Forsyth retired from the Air Force in October 2010, after an impressive military career highlighted with key leadership responsibilities in Air Force professional education systems. Prior to his retirement, he was the Commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and the Vice Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. His position previous to that was Commander of Spaatz Center for Officer Education and Commandant of the Air War College, also at Maxwell.
With training as both a navigator and a pilot, Forsyth has flown more than 3,500 hours, including 730 hours of combat missions. He has served in operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His many honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart, among others.
Forsyth was born in Brookings, SD, and was commissioned in 1978. He holds a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, and a master’s degree in aviation and aerospace operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 1999 he completed an additional master’s degree, this one in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. Forsyth’s full biography can be viewed online at https://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7738.
“We had many applicants who were well-qualified for the position,” said Joseph Silek, Chairman of the R-MA Board of Trustees and a 1977 graduate of R-MA. “While this was in no way an easy process or a simple decision, General Forsyth continuously impressed us. In addition to an amazing resume, he has a heart for education and for students, and his values are in line with what the Academy stands for. We feel confident that he will build on the momentum General Hobgood has created at Randolph-Macon Academy, and take the school to an even greater level of success.”
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected by the Board of Trustees as the 10th President of Randolph-Macon Academy,” Forsyth said. “I enthusiastically look forward to the challenge of building on the excellence that has become a tradition at R-MA under the leadership of General and Mrs. Hobgood. My wife, Tamara, and I are eager to join the R-MA family of students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni and to become part of the Front Royal community.”
Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and have the option to participate in a unique flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.
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