Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson was appointed President of Valley Forge Military Academy and College in March 2020. Prior to this role, he held several key leadership positions at Valley Forge, including Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent, and Commandant of Cadets.

A graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Colonel Helgeson was a Varsity Lacrosse player and later walked on as a member of the Penn State football team. His contributions helped the Nittany Lions secure the 1986 National Championship and compete in the 1987 Citrus Bowl. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Colonel Helgeson’s active-duty service includes participation in a range of training exercises and operational deployments, such as Exercise Alpine Warrior, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Iraq), Operation Provide Promise and Deny Flight (former Yugoslavia), and Operation Continue Hope (Somalia). 

In 1998, after serving as an instructor at The Infantry Officer Course, he became the Head Coach for the Sprint Football team at the United States Naval Academy. During this time, he and three fellow Marines embarked on a cross-country biking and running journey in 27 days to raise funds for the Children’s Hopes and Dreams Foundation.

In 2000, Colonel Helgeson transitioned to civilian life with MBNA Bank in Wilmington, DE. 

He returned to military service in 2004, joining the Selected Marine Corps Reserve, commanding an Engineer Support Company, and completing the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. After serving as Executive Officer and Commander of the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, he was mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command in 2010.

In 2011, he transitioned back to civilian employment with Sechan Electronics, a defense electronics manufacturing service provider in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He was again mobilized in 2013 and served as Special Operations Coordinator for Helmand and Nimroz provinces in Afghanistan.

Colonel Helgeson holds a Master’s degree in Science from Capitol Technology University and has attended numerous military schools, including:

• The Basic School

• Infantry Officers Course

• USMC Mountain Leaders Course

• U.S Army Airborne School

• Navy Dive School

• SOTG Close Quarters Battle and Hostage Rescue Course

• JFK Special Forces Free Fall School

• Amphibious Warfare School

• Command and Staff College

• Naval War College Joint Maritime Operations Course

• Naval War College Strategy and War Course

• Reserve Senior Officer Staff Course

Colonel Helgeson and his wife, Stephanie, are proud parents of three children: Stuart, Sarah, and Samantha.