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.

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Richard Bland College is pleased to announce the newly elected student leaders of the 2026-27 Student Assembly. We look forward to the many ways these students will positively impact and enrich the campus community. Below are the elected officers:

PRESIDENT

K’nyaha Hassell

VICE PRESIDENT

Terrell Crawley

TREASURER

Mac Preston

SECRETARY

Logan Desper

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Iyana Nwaford

HISTORIAN

Ausha Dickerson

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Patricia Hernandez Aquino

SECOND-YEAR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Archer Sanku

STUDENT-ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE

Preston Douglas

RESIDENTIAL REPRESENTATIVE

Mariah Killiebrew

This fall, there will be an election for the First-Year Representative. Click here to learn more about Student Assembly.

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Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

Over the weekend, the Richard Bland College (RBC) softball team made history by earning the program’s first-ever berth to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II Softball World Series. The Statesmen defeated Mercer County Community College in a nail-biting three-game series at home to win the Atlantic B District Championship. The win granted them an automatic bid to the World Series.

“This group never stopped believing in one another—even when the pressure was at its highest,” said Joe Braun, RBC Head Softball Coach. “Their resilience is what carried us to this historic moment.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

In the first game of the series, the Statesmen led a 2-0 shutout victory behind a stellar performance from second-year pitcher Ava Balli. Mercer County answered in game two with an 8-3 win, forcing a winner-take-all final match. In a thrilling game that went an extra inning, RBC edged out a 6-5 victory in the biggest win in program history.

“This milestone is a tremendous moment for our softball program,” said Scott Newton, RBC Director of Athletics. “We’re excited for the opportunity to represent the College on the national stage and compete against the best programs in the country.”

The World Series is set for May 19-24 at Tyger River Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina. On May 19, the Statesmen, who earned the No. 19 seed, will play 14th-seeded Parkland College in the opening round.

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Contact: Office of the President — Eileen Strempel, estrempel@rbc.edu, 917-721-4036

Today, Richard Bland College (RBC) and the Richard Bland College Foundation launched the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign video to spotlight the College’s bold effort to eliminate financial barriers and ensure that every student has the resources needed to complete a degree without life-altering debt.

This launch follows a highly successful quiet fundraising phase during which the campaign garnered $800,000 toward its Phase One $1 million goal. This early success demonstrates strong donor confidence in the vision and impact of Richard Bland College.

Originally announced in February of this year, the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign seeks to expand endowed scholarships, provide immediate aid for critical needs such as textbooks and technology, as well as establish a comprehensive Student Needs Center that provides essential basic needs support for students. At the heart of the campaign is the belief that affordability, access, and student success must go hand in hand.

“Early campaign momentum speaks volumes about a broadly shared commitment to our students and their success,” said Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “This campaign isn’t just about scholarships—it’s about removing barriers, meeting students where they are, and enabling them to focus on learning and degree completion.”

The cornerstone of the campaign is the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund. The endowed scholarship—established in honor of Dr. Sydow’s 14 years of transformative leadership at RBC—received a $25,000 lead gift from the Sydows, supporting future generations of RBC students and reflecting the Sydows’ longstanding commitment to education and opportunity.

The early success of the campaign was further propelled by significant leadership support, including a $200,000 gift from John Rathbone, former Rector of the College’s Board of Visitors. His contribution launched the Rector’s Challenge and a multi-year giving initiative from the Richard Bland College Foundation Board through the Chairman’s Challenge, led by Foundation Board Chair Jeffrey Britt.

Together, these leadership investments helped catalyze donor engagement during the quiet phase and positioned the campaign for a strong public launch.

The Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign video brings the vision of this initiative to life by highlighting the real experiences of RBC students and the tangible difference donor support makes in their academic journeys. The video will be shared via the College’s digital platforms and community partner channels.

“With this public launch, we are inviting alumni, friends and partners to be a part of something transformational,” said Eileen Strempel, Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign spokesperson. “Reaching 80 percent of our goal before the public phase even began is extraordinary—and we are confident the community will help us cross the finish line.”

RBC alumni, supporters, and members of the community are invited to watch the campaign video and join the effort to create a future where every RBC student can pursue a degree with confidence and financial stability.

Click here to watch the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign video. To make a gift and to learn more about the campaign, click here.

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Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

Sen. Mamie E. Locke (D-23) will deliver this year’s commencement address at Richard Bland College. The ceremony will take place on college grounds Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m.

“Senator Locke has been an unflinching champion for Richard Bland and its unique educational mission,” said Dr. Debbie Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “This year’s graduates and, indeed, all in attendance will be lifted up and inspired by Senator Locke’s address.”

As an elected official, Locke was the first African American woman elected Mayor of the City of Hampton. She eventually became only the third African American woman to win a seat in the Virginia Senate. Additionally, she chairs the Subcommittee on Higher Education for the Education and Health Committee, as well as the Education Subcommittee for Finance and Appropriations.

Locke—who received the first-ever Stateswoman Award at the Richard Bland College Awards of Distinction ceremony last December—patroned legislation that granted the College independence from William & Mary last April. That single action to establish a Board of Visitors dedicated solely to Richard Bland College—the Commonwealth’s only university-parallel, residential college—is expected to unleash unprecedented innovation in the years ahead.

Locke received her B.A. in History and Political Science from Tougaloo College. She also received both her master’s and doctorate in Political Science from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). She is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Hampton University. She also served as the Assistant Dean and the Dean of The School of Liberal Arts and Education.

Second-year RBC student Braxton Coleman from Prince George County, Virginia, will serve as this year’s commencement student speaker. He will attend William & Mary in the fall.

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Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

FirstGen Forward recently welcomed Richard Bland College into its newest class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. Network Champion institutions are an exclusive group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and scaling student supports.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Network Champion in the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Richard Bland College President Debbie L. Sydow. “First­ generation student success is central to our mission, and this recognition affirms our deep commitment to removing barriers, strengthening pathways to completion, and building enduring systems that enable students not only to access college, but to flourish, graduate and transform their futures.”

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures.  The current Network includes 470 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 47 states and the District of Columbia.

“As one of only 32 institutions in the country to have been recognized as Network Champions, Richard Bland College has displayed a commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion,” said Dr. Martina A. Martin, Vice President of FirstGen Forward. “Not only is Richard Bland College doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education.”

While moving to this phase is an important progression, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students’ experiences and completion rates.

“With 54 percent of current undergraduates identifying as first-generation, advancing first-generation student success has a life‑changing, multigenerational economic impact,” said Stephanie Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward. “Across the FirstGen Forward Network, we’re seeing that real transformation comes from intentional institutional systems—not isolated programs—that support first-generation students from enrollment through completion.

“Network Leader institutions are now achieving a 58 percent four-year graduation rate, the strongest results in five years and more than double the national average. Institutions like Richard Bland College is showing what’s possible and setting a national standard for first-generation student success.”

Click here to learn more about first-generation efforts at Richard Bland College. For more information about FirstGen Forward and the Network, click here.

ABOUT FIRSTGEN FORWARD
FirstGen Forward is the center for first-generation student success– your premier source for evidence-based approaches, data-informed strategies, professional development and research. Together, we are building community and belonging through the FirstGen Forward Network, knowledge creation and evidence-based practices, and thought leadership and advocacy, transforming higher education and the student success landscape guided by a first-gen lens.

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Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

Terelle L. Robinson (‘15), now former head of Government Relations at the College, has been selected to serve as Chief of Staff to The Honorable Luke E. Torian (D-24). Delegate Torian serves as Chair of the Virginia House Appropriations Committee, a position that holds significant influence in the Virginia General Assembly. As Chief of Staff, Robinson will advise on policy, budget priorities and legislative strategy.

“Terelle Robinson is the latest in a long line of Richard Bland alumni who have served in state government, including former Speaker of the House Kirk Cox,” said Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “Terelle graduated with honors from William & Mary after transferring from Richard Bland and we are proud that a person of his talent, character and integrity will continue in service to the Commonwealth.

“Terelle’s academic and career trajectory speak to the transformative opportunities that begin at Richard Bland College.”

A native of Ashland, Virginia and a first-generation college graduate, Robinson began his higher education journey at RBC before transferring to William & Mary, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later returned to Richard Bland College, where he served as Associate Director of Government Relations for four years. Here, he contributed to the College’s legislative strategy, student engagement efforts and community partnerships.

Robinson’s career in public service includes experience in the Office of the Mayor of Richmond, where he supported key initiatives and community engagement efforts. His work has consistently reflected a commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities and bridging connections between government and its constituents.

“For me, this opportunity with the General Assembly reflects the impact Richard Bland College can have on a student’s trajectory,” Robinson said. “RBC provided the foundation, support and opportunity that made this path possible.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of the path that led me here. I look forward to continuing to serve the Commonwealth with purpose.”

Richard Bland College continues to serve as a vital access point to higher education, empowering students from across the region to pursue academic excellence and meaningful careers. Robinson’s selection is a powerful example of how the College’s mission translates into leadership opportunities at the highest levels.

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Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have announced a new partnership designed to create a clearer, more affordable pathway for students seeking to earn a four-year degree. The NEXT STEP partnership strengthens the connection between the two institutions by allowing students to begin their academic journey at Richard Bland College and transition smoothly to Virginia Commonwealth University.

Through the NEXT STEP partnership, students will start their college experience at Richard Bland College where they receive a high-quality, university-parallel education at a fraction of the cost of many four-year universities. The program is designed to provide both affordability and academic momentum, enabling students to complete foundational coursework while preparing for a seamless transfer to VCU.

“Due to its proximity and wide array of career-focused program options, Virginia Commonwealth University has long been the preferred transfer destination for RBC graduates,” said Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., President of Richard Bland College. “The NEXT STEP partnership further facilitates a seamless pathway to VCU and, importantly, assures our graduates the same level of highly personalized attention and support at VCU that has defined their Richard Bland experience.”

Credits earned at Richard Bland College are aligned to transfer directly into VCU degree programs, ensuring students can continue their academic progress without losing time or repeating coursework.

“Programs like NEXT STEP demonstrate the power of partnership in expanding opportunity for students,” said Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success at VCU. “By aligning advising, academic planning, and student support between VCU and Richard Bland College, we are creating a clearer and more supported pathway for students to progress toward their bachelor’s degree.

“When institutions work collaboratively to remove barriers and simplify transfer, students are better positioned to stay on track and achieve their academic goals.”

Justin May, Chief Enrollment Management Officer at Richard Bland College, concurs: “Students shouldn’t have to guess how to reach their goals. NEXT STEP gives them a clear roadmap—start at Richard Bland College, save money, receive strong academic support and transfer confidently as a junior to Virginia Commonwealth University, one of RBC’s top four-year transfer destinations.”

