U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Department of the Air Force has named Col. James M. Valpiani as the institution’s next Dean of the Faculty. This selection reinforces the Academy’s standing as a nationally-recognized leader in higher education and its mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as they fight and win the nation’s wars.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent, welcomed Valpiani’s appointment.

“Col. Valpiani’s experience in operational command, research and development, and academic leadership make him ideally suited to lead our distinguished faculty. His vision will ensure our future warrior-leaders receive a world-class education that prepares them to meet the demands of our nation’s defense,” Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind said.

Valpiani commissioned from the Academy’s Class of 2004 as the top graduate in academic merit and in the overall order of merit. He is a distinguished graduate of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, Squadron Officer School, the Defense Language Institute, and the National Defense University. A George C. Marshall and Truman Scholar, National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Scholar, he holds a range of advanced degrees in technical and humanistic fields, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Astronautical Engineering. His scholarly work includes publications on novel satellite attitude estimation methods and military strategy, including a thesis for the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies entitled “In Defense of the Common Good: Strategy, Ethics, and the Responsibilities of Command.”

Valpiani is a command pilot with nearly 100 combat missions in the F-15E, and is a graduate of the French Test Pilot School with experience in over 30 aircraft types including the X-62 fighter autonomy testbed. He currently oversees the Department of War’s aerial combat autonomy research program, developing artificial intelligence agents for multi-ship fighter tactics at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He has commanded at multiple levels, including as Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School where he led 200 elite faculty and staff in administering Air University’s most demanding Master of Science degree. He also served as Commander of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, leading a Joint team of 650 personnel in high-risk developmental test of the Department of War’s flagship fighter program.

His leadership in advancing flight test has been recognized with several honors including the National Aeronautic Association’s Collier Trophy, the Department of the Air Force’s General Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award, the Air Force Materiel Command’s Lieutenant General Bobby Bond Memorial Aviator Award recognizing the Air Force’s top test pilot, and the Society of Flight Test Engineers’ Test Team of the Year Award.

“Leading the faculty at my alma mater is a sacred trust,” Col. Valpiani said. “Our nation needs officers who are equally adept in the technical disciplines and the liberal arts. They must be warriors with the expertise to dominate in modern combat, leaders with the wisdom to guide Airmen and Guardians, and thinkers with a deep understanding of the nation we serve and why it is worth defending. It is a great privilege to lead the Academy’s world-class faculty as we educate the next generation to inherit these profound responsibilities.”

Valpiani is expected to arrive in late February 2026. A ceremony will formally mark the transition from Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, whose tenure is notable as the longest-serving Acting Dean in the Academy’s history.

“It has been my great honor to serve as Acting Dean of the Faculty in supporting the education, professional, and personal development of our cadets and our incredible faculty and staff colleagues,” said Col. Hasstedt. “As we welcome back a visionary leader to our institution, I look forward to supporting Col. Valpiani as he guides our faculty and the Academy into the future.”

The Academy community extends its gratitude to Hasstedt and his family for their continued service and welcomes Valpiani and his family back to the Academy as he takes charge of its mission to deliver academic excellence.

“We are exceptionally grateful for Col. Hasstedt’s exemplary service and steady leadership as Acting Dean,” said Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind. “His dedication has been instrumental in sustaining academic excellence at our Academy and keeping us on course as our nation’s premier Military Service Academy. I am pleased he will remain on the faculty to provide vital continuity for our academic mission.”

The position of Dean of the Faculty has a distinguished history at the Academy, filled by senior leaders selected for their outstanding leadership acumen, academic credentials, and military professionalism, each bringing valuable perspectives to the faculty and cadets.

Twelfth grader Coltin Bridgmon, a student at The Colorado Springs School since Kindergarten, draws on the lessons and experiences gained at CSS to navigate the college application process—ultimately earning more than $1 million in scholarship offers over four years, a rare and remarkable achievement among high school seniors.

He also credits this journey to support and guidance from Erik Playe, CSS’s Director of College Counseling. “I feel like I can talk forever about Mr. Playe. He’s always been supportive,” Coltin said. “From the moment I joined the Upper School and stepped foot in this building, Mr. Playe introduced himself to me. The second we shook hands, he started inviting me to college recruiter visits. He cares so much for us, and enthusiastic teachers lead to enthusiastic students.”

To date, Coltin has received $1,000,072 in merit scholarship offers from 13 universities nationwide, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida), Colorado School of Mines, Elon University (North Carolina), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York), and Wofford College (South Carolina). He has not yet made a final decision and is awaiting decisions from four additional schools.

While Coltin’s academic accomplishments contributed to his scholarship offers, his success extends well beyond grades. Active in the school community, Coltin has earned numerous honors, including the National Honor Society Character Award, Kodiak Male Athlete of the Year, 200+ Hour Community Service Club recognition, Triple Threat Athlete honors, and the Middle School Director Award. He also serves as president of Forum, the Upper School student government. His application materials were equally strong, with standout recommendations and compelling personal and supplemental essays.

“It is the whole package,” Mr. Playe said. “If there’s anyone who has listened to everything I’ve said, it’s Coltin. He takes my advice and runs with it. This is so much more Coltin's doing than my doing.”

