Spending by the nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation, however, would not have to conform to the state rules. Bunting made no secret of his plans to travel extensively. He has championed a global perspective on education through the development of relationships with colleges around the world. He has established exchange programs with colleges in Mongolia, Jordan, Hungary and Morocco. Typically, at least 120 cadets are abroad at any one time, according to VMI spokesman Mike Strickler.
Bunting also travels to visit alumni to raise money for the college.
On Feb. 16, Bunting wrote to Rowe, the business manager, that nearly all of the furniture in the office would have to go, on orders from his wife. Six days later, though, Bunting had his executive assistant, Ed Dooley, call Rowe about the money. Rowe wasn't in, but the business office answering machine picked up the call and recorded a conversation between Dooley and Bunting. Bunting was confused about how much was available for the furniture, according to a transcript of the conversation now on file in the VMI business office. You have a new president who is vigorous and who has really done a lot to turn the ship around.