Students participating in the NEXT STEP partnership will receive personalized academic support from both institutions. Each student will work with an RBC Learner Mentor and a VCU academic advisor who will help them plan coursework, navigate transfer pathways and stay focused on their academic and career goals.

“The NEXT STEP partnership reflects our commitment to building strong academic pathways for our students,” said Adam Zucconi, Ph.D., Chief Academic Officer at Richard Bland College. “By aligning curriculum and advising with our partners at Virginia Commonwealth University, we are ensuring that students at Richard Bland College can move forward confidently, knowing their work here directly supports their long-term academic success.”

The program also enables students to remain close to home during their first two years of college, helping them maintain family and community support networks while preparing for the transition to a major research university. Participants in the program will also have access to select VCU resources designed to support their academic success and transition.

A formal NEXT STEP partnership signing ceremony will take place April 2 from 11 a.m. to noon in AIC Rooms 207/211 at Richard Bland College. The event will celebrate the collaboration between the two institutions and highlight the opportunities the program will provide for students in the region.

Click here for more information about the NEXT STEP RBC-VCU partnership.

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Contact: Gerrit Smith, Senior Executive Administrator and Clerk to the Board of Visitors/804-862 6221

The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors will host a public hearing April 22, 2026, on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The public hearing will take place in the Mamie Locke Boardroom (A215) of the Academic Innovation Center (AIC), located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The hearing will include a presentation by the administration and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can provide written comments on the proposed fee increase via an online form, via email to the RBC Office of the President at gsmith@rbc.edu, or via regular mail or hand-delivered to the RBC Office of the President, 11301 Johnson Road, South Prince George, VA, 23805. Written comments will be accepted until 8:30 a.m. on April 22. All comments submitted will become part of the public record. The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors will not respond to individual comments, whether submitted orally or in writing.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration and the proposed use of any incremental revenue, and public comment will be invited.

The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2026-2027 academic year during its April 22 meeting. As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0 percent to 5 percent and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0 percent to 3 percent to offset direct costs.

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues, will likely be used to address operating and personnel costs, including Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and cost escalations for college services. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

James Revere, a second-year student here at Richard Bland College (RBC), was named a semifinalist for the highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This fund supports the nation’s top community college students with financial need seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree at four-year colleges or universities.

“I am incredibly honored to be named a Cooke Scholarship semifinalist,” Revere said. “This recognition is a testament to the support I’ve received from my professors and mentors at Richard Bland College, and the unwavering support of my family whose strength has shaped everything I have worked so hard for.”

Selected from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants, this year’s semifinalists represent 224 community colleges across 37 states. Each was chosen through an evaluation process that assesses academic ability and achievement, perseverance and leadership.

“James is truly deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe, RBC Director of University College. “His hard work, determination and commitment to excellence reflect the very best of Richard Bland College.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship enables recipients to complete their bachelor’s degrees debt-free at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. It also provides last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for two to three years. The award is designed to remove financial barriers so that high-achieving community college students can transfer to and thrive at the nation’s top institutions.

“Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential,” said Giuseppe Basili, Executive Director at The Jack Cooke Foundation. “This year’s semifinalists reflect the remarkable talent and ambition found in community colleges nationwide.”

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides comprehensive support that extends far beyond financial assistance, recognizing that admission and enrollment are only the beginning. Selected Cooke Transfer Scholars receive personalized educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support, who guide them through the transition to a four-year institution and help prepare them for future careers.

Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding, as well as inclusion in a thriving community of more than 3,800 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni who provide mentorship and networking connections throughout their academic and professional lives.

Click here to see the full list of Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists. The Foundation will announce the finalists in May.

Notably, Revere is also the recipient of the RBC Endowment, Promise Scholars and Honors Program Scholarships.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Today Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the appointment of a new nine-member Board of Visitors for Richard Bland College (RBC), thereby ensuring continuity and stability of leadership following a period of disruption. Governed by the William & Mary Board of Visitors since its founding in 1960, the 2025 General Assembly granted Richard Bland College an independent governing board. Ultimately, none of the nine board members appointed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin were confirmed by the 2026 General Assembly.

The inaugural board established board bylaws, policies and a strategic plan for the College. They also selected Kenneth Alexander, Ph.D., as interim president to succeed President Debbie Sydow who will step down at the end of June after fourteen years of service.

“Richard Bland College has built a strong and effective governance infrastructure,” said RBC President Debbie L. Sydow. “With the foundation for a high-performing Board of Visitors firmly in place, the newly appointed board will be in a strong position to serve the College and champion its unique mission within Virginia public higher education.

“Governor Spanberger’s appointees bring a breadth and depth of diversity that will serve Richard Bland well in the years ahead.”

The new Board of Visitors—comprised of respected regional executives and community leaders—includes:

• Shawn Avery — President & Chief Operating Officer, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
• The Honorable Peter Blake — Former Virginia Secretary of Education; Former Director, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
• Kevin Massengill (’95) — County Administrator, Dinwiddie County
• Perry Miller, Ph.D. — President & Chief Executive Officer, Capital Region Airport Commission
• Jennifer Montague — President & Chief Operating Officer, Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Penafrancia Parayo — Senior Vice President of Operations & General Manager, Live! Casino Virginia
• Amanda Russell, M.D. — Physician, Family Medicine, Southern Dominion Health Systems
• Joanne Williams — Director of Communications, Tourism, Marketing & Government Relations, City of Petersburg
• Deborah B. Young — Former Director of Global Health, Safety & Environmental Capital, Honeywell International

At its first meeting on April 22, the newly appointed board will elect officers and approve the 2026-27 budget, tuition and fee schedule. The board is also expected to launch a search for the College’s next permanent president who will assume office in July 2027, following the conclusion of Dr. Alexander’s term.

For more information about the Board of Visitors, click here.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) is among the institutions whose workforce certificate and degree programs were recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The College’s Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) program is now certified through the Commission.

“Richard Bland College aligns its educational offerings with the evolving needs of today’s workforce,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “The certification of Richard Bland’s Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) program by SACSCOC affirms the College’s success at delivering high-quality, career-ready pathways that equip students to confidently enter and succeed in today’s workforce.”

The approvals come as national attention grows around workforce-focused credentials and the anticipated implementation of workforce Pell initiatives. While federal guidance has not yet established specific requirements for accreditors, SACSCOC supports institutions in developing high-quality programs that lead to meaningful career opportunities.

“As our member institutions respond to workforce needs in their states and local communities, we are seeing strong interest in certificates and credentials that lead directly to employment,” said Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt, president of SACSCOC. “These programs reflect the responsiveness of our institutions to state workforce needs and the growing demand for credentials that provide immediate value.”

Recent approvals through SACSCOC’s Substantive Change process reflect this growing emphasis on career-aligned credentials and stackable pathways that allow students to build skills and advance in the workforce.

The SACSCOC also approved workforce and degree programs at Navarro College, Northeast Texas Community College and South Texas College.

These programs demonstrate how institutions across the SACSCOC membership are expanding career-focused offerings in areas such as advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, emerging aviation technologies and artificial intelligence.

“SACSCOC institutions are developing innovative, stackable programs that meet students where they are while addressing real workforce demands,” Pruitt said. “These programs help ensure that students gain skills that translate directly into career opportunities.”

The post RBC Among Approved SACSCOC Workforce-Aligned Certificate and Degree Programs appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) track and field delivered outstanding performances over the weekend as four Statesmen earned All-American honors at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Indoor Track & Field National Championships in Topeka, Kansas.

Leading the way was Michaelyn Fisher, who was named national champion in the long jump with a winning mark of 5.98 meters. She is the first-ever Statesmen to be named national champion in any event at the championships. On the men’s side, Brian Harris earned national runner-up honors in the long jump, posting an impressive mark of 7.44 meters.

RBC also saw two additional athletes reach the podium with fourth-place finishes. Camrie Boothes notched a mark of 5.76 meters in the long jump, while Lavor Johnson leaped for 15.34 meters in the triple jump.

All four athletes—Fisher, Harris, Boothes and Johnson—earned NJCAA All-American honors for their top finishes at the meet. The quartet’s performances capped a successful indoor season for the Statesmen and showcased the College’s continued presence among the nation’s top junior college track and field programs.

“Our athletes displayed incredible heart on the national stage, consistently upholding the standard and mindset established from day one—winners win,” said Rashad Cannon, RBC track & field and cross-country coach. “Our kids set clear goals, and as coaches, our role is to hold them accountable.

“This weekend, we not only met those goals but achieved even more. When hard work and thorough preparation are put in, the results are undeniable, as demonstrated this weekend. This is only the beginning—we are far from done.”

The Statesmen also saw record-breaking performances on the track. Corey Winfield Jr. broke the College’s record in the 400 meters with a 47.68 finish. Additionally, the men’s 4×400 meter relay team (Nathaniel Simmons, Braylen Minor, Winfield Jr. and Braylon Slappy) posted a new school record in the event with a 3:15.16 finish.

The program continues to impress since its revival just four years ago. To date, several athletes have gone on to compete at the NCAA (National College Athletic Association) Division I level.

The post RBC Track & Field Athletes Earn All-American Honors appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

In collaboration with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino Virginia—the latter which opened in January—the Richard Bland College (RBC) Dealer Institute has already trained more than 100 table dealers.

This occupation represents a significant segment of the casino’s current and projected workforce. Early success in preparing table dealers—who earn an average starting salary of $75,000 and benefit from opportunities for upward mobility—has led the RBC Dealer Institute to launch a fourth training cohort focused on casino table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

“Our partnership with the RBC Dealer Institute is building a skilled, well-prepared workforce to meet growing demand,” said Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino Virginia. “As we look ahead to the opening of our larger permanent resort in 2027, this collaboration will play an even greater role in expanding workforce opportunities and driving long-term economic vitality across the region.”

Over 12 weeks, RBC Dealer Institute trainees learn customer service, game integrity, industry regulations, as well as responsible gaming practices to prepare for careers in the casino industry.

“The RBC Dealer Institute is a powerful example of how strategic collaboration can directly strengthen our regional workforce,” said Babette Hammond, RBC Work-Based Learning & Career Readiness Manager. “By equipping students with in-demand skills that lead to high-paying careers and long-term advancement, we are supporting Live! Casino Virginia’s immediate hiring needs.

“Additionally, we are helping build a sustainable economic future for Petersburg and the Tri-Cities region.”

