Dr. Kenneth Alexander Begins RBC Interim President Tenure
For Immediate Release: May 18, 2026
Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu
Dr. Kenneth Alexander has officially joined Richard Bland College (RBC) as Interim President. He brings decades of proven leadership in higher education, financial stewardship, workforce development and public service to guide the institution’s next chapter.
He succeeds Dr. Debbie Sydow, who is stepping down after 14 years of leadership.
“Dr. Alexander will be a strong champion for Richard Bland College and its mission,” said W. Kevin Massengill, Rector of the RBC Board of Visitors. “His political acumen, academic leadership, and commitment to regional workforce and economic development make him uniquely suited to lead the college during this transition.”
Dr. Alexander most recently served as Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships at the Virginia Community College System and as Executive Director of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, where he strengthened institutional advancement, led initiatives aligning education with workforce needs and spearheaded a systemwide Student Advocacy Day at the State Capitol to elevate student voices in public policy.
“RBC’s reputation for academic quality and its strong regional partnerships drew me to this opportunity,” Dr. Alexander said. “I look forward to building on President Sydow’s legacy and working with employers to expand pathways for student success and regional talent development.”
Dr. Sydow expressed confidence in the board’s selection, calling Dr. Alexander a strategic choice to advance the College’s priorities.
“He is well-positioned to move forward the College’s 2028 strategic plan, particularly in strengthening transfer pathways and expanding workforce credentials,” she said.
Dr. Alexander’s career spans education, government and business. As chancellor of a national network of career colleges, he oversaw 20 campuses—increasing enrollment by 15.4 percent and achieving an 86 percent graduation rate. Under his leadership, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance grew to certify more than a quarter of the nation’s aircraft technicians.
He began his academic career teaching international relations at Tidewater Community College. In the Virginia General Assembly, he served on key committees, including House Education and Senate Finance and Appropriations, where he supported funding for major higher education capital projects, including renovations at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Dr. Alexander has served as mayor of Norfolk since 2016 and recently announced he will not seek reelection. During his tenure, he partnered with Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University to help establish a downtown innovation hub and launched the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University and a Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.
The RBC Board of Visitors has initiated a national search for a permanent president.
