Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce the appointment of COL Gary Leydig as the Academy’s new Director of Enrollment Management, elevating him from his current role as Associate Director of Admissions. 

The appointment follows the departure of former Director of Enrollment Management Jackie Montero-Sharpe, who has accepted a new opportunity at Foxcroft School as Senior Associate Director of Admissions. 

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Montero-Sharpe for her dedicated and stalwart service to Fork Union Military Academy and the Admissions Office,” said CAPT Mark E. Black, President of the Academy. “Her commitment to helping families discover the Fork Union Military Academy experience has made a meaningful impact on our institution, and we wish her continued success in this next chapter.” 

Montero-Sharpe leaves the Academy after seven years of service in the Admissions Office. She joined Fork Union in July 2019 as Director of International Enrollment and was promoted to Director of Enrollment Management in March 2021, where she helped modernize the Academy’s admissions process and strengthen enrollment strategies. During her tenure, Fork Union achieved its highest enrollment in several years and helped lead the institution to surpass $8 million in projected annual revenue, the highest in more than seven years. 

“COL Leydig has worked closely alongside Mrs. Montero-Sharpe and has been an integral part of our enrollment success in recent years,” said Black. “His transition into this leadership role will be seamless. He understands our mission, knows our families, and has a proven ability to connect with prospective cadets and guide them through the enrollment process. We are excited for him to lead our Enrollment Office into its next chapter.” 

Leydig brings more than a decade of leadership and student development experience at Fork Union to his new role, along with a deep understanding of the Academy’s mission of forging devout, educated, honorable, and courageous young men. 

Since joining the Admissions Office in 2021 as Associate Director of Admissions, Leydig has played a key role in leading recruitment and enrollment initiatives, helping increase enrollment in grades 7–9 by 34 percent over the past three years. He has managed the full admissions process from inquiry to enrollment, guiding hundreds of prospective families through a personalized admissions experience while representing the Academy at school fairs, open houses, recruitment events, and alumni gatherings.  

Before joining Admissions, Leydig served seven years as a TAC Officer at Fork Union, where he mentored cadets, built strong relationships with families, and helped lead multiple companies to “Best Company” honors. His experience in both cadet life and admissions provides a unique perspective on the student journey, from recruitment to graduation.  

Throughout his time at Fork Union, Leydig has remained active in campus life, serving as a middle school soccer coach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor, further strengthening his connection to the Academy community.  

As Director of Enrollment Management, Leydig will oversee the Academy’s enrollment strategy, recruitment initiatives, and family engagement efforts while continuing to share the mission and transformational experience of Fork Union Military Academy with prospective cadets and families.