Graduates of the RBC Dealer Institute are eligible to apply for positions not only at Live! Casino Virginia, but at gaming establishments across the globe.

“As Petersburg’s economy continues to evolve, Richard Bland College is proud to contribute to workforce development, preparing the next generation of professionals for high-paying jobs in one of the most dynamic industries in the country,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said.

“Launching a program of this scale requires more than vision—it demands strong, strategic collaboration,” added Dr. Kimberly Boyd, RBC Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer. “Working with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino Virginia allows us to share expertise and ensure our students receive relevant training that scales regional impact.”

Richard Bland College is rapidly emerging as a leader in addressing the unique and evolving workforce needs of the Tri-Cities region. The RBC Workforce & Career Readiness Center, which opened in September of last year, was established to provide targeted curricula and training for residents seeking careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, aviation & drone technology and the casino industry.

“The RBC Workforce and Career Readiness Center represents our commitment to preparing residents for meaningful careers in high demand fields,” Dr. Sydow said. “Together with our partners, we are building a stronger workforce and a brighter future for the Tri-Cities region.”

By focusing on niche and nascent sectors, RBC is helping to fill critical gaps in the regional talent pipeline and support economic growth where it is needed most. The center serves as a workforce incubator for the City of Petersburg and surrounding counties, offering innovative solutions tailored to local industry demands.

A distinguishing feature of the workforce center is its zero credit work-related experiences. This is designed specifically for adult learners who wish to bolster their skillset and advance their careers without the constraints of traditional academic credit requirements. These flexible, hands-on programs empower individuals to quickly gain practical skills and credentials that align with employer needs and emerging job opportunities.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Inspired by the healthcare courses her daughters took in school, which provided them early exposure to the field, Dr. Brenda Woodcock, former President of Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, sought a local partner to help implement a similar program in the Tri-Cities region. Distinguished by its dominant science curriculum—90 percent of graduates receive science degrees—and a longstanding reputation for excellence in preparing the regional health care workforce, Dr. Woodcock selected Richard Bland College (RBC) as a partner, which eventually birthed the RBC Health Careers Camp.

The RBC Health Careers Camp is a weeklong experience during the summer that immerses local middle and high school students in the healthcare industry through on-site learning at the Bon Secours Southside Medical Center. Learners receive residential housing at RBC and all expenses are paid.

“We’re so grateful to have the young adults on our campus to be able to explore all the different aspects of healthcare,” Dr. Woodcock said.

Students engage in hands-on activities, including performing demonstration clinical procedures such as performing chest compressions on CPR dolls and applying tourniquets. They also attend seminars at both RBC and the Bon Secours Southside Medical Center to learn more about healthcare and its careers.

“We wanted to build something engaging and hands-on—an opportunity for students to see the full spectrum of healthcare careers,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer.

To expand the scope of the camp, RBC and the Bon Secours Southside Medical Center have partnered with the Cameron Foundation whose funding will enable more than 125 students to enroll in the program this summer. Additionally, this partnership will support future internship opportunities through the Bon Secours Medical Center, Bon Secours affiliate sites and other healthcare systems across the region. The partnership collectively represents more than $1.2 million in funding and in-kind support for participating doctors and nurses, as well as seminars and equipment.

The post Richard Bland College and Bon Secours Advance Student Healthcare Education appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Office of the President — Eileen Strempel, estrempel@rbc.edu, 917-721-4036

Richard Bland College (RBC) and the RBC Foundation recently launched the Debt-Free RBC Degree fundraising campaign and announced the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund to honor Dr. Debbie Sydow. She announced she would step down as president of the College in June 2026 after fourteen years of transformative leadership.

Longstanding donors to the RBC Foundation, the Sydows have committed a $25,000 lead gift to launch the fund that supports future generations of RBC students beginning as early as fall 2026. This endowed scholarship serves as the cornerstone of Debt-Free RBC Degree, a bold new campaign designed to remove financial barriers and provide wrap-around support for student success.

The fundraising initiative seeks to expand endowed scholarships; to help students meet their immediate academic needs, from textbooks to technology resources; and to build a comprehensive Student Needs Center that serves as a hub, bringing together the essential support needed to ensure that every student has what they need to learn, flourish and complete a degree.

Improving student learning outcomes and expanding access to higher education have been at the core of Dr. Sydow’s work throughout her career. Her innovative approach to education has left a lasting impact on Richard Bland College, where student enrollment has increased significantly since her presidency began in 2012. Under her leadership, student programs and services have expanded to meet student needs, including the establishment of a model Learner Mentor program that delivers a personalized advising and support system for each student to keep them on track to graduation.

Establishment of the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund and the launch of the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign reflect Dr. Sydow’s consistent commitment to students—the heartbeat of her work as an educator. Through these efforts, those whom she has championed most will continue to benefit from her bold vision long into the future.

“Harry and I believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives,” Dr. Sydow said. “Richard Bland College has always been about opportunity and excellence.

“This scholarship and campaign ensure that future RBC students will have the support they need to succeed.”

In addition to the Sydows’ endowed gift, the pilot appeal launches with a $200,000 leadership gift from Mr. John Rathbone, Rector of the College’s Board of Visitors. Retired from Norfolk Southern after a 32-year career and having previously served on the William & Mary Board of Visitors, Mr. Rathbone was appointed to the RBC Board of Visitors by Governor Glenn Youngkin in June 2025. Mr. Rathbone’s gift in honor of Dr. Sydow serves as the foundation of The Rector’s Challenge. The matching gift challenge hopes to inspire Mr. Rathbone’s fellow Board of Visitors members and the RBC community to join him in honoring President Sydow and the impact of her tenure at Richard Bland College.

“Dr. Sydow’s extraordinary leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Richard Bland College,” Rathbone said. “Her vision has inspired all of us to think bigger and do more to support student success by removing financial barriers.

“Through the Rector’s Challenge, I hope to honor her legacy by rallying our Board and community to ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive.”

Parallelling the Board of Visitors, the Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors has also been issued a challenge by Chairman Jeffrey Britt. A 1995 graduate of RBC, Mr. Britt has served as Foundation Board Chairman since July 2022. Through his Chairman’s Challenge, Mr. Britt invites fellow Foundation board members to pledge multi-year gifts to the Foundation’s unrestricted annual fund in honor of Dr. Sydow and in support of the Debt-Free RBC Degree campaign. For the next five years, a percentage of annual fund dollars will be directed to the campaign as flexible funds that can be used to meet unexpected student needs.

“As an alumnus, I know firsthand the impact Richard Bland College can have on a student’s life,” Britt said. “Dr. Sydow has elevated that impact to an entirely new level.

“The Chairman’s Challenge is our way of honoring and continuing her work—providing flexible resources that meet students’ needs and remove barriers to degree completion.”

Over the coming weeks, RBC alumni, friends of the College and the surrounding community will be invited to contribute to this exciting and meaningful endeavor. Join us in honoring Dr. Sydow’s legacy by contributing to the Debbie and Harry Sydow Legacy Scholarship Fund. Together, we can create a future where every RBC student has the resources to thrive. Click here to make your gift today.

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Doyle Brown and Andy Ramirez—star guards on the men’s basketball team at Richard Bland College (RBC)—were recognized among the nation’s top JUCO (Junior College) players, according to JUCORecruiting, a premier platform for JUCO basketball news and recruitment. Brown was No. 67 on the list, while Ramirez earned an honorable mention.

“Doyle and Andy have been the backbone of our program on and off the floor,” said Guillermo Cabrera, the RBC men’s basketball coach. “The national attention they’re receiving is a testament of their hard work on and off the floor.

“These two young men deserve all the success that is coming their way and will be sorely missed next season. To say I am a proud coach is an understatement.”

This season, Ramirez is the team’s leading scorer at 18 points per game, along with seven rebounds. Brown, the second-leading scorer, is averaging 17 points and three rebounds. A few months ago, Brown signed an NCAA Division I offer to Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He’s the first RBC men’s basketball player since 2021 to sign with a Division I institution.

Both players are deeply honored to be among the nation’s top players.

“I’m very grateful to be on the list,” Brown said. “To be put up there with the best is a great feeling and motivating for me.

“In the end, my main goal is cutting our nets in March. Every day is a step closer to making that vision come true.”

“I take pride in impacting the game in every way scoring, rebounding, defending—anything my team needs me to do,” Ramirez said. “I know the work I put in and I trust where it’s leading.

“Mentions like this don’t change the mission, they just remind me to keep improving, stay locked in and do whatever it takes to win.”

Click here to view the complete list of the best JUCO players in the country.

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Following a national search, the Board of Visitors of Richard Bland College today announced the appointment of Kenneth Alexander, Ph.D., as Interim President, effective May 11, 2026. Alexander has served as Mayor of the City of Norfolk since 2016 and last year was selected Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships at the Virginia Community College System.

Dr. Alexander will succeed Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., who announced in the fall her plan to step down as president on June 30, 2026. The Board provided for a brief overlap of President Sydow and Interim President Alexander’s service to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition leading into the new fiscal year on July 1.

“Dr. Alexander will be a strong champion for Richard Bland College and its mission,” said John Rathbone, Rector of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors. “His political acumen, leadership experience and commitment to regional workforce and economic development make him well suited to serve as Interim President during a period of change.”

As Interim President, Dr. Alexander will advance the 2028 strategic plan approved by the Board of Visitors at their January meeting. That plan aligns with the Virginia Plan for Higher Education, prioritizing the development of workforce programming and credentials that align with regional needs such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare and aviation technologies.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Interim President of Richard Bland College,” Dr. Alexander said. “What attracted me is the College’s reputation for academic excellence, its compelling and unique educational mission, and opportunities to partner with regional employers to expand the talent pipeline.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Visitors, the campus community and all college stakeholders to build upon the strong foundation left by President Sydow.”

At the January meeting, the Board also acknowledged and celebrated Dr. Sydow’s vision, leadership and service since 2012, conferring upon her the title of President Emerita of Richard Bland College.

“Dr. Sydow is a renowned higher education leader whose contributions to Richard Bland College, the region and the Commonwealth will leave a lasting legacy,” Rathbone said. “Her work over the last fourteen years has positioned the College well for future success.”

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors was launched on July 1 by action of the 2025 General Assembly of Virginia. Over the last six months, the state’s newest higher education board has not only organized for successful governance, but also adopted ambitious strategic and master plans, as well as appointed Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D., as interim president to succeed longtime president Dr. Debbie L. Sydow. Last year, Dr. Sydow announced her intention to step down after fourteen years of service to the College.

