Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:
Following the horrific tragedy and senseless act of violence that occurred in Constant Hall on the morning of March 12, 2026, we pay tribute to one of our very own, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah ’07, a dedicated Monarch, public servant, and true hero.
Above all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments. He was a shining example for his students and all Monarchs.
Lt. Col. Shah was a beloved and respected leader at Old Dominion University. He personally guided students in the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion through his caring spirit and combat experience.
After enlisting in the Army in 2003, Lt. Col. Shah enrolled at Old Dominion University in 2005. He received his Army commission and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He fulfilled his dream to be an Army pilot, flying an AH64 Apache over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Atlantic Resolve.
Lt. Col. Shah logged more than 1,200 hours, 600 of them on combat missions, in three aircraft. In his last position before joining Old Dominion University, he served as Director of Operations for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade in Savannah, Georgia, where he oversaw day-to-day operations, training, modernization and long-range plans.
In 2022, Lt. Col. Shah returned to Old Dominion University to lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, where he oversaw a nearly 50% increase in enrollment during his first year. As Professor of Military Science and Department Chair, he took immense pride in his students, particularly seeing the transformation they made “when they turn from being a student into being a soldier-leader.”
In 2023, Lt. Col. Shah was named to the Old Dominion University Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class. His presence and impact were felt on campus from bringing back the University’s rappelling exercise at S.B. Ballard Stadium in 2023 to imparting valuable life lessons at commissioning ceremonies for new military officers.
Together, as Monarchs, we mourn the devasting loss of Lt. Col. Shah as we honor his life, which was marked by significant service and countless contributions. We express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, loved ones, dear friends, trusted colleagues, and all of those impacted by this horrific tragedy.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President