Alumnus, former UVA standout, and NFL veteran returns to help strengthen alumni connections and share the life-changing story of Fork Union.

Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of Billy McMullen as the Academy’s new Director of Alumni Engagement.

A proud alumnus, former University of Virginia standout, and former NFL wide receiver, McMullen returns to Fork Union with a deep appreciation for the Academy’s mission and a personal understanding of the life-changing impact it can have on young men.

McMullen’s journey to the Academy began after a successful athletic career at Henrico High School in Richmond, Virginia. While he had excelled on the football field, he knew he needed the right opportunity and environment to prepare for the next level. Through Fork Union alumnus Eddie Handsome, McMullen was introduced to longtime Fork Union football coach John Shuman.

“Being a cadet was a culture shock at first,” McMullen said. “However, I quickly realized that the structure, discipline, and culture of Fork Union were preparing me for the next level of life and football. Once I understood that, I was fully committed.”

That opportunity helped change the course of his life. After Fork Union, McMullen attended the University of Virginia, where he became a four-year starter on the football team, earned All-ACC honors twice, was named an All-American, and became UVA’s all-time leading receiver. In 2003, he was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and went on to play seven seasons in the NFL with several organizations.

Following his professional football career, McMullen transitioned into mentoring student-athletes, community involvement, business development, and relationship management. His professional experience includes work in financial services, wealth management, recruiting, and client engagement, including service as Director of Sports & Entertainment at Verdence Capital Advisors.

In addition to his professional work, McMullen has remained committed to mentoring young people. As the founder of Spark Recruit, he worked with student-athletes and their families to help guide them through the college preparation and recruiting process.

Now, McMullen returns to Fork Union in a role that brings together his personal story, professional experience, and passion for connection.

“I know firsthand what Fork Union did for me, and I wanted the opportunity to help tell that story for the next generation of cadets and their families,” McMullen said. “When I arrived at Fork Union in 1998, there were countless alumni, donors, supporters, coaches, and staff members who had invested their time, resources, and energy into making the Academy what it was. Because of their commitment, I was given an opportunity that changed my life forever.”

As Director of Alumni Engagement, McMullen will work to strengthen relationships with Fork Union alumni across generations, support alumni programming, and help graduates remain connected to the Academy and to one another.

“Now, I have the privilege of helping continue that legacy,” McMullen said. “I want prospective cadets and their families to understand the life-changing opportunities that Fork Union Military Academy can provide. If I can help even one young person experience the same transformation I did, then I know I’m giving back to an institution that gave so much to me.”

Fork Union Military Academy is proud to welcome Billy McMullen back to campus and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and alumni perspective he will bring to this important role.