“We take great pride in the meaningful progress achieved during our service so far as the College’s inaugural Board of Visitors,” said John Rathbone, Rector of the RBC Board of Visitors. “We are united in our commitment to supporting the College’s unique educational mission and guiding its strategic direction.”

At its January meeting, the Board adopted a new mission, vision and strategic plan that seeks to increase high-value credentials aligned with regional and statewide market demand, improve student success outcomes, and remain affordable and accessible. SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) Executive Director Scott Fleming, a featured speaker at the board meeting, commended the alignment with Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, a strategic plan that emphasizes talent development and retention in support of workforce and economic development across the Commonwealth.

Additionally, the Board of Visitors deliberated finalists recommended by its search committee and appointed Dr. Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk, to the position of interim president, effective July 1.

In recent years, RBC—one of the state’s most affordable residential colleges and a leader in public-private partnerships—has partnered with DroneUp to prepare dozens of drone pilots who had jobs waiting upon program completion. Similarly, the College partnered with Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia to prepare table game dealers for the new casino that opened in Petersburg on January 22. Other partnerships established to prepare skilled workers have linked RBC to employers like Bon Secours and the Richmond International Airport. Innovative, industry-informed educational solutions paired with paid internships is positioning RBC for success in a rapidly changing higher education marketplace.

“Richard Bland College’s new, independent Board of Visitors composed of business and community leaders, alumni and education experts are poised to accelerate the development and delivery of industry-recognized credentials,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said. “This Board understands that for our College to thrive it must deliver what today’s students and employers demand—career-readiness.”

Perhaps more than any other single action to date, the new Board of Visitors’ selection of an interim president to succeed Sydow reveals their vision for Richard Bland College’s future. This signals how the governing body will position RBC for success as higher education institutions are competing for a shrinking number of students. Namely, colleges and universities are trying to keep pace with rapidly changing workforce demands—many driven by advanced technologies, such as AI.

“I am deeply proud of the early accomplishments of Bland’s inaugural Board of Visitors,” President Sydow said. “This impressive body has established a strong and effective foundation for effective governance.

“Their dedication to student success and strategic vision inspire confidence in the College’s future and its continued outsized role in support of our region and the Commonwealth.”

