Richard Bland College

Why RBC
Why Richard Bland College?

To prepare our students for a lifetime of endless potential.

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Academics
Academics

Richard Bland College offers many challenging courses and programs that will provide you with a solid foundation in the liberal arts as you begin or continue your pursuit of higher education. By attending Richard Bland College and completing the Associate Degree, you will have completed the first two years toward the Baccalaureate Degree.

We have guaranteed transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities across the Commonwealth that will enhance your educational opportunities.
Admissions & Aid
Admissions & Aid

A high quality, affordable college education should be within the reach of every student. Our goal is 100% student success, and that begins with offering the first two years of your undergraduate education at a reasonable cost that can be paid without going into debt. Richard Bland College, Virginia’s only public, residential two year college, is also one of the Commonwealth’s most affordable
Campus Life
Live like a Statesman

Richard Bland College is the only two-year residential college in Virginia. The residence halls were built in 2008 and offer apartment-style living with state-of-the-art amenities. Students are able to live and eat affordably starting at just $9,840 per year ranging up to $11,640 per year depending on their room assignment.
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Board of Visitors

RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE

BOARD OF VISITORS MEMBERS

The Honorable Samuel Parham ’96
Sam Parham, a lifelong Petersburg resident, has served as mayor since 2017. He runs his family’s cleaning business and is active in civic and regional development. A VCU graduate, he first joined City Council in 2014. Mr. Parham was appointed to a two-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Parham’s term expires on June 30, 2027.

John Rathbone
John Rathbone retired as CFO of Norfolk Southern after a 32-year career. A Virginia Tech graduate, he later gave $1 million to William & Mary’s business school. He is an emeritus trustee of the W&M Foundation. Mr. Rathbone was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Rathbone’s term expires on June 30, 2027.

Vickie Schray
Vickie Schray has 25+ years in public policy, leading national reforms in higher education. She’s coordinated efforts across education, workforce, and economic development. Her work focuses on improving quality, access, and affordability. Founder and Principal of Vanguard Coaching & Consulting Services, LLC. Ms. Schray was appointed to a four-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Schray’s term expires on June 30, 2029.

Charles Patton
Charles Patton is Managing Member of Patton Holdings, LLC. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, including executive roles at American Electric Power. Patton is active in civic and corporate boards focused on economic development and education. Mr. Patton was appointed to a two-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Patton’s term expires on June 30, 2027.

Bouwien Smits
Bouwien Smits is Site VP and GM of Civica Rx in Petersburg, VA, leading operations to produce insulin and essential injectables. She brings 25+ years of pharma experience, with past roles at Sage Therapeutics and Takeda. Ms. Smits was appointed to a three-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Smits’ term expires on June 30, 2028.

Albert Poole
Albert Poole is Of Counsel at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC, with over 40 years of experience in business law, commercial transactions, and asbestos defense. A founding member of the firm, he has earned honors from Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Super Lawyers and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Poole was appointed to a three-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Poole’s term expires on June 30, 2028.

The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr.
James W. Dyke Jr., senior advisor at McGuireWoods Consulting, is a former Virginia Secretary of Education. He advises on education, transportation, and economic policy. Dyke is a longtime regional leader and award recipient. Mr. Dyke was appointed to a four-year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Dyke’s term expires on June 30, 2029.

CONTACT
BOARD OF VISITORS

Gerrit Smith – Senior Executive Administrator& Clerk to the Board

gsmith@rbc.edu Phone: (804) 862-6221

Mailing Address: Richard Bland College Board of Visitors

Maze Hall 11301 Johnson Road South Prince George, VA 23805

BOV Email: bov@rbc.edu

Board of Visitors Meeting Dates

August 27, 2025 – Orientation & Inaugural Board Meeting

September 24, 2025

January 28, 2026

April 22, 2026

Board Meeting Agenda

August 27, 2025 – Orientation & Inaugural Board Meeting Agenda

Watch Video

RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE WINS ITS INDEPENDENCE

On the “On Air RBC” podcast, Dr. Debbie Sydow shares an exciting and heartfelt moment in Richard Bland College’s journey—its move to full independence from William & Mary. With warmth and pride, she reflects on the years of preparation leading up to this historic change and expresses her enthusiasm for what’s ahead. As RBC prepares to welcome its new Board of Visitors on July 1, 2025, Dr. Sydow invites listeners to join in the celebration of a bold new chapter for the college and the community it serves.

1. Membership, Terms & Removal

Section 23.1‑1300 specifies that Board members appointed by the Governor serve four-year terms, with no more than two consecutive terms permitted. Vacancies are filled for the remainder of the term, and all appointments require General Assembly confirmation. The Governor may remove a member for specified causes (e.g., malfeasance) or if they neglect duties such as missing meetings or required traininglaw.justia.com+15law.lis.virginia.gov+15wm.edu+15.

2. Powers & Duties

Section 23.1‑1301 grants the Board authority to:
1. Establish policies and regulations.
2. Manage institutional funds and approve budgeting.
3. Appoint the College’s president (CEO) and faculty, setting their salaries.
4. Set tuition and fees jmu.edu+3law.lis.virginia.gov+3law.lis.virginia.gov+3rbc.edu.
Section 23.1‑2108, which specifically applies to Richard Bland College, confirms similar powers—appointing personnel and directing College affairs, approving academic programs and degree conferral, managing finances, and establishing rules .

How to Review & Access the Law

You can view the full text of these statutes online through the Virginia General Assembly’s Legislative Information System under Title 23.1, including: