermont State Militia (VSM). The rank reflects not only authority, but responsibility — symbolizing the enduring connection between Norwich University, the state of Vermont, and the citizen-soldier ideal upon which the institution was founded. 

The scope is broad, but the purpose is focused: ensure that every Norwich student — cadet and civilian alike — is prepared to lead and serve, whether in uniform, government, or the private sector.

For LtGen Broadmeadow, COL Denton’s return represents both continuity and confidence:

“Norwich University continues its centuries-long tradition of leadership and service as COL Denton returns to not only to lead, but to serve, mentor, and guide all Norwich students. Our standards and Guiding Values have defined this institution since its founding, and I am confident that he will continue upholding them — his life, both personal and in service, demonstrates his belief in the Norwich way.

In fulfilling this combined role, he brings the perspective of a senior executive, an educator, and a role model who understands that leadership development and student success are built through structure, care for others, and purposeful expectations. We have a great trust in his judgment, experience, and commitment to preparing leaders of character ready to serve their communities, the nation, and the world.”

A Search Grounded in Purpose

The decision followed a rigorous national search that reflected the significance of the role. “The search for our 57th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and Vice President for Student Affairs was extremely important, and leadership across the institution worked diligently to ensure our goals and standards were met,” says LtGen Broadmeadow. “This role carries a profound responsibility: to shape the daily experience of our students, to uphold standards, and to steward the traditions that define Norwich.”

The depth of the applicant pool, he notes, speaks to Norwich’s reputation and enduring mission. COL Denton emerged during the search as a leader whose experience, character, and values align comprehensively with the University’s purpose.

Service Beyond the Uniform

COL Denton built a life grounded in service and family along the way. He met his wife, Teresa, while serving in the military, their paths crossing more than once at different duty stations before they eventually married. Together, they are the proud parents of four children. 

Even outside formal command, COL Denton has remained committed to service. His volunteer work includes youth mentorship, coaching, and educational outreach. He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Military Intelligence Corps Association, and the Association of the United States Army — organizations that reflect lifelong engagement with community and leadership.

COL Denton’s connection to Norwich has been longstanding, rooted in his undergraduate experience and sustained through continued alumni engagement. As a student, he served as president of the Harold “Doc” Martin Society, an early reflection of his interest in leadership, service, and institutional stewardship. In the years since, he has remained engaged by attending and volunteering in support of the Harold “Doc” Martin NU 1920 Scholarship dinner, including being a member of the scholarship committee. Together, these efforts reflect a consistent commitment to supporting students and the values of Norwich University. 

His military awards and decorations — including two Legion of Merit awards, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the Knowlton Award for Excellence in Military Intelligence — emphasize a career marked by sustained excellence and trust.

A Full-Circle Moment

For COL Denton, the appointment is both professional and personal. He returns not as a visitor, but as a steward. Not as a stranger, but as a graduate shaped by the same traditions he is now charged with preserving and advancing. He returns with the understanding that leadership at Norwich is not about position, but responsibility — to students, to standards, and to a long maroon line more than two centuries old. 

The University has changed since 1997. The world has changed even more. Yet the core of Norwich — the expectation that leaders are developed through challenge, service, and character — remains constant. COL Denton knows this because he lived it; now, as the 57th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and Vice President for Student Affairs, he returns to ensure the next generation does too.