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President’s List

Jenna E. Ackerman – Colonial Heights, VA

Richard C. Agbo – Chesterfield, VA

Julie A. Anderson – Prince George, VA

Marissa G. Anderson – Powhatan, VA

Sophia E. Ansbro – Midlothian , VA

Jenna P. Autry – Midlothian, VA

Julia J. Avery – Dewitt, VA

Taniya M. Bailey – Hopewell, VA

Samantha P. Barbe – Virginia Beach, VA

Rileigh M. Barber – Prince George, VA

Talai A. Barber – Hopewell, VA

Charlotte G. Barnes – Sutherland, VA

Autumn G. Barricks – North Dinwiddie, VA

Joshua C. Bates – Richmond, VA

Ethan S. Belcher – Carson, VA

Lottie R. Benkendorf – Hopewell, VA

Gillian G. Bernier – East Setauket , NY

Orrin W. Besley – Hopewell, VA

Jaclyn Betti – Edgewater, FL

Janelle A. Bibby – Hopewell, VA

Aleksandar P. Bihler – Pančevo, Serbia

Hayden W. Black – Chesterfield, VA

Talia C. Blankenship – Moseley, VA

Alexandra Bliss – Prince George, VA

Turhan G. Boardley – Hopewell, VA

Rylee A. Bradshaw – Fredericksburg, VA

Aleigha M. Bristol – Hopewell, VA

Isaac W. Brittle – Wakefield, VA

Clarence J. Brock – Prince George, VA

Avery S. Brockwell – Colonial Heights, VA

Lilli H. Brown – North Chesterfield, VA

Raquel T. Brown – Petersburg, VA

Estella. Bruggeman – North Dinwiddie, VA

Sophie E. Bush – Prince George, VA

Sophia C. Bustillos – Joshua, TX

Marco A. Cafaro – Lithia, FL

Kaycee M. Carroll – Waverly, VA

Caylee S. Castro – Hopewell, VA

Edward. Cathright – North Prince George, VA

Makayla A. Chapman – Richmond, VA

Isabella B. Chappell – Church Road, VA

Carlie N. Chimera – Carson, VA

Yasmin A. Clanton – Carson, VA

Isaiah W. Cook – Disputanta, VA

Kelsey L. Cothron – Chester, VA

Zaria N. Covington – Chester, VA

Tanaiya. Curry-Thorne – Hopewell, VA

Olivia A. Dankenbring – Carson, VA

Andrew M. Davis – Glen Allen, VA

Kaleb J. Davis – Chester, VA

Alexander G. Delgado – Rye, NY

Preston D. Douglas – Moseley, VA

Barsoum N. Elkommos – Hopewell, VA

Syniah J. Ellis – Hopewell, VA

Delainey L. Empting – Colonial Heights, VA

Diana M. Escobar – North Chesterfield, VA

Fnu Fardin – Richmond, VA

Miranda C. Faulkner – Disputanta, VA

Carson M. Feldman – Prince George, VA

Dominique D. Felton – Hopewell, VA

Ryan D. Fisher – Courtland, VA

Olivia A. Fowlkes – Petersburg, VA

Jose L. Franco-Giron – Hopewell, VA

Nadia E. Fraser – Disputanta, VA

Jazara M. Frye – Hopewell, VA

Jacqueline. Fuentes Rivera – Hopewell, VA

Syla M. Gibbons – Fort Lee, VA

Tyshawn M. Gilchrist – Waverly, VA

Bryan. Gnehm – Durango, CO

Lexi E. Golembewski – Hopewell, VA

Jocelyn. Griffin – Hopewell, VA

Samuel L. Gupta – Newport News, VA

Riley M. Hacker – Petersburg, VA

Daphne S. Hall – Raleigh, NC

Ciara N. Hamlett – Hopewell, VA

Sophia F. Harris – Prince George, VA

Grace N. Harris-Ceballos – N Dinwiddie, VA

Allison P. Hebron – Virginia Beach, VA

Quentin J. Hepburn – Quinton, VA

Tiona A. Hill – Henrico, VA

Berkley M. Hipkins – South Chesterfield, VA

Charlie P. Hogan – Virginia Beach, VA

Zachary M. Hogge – Hopewell, VA

Addison K. Holder – Petersburg, VA

Ava H. Hopkins – Midlothian, VA

Sara J. Ingram – Prince George, VA

Natali. Jarquin-Tokosh – Richmond, VA

Shaniya M. Jefferson – Hopewell, VA

John M. Johnson – Hopewell, VA

Yanaiah D. Jones Hawkins – Hopewell, VA

Kyran E. Jones – Richmond, VA

Steven P. Jones – Petersburg, VA

Breanna J. Joyner – Stony Creek, VA

Frederick. Kane – Petersburg, VA

Emma G. Kennedy – Dewitt, VA

Kya N. Keyes – Hopewell, VA

Michael W. Keyes – Montclair, VA

Kaylie M. Klemm – Yorktown, VA

Luke W. Kuhns – Hopewell, VA

Nathan E. Lamm – Glen Allen, VA

Kamryn P. Lane – Red Deer,

Yeonho Lee – Seoul, Republic of Korea

Morgan R. Logue – McKenney, VA

Janique Lowe – Hopewell, VA

Sarai M. Malone – Disputanta, VA

Arianna N. Manson – Midlothian, VA

Rachelle G. Martin – Harrisonburg, VA

Victor M. Martinez Nava – Waverly, VA

Nadia Matthews – Hopewell, VA

Luke E. Mcadams – Colonial Heights, VA

Sawyer J. McElhatton – Alexandria, VA

Lilly R. McGovern – Fort Gregg Adams, VA

Henry B. Mcintire – Carson, VA

Brayden L. Melton – North Prince George, VA

Breshauna R. Miller – Richmond, VA

Ryan L. Millis – Petersburg, VA

Aliyah R. Millner – Williamsburg, VA

Emoni Y. Morris – Hopewell, VA

Leyana E. Munoz – South Chesterfield, VA

Morgan L. Muntean – Falls Church, VA

John L. Murrell – Midlothian, VA

Lloyd S. Musubire – Hopewell, VA

Rachel M. Narron – Hopewell, VA

Alana N. Newton – Hopewell, VA

Lillie R. Newton – Haymarket, VA

Jaya E. Nowell – Waverly, VA

Eowyn M. O’Brien – Gloucester, VA

Nicole. Palmatier – Chester, VA

Karen K. Parker – Hopewell, VA

Masiah J. Parker – Midlothian, VA

Noah Z. Parson – Hopewell, VA

Kelsey L. Pearson – North Prince George , VA

Jade-Michelle K. Perkins – Annandale, VA

Kristen D. Peterson – Petersburg, VA

Tanisha N. Pittman – Richmond, VA

Aiden Poole – Fredericksburg, VA

Kaya A. Pope – Petersburg, VA

Macbeth. Preston – Verona, VA

Audrey F. Regan – Locust Grove, VA

James E. Revere – North Prince George, VA

Nathaniel C. Riggs – Hampton, VA

Emily C. Roach – North Prince George, VA

Kendall M. Rodriguez – South Chesterfield, VA

Juan. Rosario – Petersburg, VA

Johnny R. Salter – Colonial Heights, VA

Fabian H. Schiebenes – Michelbach,

James N. Schulte – South Prince George, VA

Isaiah A. Scott – Suffolk, VA

Olivia G. Scott – Petersburg, VA

David W. See – North Dinwiddie, VA

Marta. Serrano Castello – Torrent, Spain

Michaela A. Shell – Dinwiddie, VA

Edwin. Sierra – Colonial Heights, VA

David S. Smith – Yorktown, VA

Keira M. Smith – Colonial Heights, VA

Owen M. Stahl – Belleview, FL

Chase L. Stith – Hopewell, VA

Marzavien K. Stith – Wakefield, VA

Trejon D. Stith – Prince George, VA

Austin R. Talbott – Petersburg, VA

Joseph M. Todd – Arlington, VA

Jaziel A. Torres – Fredericksburg, VA

Emma R. Traylor – Sutherland, VA

Ariana Thomas – South Prince George, VA

Maria F. Tunda – Chester, VA

Jimari A. Turner – Waverly, VA

Valentina Uga Sanchez – North Dinwiddie, VA

Grace E. Urban – Chesterfield, VA

Brendan J. Van Drew – Disputanta, VA

Shane J. Van Haren – Prince George, VA

Jataiyah G. Waller – Hopewell, VA

Joshua A. Whirley – Colonial Heights, VA

Alyssa H. Whitchurch – Disputanta, VA

Piper R. Whitney – Stafford, VA

Helena B. Wilkerson – Richmond, VA

Ashanta. Wilson – Petersburg, VA

Corey L. Winfield – South Chesterfield, VA

Landon I. Wood – Petersburg, VA

Arianna L. Wooldridge – Colonial Heights, VA

Kaleb L. Wyche – Carson, VA

Karly R. Wynn – Dinwiddie, VA

Lila Z. Yapici – Virginia Beach, VA

Irene I. Yaroschak – Clifton, VA

Braydon K. Yarosz – South Prince George, VA

Dean’s List

Leyan L. Abualia – Hopewell, VA

Olivia M. Adkins – Charles City, VA

Walter L. Anderson – Colonial Heights, VA

Beautiful I. Bailey – Hopewell, VA

Kayla C. Bailey – Ivor, VA

Berkley E. Baldwin – Carson, VA

Ke’Maria A. Banks – Hopewell, VA

Akemah K. Bates-Cheatham – Richmond, VA

Kathleen M. Beekwilder – McKenney, VA

Rayon C. Boone – Hopewell, VA

Braelyn G. Boyd – Chesapeake, VA

Charles E. Boyer – Powhatan, VA

Iyanna G. Branch – Richmond, VA

Anaya M. Braxton – Newport News, VA

Hannah L. Brewer – Colonial Heights, VA

Aaryn M. Bridgeforth – Petersburg, VA

Reyna. Brossard – Prince George, VA

Amari A. Brown – Stony Creek, VA

Doyle C. Brown – Fairfax, VA

Kyler S. Brungerwood – Hopewell, VA

Carolyn D. Bryant – North Chesterfield, VA

Kendall E. Bryant – Newport News, VA

Caroline E. Buetow – North Dinwiddie, VA

Jailyn M. Burgess – Prince George, VA

Samantha R. Burkett – Disputanta, VA

Nicklas J. Calhoun – Richmond, VA

Nvei Z. Callaham – Prince George, VA

Angela. Carden – Hopewell, VA

Abigail G. Carey – Carson, VA

Myshel Cary– Prince George, VA

David Carvalho Viegas – Amadora, Portugal

Brindon T. Cary – West Point, VA

Anais B. Chacon – Hopewell, VA

Preston B. Chappell – Church Road, VA

Cameron I. Claiborne – Petersburg, VA

Braxton N. Coleman – Prince George, VA

Shyla E. Cooper – Norfolk, VA

Elise J. Cornwell – Petersburg, VA

Nicolas J. Corrales – Carson, VA

Zuyemi G. Cortez-Cardenas – Springfield, VA

Terrell D. Crawley – Charles City, VA

Olivia M. Crews – Richmond, VA

Boyd A. Crist – South Prince George, VA

Mckinsey Cox– Carson, VA

Jaylin Daggins – Norfolk, VA

Bailee R. Daniel – South Chesterfield, VA

Daniel R. Danuser – Lanexa, VA

Laci N. Davenport – Petersburg, VA

Anna G. Davis – Prince George, VA

Ava R. Davis – Church Road, VA

Jade D. Davis – Hopewell, VA

Madison E. Decker – South Prince George, VA

Jakob O. Dent – Petersburg, VA

Amanda M. Dokoupil – Stony Creek, VA

Kyani. Donahue – Petersburg, VA

Lily V. Donovan – Hopewell, VA

Angela M. Dreistadt – Fredericksburg, VA

Seanon. Duncan – Gloucester, VA

Malachi L. Earp – Richmond, VA

Justin East – Dinwiddie, VA

Celine M. Ellis-Magee – Chesapeake, VA

Bridget Estrada – Waverly, VA

Addison R. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

Jake P. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

Ava K. Falconer – Chester, VA

Addyson M. Finney – Petersburg, VA

Honnette. Florence – Hopewell, VA

Ramiyah Foskey – Hopewell, VA

Marisa M. Furner – Concord, NC

Jasmin C. Galeano – North Dinwiddie, VA

Carmen D. Garcia Zuniga – Richmond, VA

Ingrid. Garcia – Conover, NC

Marquez I. Garcia-Cubas – Hopewell, VA

Tiffani A. Gardner – Richmond, VA

Karen. Gay – Richmond, VA

Tiffany D. Geer – Oceanside, CA

Addison. Gibbs – Dolphin, VA

Tamia O. Gilliam – Petersburg, VA

Meryem. Gogdas – Midlothian, VA

Quinton O. Gonzales – Ashburn, VA

Hailey E. Gradiska – Springfield, VA

Nolan L. Graham – Hopewell, VA

Te’Elle M. Graham – Richmond, VA

Saidie C. Graudiel – Sutherland, VA

Taniyah. Gray – Midlothian, VA

Brennan M. Grieco – Dinwiddie, VA

Linda A. Griffith

Pharoh L. Hanks – Petersburg, VA

Grace Harris-Ceballos – North Dinwiddie, VA

Tyrone Harrison – South Prince George, VA

Tory I. Harrup – Hopewell, VA

K’Nyaha Hassell – Hampton, VA

Logan K. Heath – Prince George, VA

Joel Hernandez – Lady Lake, FL

Vanessa G. Hernandez – South Boston, VA

Brayanna N. Holland – Seaford, VA

Myles O. Holmes – Ruther Glen, VA

Ronald L. Hudson – Petersburg, VA

Zariah Hudson– Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Molly R. Huffman – North Dinwiddie, VA

Safia M. Huggi – Prince George, VA

Kierstyn M. Hughes – Carson, VA

Jasmine M. Hurt – Prince George, VA

Ricardo K. Hutchinson-Bennett – Petersburg, VA

Ryleigh H. Ingraham – Chester, VA

Usra. Jabri – Prince George, VA

Jaelin V. Jackson – Hopewell, VA

Jakari S. Jackson – Petersburg, VA

Lily G. Jackson – Chesterfield, VA

Tianna. Johnson – Jarratt, VA

Brooke L. Joiner – Spring Grove, VA

Lillian E. Jordan – Disputanta, VA

Daniel J. Joya – Petersburg, VA

Amanda Marie T. Joyner – Stony Creek, VA

Joseph A. Karpovich – Virginia Beach, VA

Joelle M. Kayiji – Woodbridge, VA

Lilyann M. Keen – North Dinwiddie, VA

Mariah N. Killiebrew – North Chesterfield, VA

Allyson S. Klotz – Chesterfield, VA

Isaac B. Knight – Williamsburg, VA

Warren T. Landreth – Raleigh, NC

Amber E. Lee – Hopewell, VA

Laniah R. Lewis – Hopewell, VA

Marlea E. Lewis – Chesterfield, VA

Camden R. Lilley – Portsmouth, VA

Sara T. Liones – Henrico, VA

Emma Lockett – South Prince George, VA

Jose A. Lopez Palacios – Richmond, VA

De’Ari J. Mabry – North Dinwiddie, VA

Tyler I. Mabry – Stony Creek, VA

Taylin A. Manson – Church Road, VA

Dayesi B. Martinez Santos – Colonial Heights, VA

Anaatciry A. Martinez – Waverly, VA

Miguel E. Martinez – Poughkeepsie, NY

Takhari N. Mason – Prince George, VA

Kristen M. Mathes – Midlothian, VA

Madalyn R. Matthews – Disputanta, VA

Ashland Mauger – Disputanta, VA

Austin M. McGraw – Yorktown, VA

Deagon J. McNew – Waverly, VA

Paolo J. Menjivar Arevalo – Emporia, VA

Stacy V. Menjivar – Chester, VA

Kevin L. Meza – North Prince George, VA

Mylee Mihelich – Disputanta, VA

Claudia Z. Minetree – Chester, VA

Taloa N. Moefaauo – Hampton, VA

Yordani S. Molina – Hopewell, VA

Brian K. Moore – Petersburg, VA

Zikirah T. Morris – Saluda, VA

Madison C. Moses – Cardinal, VA

Jack Mozucha – Prince George, VA

Bridget R. Murphy – Dumfries, VA

Abigail O. Nicholson – Sutherland, VA

Sydney S. Ogburn – Dinwiddie, VA

Cornelious A. Oppong – Dumfries, VA

Brady C. Page – Bristow, VA

Kayla Patton – Prince George, VA

Benjamin M. Paul – Colonial Heights, VA

Ryan J. Paul – Clermont, FL

Breanna N. Pierce – Dinwiddie, VA

Grace A. Pope – Fredericksburg, VA

Faith M. Potts – Prince George, VA

Jonathan I. Potts – Midlothian, VA

Kamaya B. Powers – Ettrick, VA

Daniel Radcliffe – Yale, VA

Rylan J. Radosevich – Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Andy R. Ramirez Novas – Alexandria, VA

Tiyanah M. Reavis – Petersburg, VA

Edgar H. Reyes Perez – Henrico, VA

Adriaunna L. Richardson – Prince George, VA

Dewight A. Robinson – North Chesterfield, VA

Madison C. Rock – North Chesterfield, VA

Kaitlyn D. Rogers – Disputanta, VA

Kameron B. Rose – Stony Creek, VA

Jakob Savic – Aspendale, VIC

Owen J. Sharlow – Fredericksburg, VA

Gabrielle G. Shaver – Waynesboro, VA

Evan O. Shea – Sutherland, VA

Rebecca Shell – North Dinwiddie, VA

Ja’Ida M. Shelton – Hopewell, VA

Lauryn N. Silver – Stony Creek, VA

Braylon D. Slappy – Stafford, VA

Kyla D. Smart – South Chesterfield, VA

Dalevon N. Smith – Chester, VA

Stephanie R. Smith – McKenney, VA

Tytiana M. Spinks – Petersburg, VA

Summer R. Stowers – King George, VA

Jasmine T. Studvent – Milford, VA

Kasey M. Sulc – Disputanta, VA

Luke A. Sweeney – Virginia Beach, VA

Mecca D. Thompson – Leesburg, VA

Sydney C. Thompson – Fairfax, VA

Lorieanna J. Thorne – DeWitt, VA

Madalinn R. Timmer – Hopewell, VA

Madison L. Togger – Disputanta, VA

Hallie M. Tomlin – Church Road, VA

Marko Tosic – Hopewell, VA

Erian L. Trusty – Petersburg, VA

Patrick R. Tubbins – Fairfax, VA

Harrison M. Tull – Blacksburg, VA

Antoinette Chrysler D. Valdez – San Juan, Phillipines

Sarah E. Van Houten – Hampton, VA

Alexandria R. Varga – North Dinwiddie, VA

Jasiel R. Venable – Richmond, VA

Mikayla R. Walker – Petersburg, VA

Jayda S. Wallace – Norfolk, VA

William D. Wamsley – Disputanta, VA

Cash J. Warren – Prince George, VA

Noah K. Watson – Chester, VA

Kyleigh Watts – Disputanta, VA

Aubree L. Welle – Hopewell, VA

Victoria C. Wigfall – Midlothian, VA

Jolie E. Williams – Aldie, VA

Michael J. Wingo – Sandston, VA

Mackenzie G. Wiseman – Chesterfield, VA

Alizabeth Wooding – White Sulphur Springs, WV

Cora P. Woolfolk – Burkeville, VA

Savannah L. Worley – South Prince George, VA

Bayly S. Wright – Hailsham, FC

Jasmine S. Wyche – Carson, VA

The post RBC Announces Fall 2025 President’s & Dean’s Lists appeared first on Richard Bland College.

