Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer and Army ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University, tragically lost his life on March 11, 2026, in a shooting at ODU’s campus in Norfolk, Virginia. Shah, a devoted mentor, veteran, and community leader, was fatally shot while teaching a class in Constant Hall. His passing has left family, friends, colleagues, and students mourning a life dedicated to service, leadership, and education.
A native of Staunton, Virginia, Shah enlisted in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist. He later attended Old Dominion University, where he graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science, earning his commission as an Army officer. Over his career, he flew more than 1,200 hours across three aircraft and logged over 600 combat flight hours. Shah received numerous military honors, including the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Shah furthered his education with an MBA from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Kansas. In 2022, he returned to ODU to lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, guiding and inspiring future military leaders. His commitment extended beyond the military; Shah was a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education and dedicated time to volunteer work supporting those in need.
Shah was the son-in-law of Dr. Dan Martin, trustee and alumnus of Voorhees University, which released a statement expressing its sorrow: “This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us. We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
The shooting, carried out by a former Virginia National Guardsman with ties to ISIS, is under investigation. Shah’s life and service, however, continue to leave a lasting impact on the students, colleagues, and community he touched.
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah is remembered not only for his military accomplishments but also for his dedication to education, mentorship, and public service. His legacy will endure through the lives of those he inspired and the countless individuals he helped throughout his remarkable career.
