Decorated Army veteran, educator appointed as head of FMS

Col. Roy F. “Rick” Zinser has assumed the job of president and superintendent of Fishburne Military School. Zinser became the school’s 10th superintendent effective Feb. 1.
Zinser had served previously as the president of Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, the deputy superintendent, chief of staff and commandant at the New York Military Academy and as professor of military science and commandant at the Citadel.

“I consider it an enormous honor to be chosen as the superintendent of Fishburne Military School, a school with a reputation for excellence and a vision that incorporates all the best of academics, character, integrity and leadership in its graduates. My wife and I are looking forward to becoming a part of the family there, and a part of community in Waynesboro,” Zinser said.

Zinser served in the United States Army, where his career culminated with service as chief of staff and deputy commander for the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Prior to serving in that role in the Army, he had commanded infantry platoons, a joint task force headquarters company and an infantry battalion.

His military decorations include a Purple Heart, five Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals and two Legions of Merit.

Zinser succeeds acting superintendent Susan Johnson, who continues on staff as assistant superintendent. Johnson was filling in as superintendent in the wake of the retirement of Brig. Gen. William Alexander.

“Based on his superior educational and military record, Col. Zinser is extraordinarily well-qualified to lead Fishburne at this important time and build on its unique reputation as a school where young men are challenged to achieve excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and community mindedness,” said Ted Moroney, president of the Fishburne-Hudgins Educational Foundation, which owna and operates FMS.

“We believe that he will bring our proud school to new heights and serve as an inspiration to our cadets as well as our alumni and the City of Waynesboro,” said Robert L. Grey, the vice president of the foundation and the chairman of the superintendent search committee.

– Story by Chris Graham