As many colleges nationwide are experiencing enrollment declines, Richard Bland College (RBC) continues to trend upward as its student population increased by eight percent to 3,032 students. For the 2025-26 academic year, there are currently 936 traditional and 2,096 dual enrollment (DE) learners at the College. Since 2021, enrollment growth reflects a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)—the average annual rate at which enrollment grows over a specific multi-year period—of approximately nine and eleven percent for traditional and dual enrollment students, respectively.

“We are proud of the year over year increase, but the deeper story is sustained momentum,” said Justin May, RBC Chief Enrollment Management Officer. “Enrollment growth is one of the clearest measures of relevance, and more students are raising their hand and choosing RBC because they want affordability and clear transfer pathways.”

Additionally, RBC received a record 771 housing applications for the Fall 2025 semester, with roughly 100 students waitlisted due to the demand. Looking ahead, there are a limited number of rooms available for Spring 2026, offering new and returning students the opportunity to join RBC’s flourishing residential community. For more information, please visit the College’s Residence Life webpage.

“The surge in enrollment and housing demand shows just how strongly students believe in what we’re building here,” said Brooklynn Bilyard, RBC Interim Director of Student Life. “They’re choosing RBC because they want a vibrant community, accessible resources and a clear path to success.

“Watching our campus grow and thrive is incredibly inspiring.”

Central to RBC’s momentum is the Campus Belonging Campaign, launched in Fall 2025 to foster an inclusive, connected environment where every student feels valued and supported. By nurturing a sense of belonging, RBC empowers students to dream bigger and pursue new possibilities, both inside and outside the classroom. This culture of belonging is driving measurable results—enrollment growth and heightened interest in on-campus housing reflect students’ desire for a thriving residential experience. As retention rates trend upward, RBC’s holistic approach to student support ensures life on campus is not just about living but thriving.

This sustained student population growth and demand is a result of several initiatives, including the new Common App Direct to Admissions initiative, improved territory and prospecting management, as well as continued multi-channel engagement from RBC Creative Services. The College’s latest awareness campaign which launched in the spring, garnered a combined 21 million YouTube views, social media impressions and website click-throughs—the institution’s most successful marketing initiative to date.

“I am tremendously proud of Richard Bland College’s sustained growth in student enrollment, a clear reflection of the institution’s rising reputation and the strength of our academic and support programs,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said. “I extend my sincere congratulations to our Admissions team and the many departments whose dedication and collaboration have made this continued success possible.”

For more information, please visit the College’s Admissions One Stop webpage.

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Today, Richard Bland College announced three finalists for the position of Interim President. On-campus interviews with the finalists are scheduled for the week of January 12, and the College’s Board of Visitors is expected to name the interim president at its regular meeting on January 28.

The search committee, chaired by Richard Bland College Board of Visitors Vice Rector Albert Poole, has worked diligently to identify candidates who can provide strong leadership during this transitional period.

“We are excited about the caliber of the finalists and confident that each brings unique strengths to guide Richard Bland College forward,” Poole said. “Our goal is to ensure continuity and maintain the College’s extraordinary momentum.”

The finalists are:

Dr. Kenneth Alexander – Dr. Alexander currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships for Virginia’s Community Colleges and Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia. He has held leadership roles in education, public service and workforce development. Dr. Alexander’s background includes a strong focus on guiding institutions through complexity, transformation and change. Dr. Alexander began his career as a faculty member at Tidewater Community College while serving in the Virginia General Assembly. Dr. Alexander holds a Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University, an M.A. in diplomacy from Norwich University, and a B.S. in political science from Old Dominion University.

Dr. Tiffany Birdsong – Dr. Birdsong currently serves as Chief of Staff at Richard Bland College. She brings extensive experience in academic leadership, student success initiatives and strategic planning. Her career includes roles as Chief Academic Officer, Director of Academics, Chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, and Associate Professor of Psychology at Richard Bland College. Previously, she practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Birdsong earned a doctorate and M.A. in clinical psychology at LaSalle University and a B.S. in psychology from Manhattan University.

Dr. Jonathan Gibralter – Dr. Gibralter is a seasoned higher education leader, having most recently served as president of Wells College in New York. Previously, he was president of Frostburg State University in Maryland and Farmingdale State University in New York. He is recognized for his commitment to student engagement, campus safety and fostering inclusive learning environments. Dr. Gilbralter holds a Ph.D. in human development from Syracuse University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, an M.A. in counseling psychology from New York University, and a B.A. in psychology from SUNY Binghamton.

The interim appointment follows President Debbie Sydow’s announcement last summer of her intention to step down as president, effective June 30, 2026, after fourteen years of distinguished service. Under her leadership, Richard Bland College has achieved significant milestones, including enrollment growth and the establishment of an independent governing board.

Additional details about the interview schedule will be shared with the campus community in the coming days.

About Richard Bland College
Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering a rigorous academic curriculum and exceptional student support. The College prepares students for transfer to top universities and success in their chosen careers.

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Michaelyn Fisher is the latest Richard Bland College (RBC) Statesman to sign with an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I institution. The RBC sprinter/jumper will continue her academic and athletic pursuits at New Mexico State University next fall.

Fisher boasts an impressive resume—an NJCAA (National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association) All-American in the long jump with a leap of 18’6,” the College’s 100-meter dash record holder with a time of 11.65, as well as a 24.91 time in the 200-meter dash, which is among the top five performances in RBC history.

“Michaelyn is an extraordinary talent whose work ethic matches her ability,” said Rashad Cannon, Head Track & Field and Assistant Cross Country Coach. “She’s elevated our program from the moment she arrived and her versatility in both sprints and jumps makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

“We couldn’t be prouder to see her continue her journey at the Division I level.”

“Michaelyn is more than ready for the Division I stage and we are thrilled to see her take this next step,” RBC Athletics Director Scott Newton added.

Up next, Fisher and her teammates will compete in the VCU Rams Indoor Invitational at the Virginia Beach Sports Center on January 9.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) announced yesterday the establishment of an Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center for Critical Infrastructure, made possible through a $490,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s (TRRC) Energy Ingenuity Fund.

The Center will serve as a national resource for the development, testing and deployment of energy-resilient unmanned systems and dual-use technologies. With multi-site operations at Richard Bland College and three general aviation airports in Dinwiddie County, Danville and Wise County (Lonesome Pine), the Center will establish a distributed innovation network that advances Virginia’s strategic aviation priorities including efficiency, safety and sustainability across the energy, logistics and aviation sectors.

“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is proud to invest in initiatives that foster regional innovation while strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in energy and unmanned systems,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund was created to drive forward-looking projects like this that connect technology, workforce and infrastructure development.

“The Commission has a history of being ahead of the curve and investing in projects that pay dividends for our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities down the road, like our early investment in business ready sites across the footprint and our commitment to workforce training programs. This investment is another example of our commitment to proactively building the economy of the future, ensuring our region thrives for generations to come.”

“As Vice Chair of the Tobacco Commission and as the State Senator representing this region, I am proud to see this investment from the Commission aimed to fuel game changing innovation and economic growth right here in Southside Virginia,” Senator Lashrecse D. Aird said.  “This new Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Center will strengthen our local workforce, attract new business opportunities and further cement Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and aviation technology.

“This kind of project means more good jobs and new opportunities for families and businesses across our region today and for years to come—the exact priorities that are central to my work both on the Commission and as this region’s representative in the General Assembly.”

“The Energy-Centric UAS Center project demonstrates exactly the kind of cross-agency collaboration and bold thinking the Energy Ingenuity Fund was designed to catalyze,” said James Campos, Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “By investing in forward-looking initiatives and partnering with organizations such as CCALS, we are accelerating energy-centric innovation while expanding economic and workforce opportunity throughout the Commission’s footprint.”

“The establishment of the Energy Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure not only presents an incredible opportunity for the Tobacco Commission Region to position itself as a leader in next-gen UAS testing and training, it also serves as a clear example of what can be accomplished by operationalizing the whole of government approach that has been a pillar of the Youngkin Administration,” said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.

The Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure will accelerate technologies that improve operational efficiency, workforce safety and energy reliability—particularly for those working in and supporting the energy industry. Planned capabilities include:

• Hydrogen-Hybrid UAS flight testing and infrastructure deployment to advance high-endurance propulsion systems
• Secure communications and RF/ISAC evaluation environments for spectrum awareness and cyber-physical protection
• Hydrogen-Hydrogen Hybrid enabled, FAA-compliant Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing, training and evaluation
• Workforce training aligned with FAA, NIST, and emerging industry standards
• Custom program and curriculum development
• Technology demonstration projects and dual-use prototyping
• Advanced manufacturing and drone validation programs to strengthen domestic supply chains
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) modeling, testing, deployment and regulatory alignment to support future integration of sustainable air systems

“This award reflects the growing leadership of CCALS at the convergence of energy, aviation, and logistics,” said Dr. Jeffrey Fox, CCALS Board Chairman.  “By championing initiatives that advance Virginia priorities and serve both commercial and national interests, CCALS is building strategic resources that support the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and the nation’s energy resilience.”

“The Department of Aviation is proud to collaborate on this initiative, which showcases how innovative, sustainable aviation technologies can be tested and deployed across Virginia’s diverse airport network,” said Greg Campbell, Director of Virginia Department of Aviation.

“The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is proud to support CCALS in launching the Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure. This forward-looking initiative is another example of our commitment to attracting innovative energy-related businesses to Virginia,” said Virginia Department of Energy Director Glenn Davis. “These efforts will enhance the efficiency and safety of our energy workforce and resources in the future.”