Coltin, who is considering a career in aerospace engineering or teaching, approached the college application process as an opportunity to carefully select his next step, rather than simply a task to complete.

“I’m excited about surrounding myself with like-minded people that have can-do attitudes and are positive and love to bounce ideas off each other,” he said. “College is a place where you get to learn, and for me, it feels like that next step where I can take that big leap.”

That sense of anticipation comes up in conversations at home. Coltin and his family play a card game that poses reflective questions, including one that asks, What is the biggest change you see next year?

“I’m going to get to go off to college and take risks,” Coltin said. “Right now, the best thing I have is the freedom to do that while still having the stability of home. I really lean a lot on my parents—my mom, dad, stepdad, and stepmom—and they trust and believe in me completely. I feel like that sense of security played a big role in earning these scholarships, because we can talk about this stuff and create plans, and I hear so many different points of view.”

For Coltin’s mother, Krista Bridgmon, what stands out most isn’t the number of scholarships he’s earned, but the growth, independence, perseverance, and character he has shown. She said seeing that dedication translate into more than $1 million in offers is both humbling and deeply emotional for their family, as well as a powerful affirmation of her son’s character and work ethic.

"During challenging times, we saw confidence that developed as he realized what he could achieve. Watching him advocate for himself, pursue opportunities with courage, come from a place of yes, and remain grounded in humility has been incredibly powerful," she said. "Each acceptance letter and scholarship award felt like a living room happy dance celebration of his character, but even more meaningful was seeing him express pure joy."

That growth and confidence were reinforced by Mr. Playe's guidance, whose college counseling benefited the whole family. One moment that stood out was during one of Coltin’s junior-year basketball games, when he took time to talk with the family about colleges he thought would be a good fit. For Coltin's mom, it demonstrated how Mr. Playe's support went beyond the application process, offering guidance and encouragement that empowered Coltin to set ambitious goals and believe in his abilities.

“As a parent, his involvement provided a tremendous sense of reassurance and clarity, knowing Coltin had an advocate deeply invested in his success, which made the process far less overwhelming and far more meaningful,” she said. “He offered not only exceptional knowledge and strategic direction, but also genuine care and respect for Coltin as an individual.”

Coltin’s top tip for CSS students preparing for the college application process: “Listen to Mr. Playe.” He also suggests putting yourself out there, whether in applying to colleges or getting involved at school. "Especially at CSS, you have the opportunity to join any club and any sport,” he said. “Be fully immersed.”

Coltin has felt that pull since Kindergarten, when he was encouraged to pursue what interests him and challenged to explore what he wasn’t sure about. “I get to do these things on the daily—like try out intense math,” he said. “CSS has provided me with everything I could have asked for when it comes to academic rigor and experiences outside of the classroom. It has grown me into the person I am.”

That sense of curiosity and willingness to stretch himself carried into the Upper School. During his freshman year, Coltin shared concerns about his math skills with Math Teacher John Paul Takacs, who became his mentor. Since then, Coltin has not only excelled in math but also volunteers to tutor other students and is considered a natural teacher and coach. He’s currently taking two advanced math classes and scored 100 on each final.

"He is, without a question, the top math student in the school," Mr. Takacs said. "He's so gifted in math, and it's not a natural gift. I have students who are naturally gifted and just get it. Coltin works really hard to get it. It's definitely not easy, but he knows how to push through and study. He's just a hard worker."

It’s teachers like Mr. Takacs who have helped Coltin flourish, along with the friends at CSS, some of whom he’s known since Kindergarten. "The people that I've gotten to share 13 years with are my friends. We've always been together and encouraged one another," he said, adding he wishes his graduating class could have annual reunions. "The people have shaped me."

Those connections extend beyond the classroom. Senior Hudson Shepherd joined CSS in 2nd grade and quickly bonded with Coltin over an unexpected shared interest: mustard. The two have since become close friends and teammates, most recently racing together on the mountain biking team. 

Coltin and Hudson have deepened their friendship through shared adventures in the same Experience-Centered Seminars, CSS’s signature program that immerses Upper School students for three weeks each March in a local, regional, national, or international topic of study. As sophomores, they joined The Great Iron Pour, exploring molten metal to create art. As juniors, they sailed a 137-foot, two-masted schooner in the U.S. Virgin Islands during Tall Ships. This March, they will embark on Patagonia: Past, Present, and Future, reflecting on environmental challenges and conservation efforts in the region.

Over the years, Coltin has motivated Hudson with simple but steady encouragement: You’ll get it next time, Good try, and Don’t give up. “He’s consistently happy and upbeat the way Coltin is,” Hudson said. “He’s always helping out others and never bringing anyone down.”

As Coltin prepares for college, his mother reflects on how far he has come, from the child who arrived at CSS in Kindergarten to the confident young adult he is today. She points to the educators who guided him along the way.

"Coltin’s 13-year journey at The Colorado Springs School has been shaped by extraordinary educators who saw his potential and challenged him to grow, both academically and personally," Mrs. Bridgmon said. "We are profoundly grateful to CSS for fostering a community that not only educates but truly invests in the whole student and for providing Coltin with a strong foundation for this exciting next chapter."

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