“We are proud to support the launch of this new Center in Virginia, which exemplifies the type of forward-leaning innovation our teams strive to champion every day,” said Kimberly Benson, Administrator, UAS Center at SBD. “This partnership directly advances our core pillars of accelerating technology, building safer and more resilient communities, and developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain the unmanned systems industry for decades to come.”

The Center is led by CCALS and supported by a multi-institutional team including the Virginia Department of Aviation, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Energy, the UAS Center at SBD, George Mason University’s Rapid Prototyping Research Center, Richard Bland College, as well as general aviation airports in Wise County, Danville and Dinwiddie County.

Partner Media Contacts:

CCALS: Karen Jackson, info@ccals.com, (757) 869-7129

TRRC: Jordan Butler, jbutler@revitalizeva.org, (757) 692-0878

DOAV: Stephen Clausing, stephen.clausing@doav.virginia.gov, (804) 774-4635

VAEnergy: Fred Baker, Fred.Baker@energy.virginia.gov, (804) 731-8462

UAS Center at SBD: Kim Benson, kbenson@uascentersbd.com, (619) 405-7473

The post RBC Will Serve as Operations Site for New UAS Center appeared first on Richard Bland College.

1-Year Service Award Recipients

• Joseph Braun
• Will Cabrera
• Jolee Carswell
• Coradius Clayton
• Jamesa Cox
• Sterling Giles
• Darnette Gregory
• Kaylyn Hill
• Sherri Jones
• Joseph McHugh
• Sara Miller
• Maseo Parker
• Carolyn Pruett
• Lee Smith
• Sutina Tabb
• Kayla Tierney
• Jennifer VanSchoick
• Tyler Vargas
• Darius Whitaker

3-Year Service Award Recipients

• James Bristow
• Hannah Brock
• Rashad Cannon
• Christie Clarke
• Summer Evans
• Scott Farnham
• William Hatch
• Ann Ifekwunigwe
• Jessica Mahoney
• Elizabeth Majewski
• Ruthann Reynolds
• Terelle Robinson
• Muhammad Shahid
• Keshia Shelton
• Derek Wright

5-Year Service Awards Recipients

• Jeffrey Clark
• Katelinn Davis
• Shirley Hailey

10-Year Service Awards Recipients

• Tiffany Birdsong
• David McCarthy
• Eric Miller

15-Year Service Awards Recipients

• Dianna Banks
• Elon Greene
• Dennis Wray

20-Year Service Awards Recipients

Debra “Nicole” Collins

25-Year Service Awards Recipients

• Rachel Finney
• John Faser
• Lisa Johnson
• Lisa Pond
• Mary Weaver
• Alexandra Youmans
• Daniel Zelinski

Champion for Student Success Award

Michelle Theodore

Most Innovative Employee Award

Kyle Dobry

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award

Sharon Nowak

Supreme Team Award

Housing & Residence Life

Consummate Collaborators Award

Ben Thoreson

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer | jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) recently celebrated its annual Awards of Distinction ceremony on campus, recognizing individuals whose contributions have strengthened the College and advanced its mission. This year’s honorees included Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Va.), recipient of the inaugural Stateswoman Award; Mark Stevens (’75), Distinguished Alumni Award; the Herbert Miller family, Richard Bland Award; and Amber Ange (’17), Young Alumni Award.

“Here at RBC, we recognize and celebrate excellence—excellence in scholarship, excellence in leadership and excellence in service,” said Richard Bland College President Debbie Sydow. “Each 2025 award winner is an extraordinary individual whose life, career and legacy of service is truly exemplary.”

Sen. Locke, a respected member of the General Assembly, was honored for her sustained advocacy for affordable higher education and her long-standing support of student opportunity across the Commonwealth.

“I do this for the other Mamie Lockes out there,” Sen. Locke said. “They need to know someone cares enough about them to lend a hand and reach back and pay it forward.”

Her leadership was pivotal in advancing legislation that granted Richard Bland College independence from William & Mary—an important milestone finalized in July following approval by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the General Assembly.

“My commitment to higher education is not to receive accolades or recognition,” she said. “There are others out there who need a chance in life—just like the many chances I’ve received.”

Mark Stevens was recognized for his professional achievements and his continued dedication to RBC. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor the College bestows upon its alumni.

The Herbert Miller family received the Richard Bland Award for exemplary service to the College. Amber Ange was honored with the Young Alumni Award for demonstrating early-career leadership and promise.

Last year’s honorees included Jerry F. Tatum (’73), Distinguished Alumni Award; Howard W. Worrell Jr. (’65), Richard Bland Award; and Michael D. Winn (’13), Young Alumni Award.

The post Sen. Locke Among Honorees at RBC’s Annual Awards of Distinction appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The book, “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865,” is coming to Richard Bland College (RBC) thanks to Dr. Evanda Watts-Martinez, who is a contributing writer on the project. She recently donated the publication to the College’s Library.

“Contributing to ‘Un/Bound’ was a profound honor, as it allowed me to help illuminate the resilience, ingenuity and lived experiences of free Black Virginians whose stories are too often overlooked,” said Dr. Watts-Martinez, RBC Director of Counseling Services & Assistant Professor of Education. “I am grateful to donate this work to Richard Bland College, where it can inspire our students and deepen our shared understanding of Virginia’s rich and complex history.”

The publication complements the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) exhibition of the same name, which began in June of this year. Both the book and exhibition explore the stories of thousands of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Through powerful artifacts and first-person accounts, visitors and readers will discover how these Black Virginians achieved their freedom, established communities and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal.

The publication’s other contributors are Melvin Patrick Ely (The College of William & Mary), Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander (Norfolk State University), Stephen Rockenbach (Virginia State University) and Sabrina G. Watson (Virginia State University). The VMHC exhibit will remain on display until July 2027. Click here to purchase the book from the VMHC store.

The post RBC Faculty Member Donates Co-Written Book to College appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) proudly announces Men’s Basketball standout guard Doyle Brown has signed an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I offer to Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Brown becomes the first Men’s Basketball player since 2021 to earn a Division I opportunity.

Known for his work ethic, leadership and on-court impact, Brown has been a driving force for the team, as well as a model student-athlete. His achievement reflects the strength of the RBC Men’s Basketball program and its commitment to developing players who excel both on and off the court.

“Doyle Brown was the first Men’s Basketball commit in my tenure,” said Guillermo Cabrera, RBC Men’s Basketball Coach. “From the moment he arrived, he set a very high standard for our program and his teammates.

“All his accomplishments on and off the floor are a result of his hard work. We look forward to following his career on and off the floor.”

“We can’t wait to see Doyle continue both his athletic and academic journey at the next level,” RBC Athletics Director Scott Newton added.

Five games into the 2025-26 season, Brown is averaging 17 points, three rebounds and two assists per game. The Men’s Basketball team, which competes in NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division I in the Region 10 Conference, is currently 3-2 and undefeated at home. The team’s next match-up will be at home against Wake Technical Community College on Dec. 3.

The post RBC’s Doyle Brown Signs NCAA D-I Offer appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Richard Bland College Foundation announced today Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Va.) will receive the first-ever Stateswoman Award at the College’s Awards of Distinction event on December 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. This prestigious award was established to honor individuals who have demonstrated exemplary public service and have been champions of Richard Bland College.

Sen. Locke, a respected leader in the Virginia General Assembly, has been a steadfast advocate for access to affordable higher education and policies that strengthen opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.

“Senator Locke embodies the spirit of this award,” said President Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College (RBC). “Her unwavering commitment to education and public service has made a profound impact on students and communities throughout Virginia.

“We are proud to recognize her leadership and support of Richard Bland College.”

Of note, Sen. Locke patroned legislation that granted Richard Bland College independence from William & Mary, championing the College’s vision for greater autonomy and growth. On April 3, the Virginia General Assembly approved Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s amendment allowing the nine-member Richard Bland College Board of Visitors to assume governance on July 1, officially granting the College its independence.

Her leadership and steadfast support helped secure a historic milestone that positions RBC to expand its mission and better serve students across the Commonwealth. Her advocacy continues to shape a stronger, more empowered future for the institution.

In addition to the Stateswoman Award, the Foundation will honor several distinguished members of the Richard Bland College community. Mark Stevens (’75), a proud RBC alumnus, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his professional achievements and continued dedication to supporting the College. The Herbert Miller family will receive the Richard Bland Award, which honors individuals and groups who have provided commendable service to the College. Lastly, Amber Ange (’17), an RBC alumna whose early accomplishments exemplify promise and leadership, will be awarded the Young Alumni Award.

Amy Everett, who will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies in her role as Chair of the RBC Foundation Committee for Awards of Distinction, noted the significance of this year’s honorees.

“Each awardee reflects the strength, resilience and impact of the Richard Bland College community,” Everett said. “Their stories inspire our students and demonstrate the power of an RBC education.”

The Awards of Distinction event celebrates individuals and organizations whose contributions advance the mission of Richard Bland College and enrich the lives of its students. The ceremony will take place on the College’s campus and will include recognition of scholarship recipients and distinguished partners.

These are the recipients of the 2024 Awards of Distinction: Jerry F. Tatum (’73) earned the Distinguished Alumni Award; Howard W. Worrell, Jr. (’65), the Richard Bland Award; and Michael D. Winn (’13), the Young Alumni Award.

The post RBC Honors Senator Mamie Locke with Stateswoman Award appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Scott Newton, Richard Bland College Director of Athletics, is proud to announce the addition of Women’s Flag Football as RBC’s newest intercollegiate sport. The program will officially launch in spring 2027, marking another exciting step in the College’s expanding commitment to athletic opportunity and equity.

The NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) formally sanctioned Women’s Flag Football as a championship sport earlier this year, paving the way for two-year institutions nationwide to compete at the highest level. Richard Bland College joins a select and growing group of NJCAA and NCAA programs offering the fast-paced, 7-on-7 format, which continues to gain momentum across collegiate and professional landscapes.

Women’s collegiate flag football showcases seven players on a football field that is 40 yards in width by 80 yards in length. Each team moves offensively by running or passing a football, while the defense tries to “tackle” by pulling flags on the belt of the ball carrier.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our female student-athletes,” Newton said. “Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we’re thrilled that Richard Bland College will be among the early adopters helping grow the game at the NJCAA level.”

The RBC Women’s Flag Football team will compete as a 7-on-7 program, following NJCAA guidelines and regional play structures. Recruitment for the inaugural roster will begin soon, with the team slated to host its first official games in spring 2027.

Richard Bland College Athletics currently sponsors 15 NJCAA programs. The launch of Women’s Flag Football continues the College’s momentum as one of the premier and most innovative NJCAA athletic programs in the region.

A national search for the program’s first coach will launch immediately. If you are interested in or have any questions about the position, please email Scott Newton.

The post RBC Athletics Adds NJCAA-Sponsored Women’s Flag Football appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) has released a new behind-the-scenes video showcasing the RBC Dealer Institute, a groundbreaking workforce development initiative launched in partnership with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. The program is already drawing attention for its innovative approach to job training, its hands-on curriculum and its promise of direct employment for graduates.

The video, produced entirely in-house by RBC’s Creative Services Group, captures the energy, ambition and hope driving this initiative. Viewers are given a firsthand look at students learning the ropes of professional table game dealing—beginning with Blackjack then other table games such as Craps, Baccarat and Poker—under the guidance of experienced casino professionals.

“This is more than a workforce training program,” said Dr. Debbie Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “The RBC Dealer Institute is a pathway to economic mobility and personal growth for our students and local residents.”

The Institute is a part of a broader vision to align higher education with real-world opportunity. Students not only receive specialized dealer training, but also gain a fast track to employment at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, slated to open in Petersburg in 2027.

“Richard Bland College continues to reimagine what higher education can do for the region,” added Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer at RBC. “This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when innovation meets community investment.”

Training for a Career—Not Just a Job

According to Brian Dwaileebe, Director of Table Games for Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, the response from the community has been outstanding.

“Since the RBC Dealer Institute was announced over the summer, we have had great interest and outreach about the program,” he said.

Students often stay late to enhance their craft, demonstrating a deep commitment to mastering the skills needed for success in the casino industry. To support this dedication, students in the program receive professional-grade training materials to continue their practice at home—including a dealing shoe, two decks of cards, a layout and stacks of chips.

“This hands-on approach allows them to refine techniques outside of class and build confidence with each repetition,” Dwaileebe said. “It also allows them to practice with family.”

But more than the materials, it’s the program’s format that stands out.

“Once certified these students will be able to begin a career in gaming not just in Virginia, but any casino in the world,” Dwaileebe added.

A Welcome Invitation to the Industry

Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, sees the RBC Dealer Institute as a powerful launchpad into the gaming industry:

“If you are interested in entering the casino industry, this is a great opportunity to learn a skill that can be translated into a well-paying career,” Parayo said. “The RBC Dealer Institute will help us hire trained and engaging dealers when we open our doors at Live! Casino & Hotel here in Petersburg.”

A City-Fueled Transformation

For the City of Petersburg, the initiative represents not just a training program, but a strategic investment in its people and future.

“This collaboration is transforming lives and strengthening our local economy,” Mayor Samuel Parham said. “It’s a shining example of how public-private partnerships can create real, lasting change.”

Click here to watch the full behind-the-scenes video offering an inspiring glimpse into a program that’s more than education—it’s a catalyst for lifelong opportunity and regional revitalization.

The post RBC Unveils Inspiring Video Spotlighting RBC Dealer Institute appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Honorable Christopher Winslow has been appointed as the eighth member of the nine-member Richard Bland College Board of Visitors.

“It is a deep honor to have been appointed to the Board of Visitors,” Winslow said. “I am genuinely excited about this opportunity to serve and contribute to the important work of the Board in support of the College’s mission and strategic objectives.”

“Chris Winslow is the penultimate public servant, having dedicated much of his career to community and economic development,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “Mr. Winslow has a deep understanding of public higher education and its value to the citizens of the Commonwealth, which will make him an invaluable member of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors.”

Winslow will serve a three-year term on the board, which concludes in June 2028. He currently serves as Partner and Manager of Winslow, McCurry & MacCormac, PLLC and Sycamore Title, respectively. He formerly served as Chesterfield County Supervisor for the Clover Hill District for more than eight years.

In July, the seven other members of the RBC Board of Visitors were announced.

The post Chris Winslow Appointed to RBC Board of Visitors appeared first on Richard Bland College.

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2025

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The grand opening of the RBC (Richard Bland College) Workforce and Career Readiness Center in Petersburg welcomed people from all across the Tri-Cities area as attendees. Dignitaries from Richard Bland College, Live! Casino & Hotel, The City of Petersburg, among others convened at the facility located off Crater Road.

“The RBC Workforce and Career Readiness Center represents our commitment to preparing residents for meaningful careers in high-demand fields,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said. “Together with our partners, we are building a stronger workforce and a brighter future for the Tri-Cities region.”

The center will provide curricula and training for residents seeking to find careers in the health care, aviation and drone, and casino industries, among others. Currently underway within the center, the RBC Dealer Institute—which equips aspiring casino dealers with the skills to conduct table games—launched on September 8th. This initiative ladders up to the 450,000 square-foot Live! Casino Hotel in Petersburg set to open its doors in 2027 –– the opening is pending regulatory approval. RBC Dealer Institute graduates will receive priority consideration for interviews with the casino.

“This direct pathway from training to employment reflects our mission to connect education with real workforce opportunities,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at RBC.

The College will continue to field more regional partnerships and leverage the center to develop a pipeline of STEM-H and other multidisciplinary professionals within the Tri-Cities area and beyond. Dr. Boyd is ecstatic about the wealth of opportunities on the horizon.

“Through strong partnerships, RBC is creating pathways that will prepare the next generation of professionals,” Dr. Boyd said. “I am excited about the boundless opportunities this work will bring to this region.”

The post RBC Opens Workforce Center appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The RBC Dealer Institute officially opened its doors today at the Richard Bland College Workforce and Career Readiness Center on Crater Road in Petersburg, VA. With more than 200 aspiring casino dealers enrolled, the opening day of training was marked by a strong turnout. All eight Blackjack tables were at capacity with enthusiastic participants, mainly from the Tri-Cities area. The Institute marks a major milestone for the region’s economic and workforce development.

The RBC Dealer Institute is a collaborative effort between Richard Bland College, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia and the City of Petersburg. It is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the gaming and hospitality industries. This exciting new program demonstrates the College’s staunch commitment to real-time workforce readiness and economic development in the Petersburg area.

“The excitement and turnout on opening day of the Dealer Institute is a testament to the power of partnerships and the demand for real-world career pathways,” said Dr. Debbie Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “The new RBC Workforce and Career Readiness Center in Petersburg will not only prepare table dealers, but also health care workers, drone pilots and other workers for today’s high-tech jobs.”

The RBC Dealer Institute provides hands-on training for table games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Poker. It is one of the first initiatives of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program offers a unique gateway to high-growth, high-demand careers in the casino and entertainment sector, with many participants aiming to join the future workforce at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia.

As construction advances on the full-scale Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, which is slated to open in 2027, a temporary casino is set to open by year’s end – the opening is pending regulatory approval. The interim facility is expected to generate approximately 500 new jobs, create additional opportunities for local vendors and deliver meaningful economic benefits to Petersburg and the surrounding region.

Click here for more information about the RBC Dealer Institute.

The post RBC Dealer Institute Launches with Strong Community Support appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The inaugural Richard Bland College Board of Visitors hosted its first meeting yesterday on the Richard Bland College campus. At the meeting, board bylaws and policies were adopted, the annual calendar of meetings was approved and officers were elected, including rector, vice rector and secretary. John Rathbone, Retired Chief Financial Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation and former RBC Committee Chair of the W&M Board of Visitors was elected to lead the board as rector. Albert Poole, Of Counsel at Poole Brooke Plumlee, PC is vice rector; and Vickie Schray, Founder and Principal at Vanguard Coaching and Consulting Services, LLC, will serve as secretary.

“The inaugural meeting of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors has been a long time coming and it marks a historic milestone for our institution,” Dr. Sydow said. “With this governing body comprised of a distinguished group of professionals and led by Rector Rathbone, the College stands ready to accelerate its innovative, nimble and entrepreneurial approach to higher education in the Commonwealth.”

Board members were briefed on their role, duties and responsibilities by College Counsel from the Attorney General’s office and the College’s accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“It is a distinct honor to continue serving Richard Bland College—this time as a member of its first-ever Board of Visitors,” Rathbone said. “I feel I can speak for the rest of the board that we are deeply committed to supporting the College’s mission and advancing its strategic vision during this pivotal time in its history.”

For more than half a century, RBC was governed by the board of the nation’s second oldest university, William & Mary (W&M). In practice, RBC was governed by a committee of the W&M Board of Visitors. Aside from a shared board, the two institutions operated completely independent, sharing no financial, programmatic or operational linkages. Importantly, W&M will remain a destination for many RBC transfer students seeking a baccalaureate degree, so the change in governance will in no way alter students’ ability to seamlessly transition from RBC to W&M.

The Virginia General Assembly and Governor Youngkin agreed Richard Bland College would be governed by its own board, effective July 1. RBC, the Commonwealth’s only junior college, followed in the footsteps of the Old Dominion, Christopher Newport and Virginia Commonwealth Universities that were also once governed by the W&M Board of Visitors. These institutions have since flourished—Richard Bland leadership anticipates a similarly bright future.

“This momentous victory for Richard Bland College has been more than a goal—it has been a steadfast commitment to help secure for our students, community partners and the Commonwealth an institution that will serve their needs well into the future,” Dr. Sydow said. “With a dedicated Board of Visitors now in place, the College is sure to thrive like never before.”

The RBC Board of Visitors will convene again on Wednesday, September 24. For more information about the board, click here.

The post Inaugural RBC Board of Visitors Appoints Leadership appeared first on Richard Bland College.

President’s List

Jenna Ackerman – Colonial Heights, VA

Yana Allen – Chester, VA

Gianluka Anello – Fort Lee, VA

Harsha Antham – Ashburn, VA

Tara Bailey – Colonial Heights, VA

Rileigh Barber – Prince George, VA

Landon Beasley – North Chesterfield, VA

Ethan Belcher – Carson, VA

Alyssa Bell – Prince George, VA

Orrin Besley – Hopewell, VA

Ian Biermann – White Stone, VA

Brandon Blaisdell – Williamsburg, VA

Alexandra Bliss – Prince George, VA

Caroline Bogese – South Prince George, VA

Trent Boggs – Disputanta, VA

Stacie Bollmann – Williamsburg, VA

Alessandra Bonev – Colonial Heights, VA

Silvia Bower-Heeg – Henrico, VA

Aaryn Bridgeforth – Petersburg, VA

Clarence Brock – Hopewell, VA

Rhiandrea Brockwell – Colonial Heights, VA

Lilli Brown – North Chesterfield, VA

Raquel Brown – Petersburg, VA

Kayla Buffalow – Colonial Heights, VA

Sophie Bush – Prince George, VA

Marco Cafaro – Lithia, FL

Pheobe Cahoon – North Prince George, VA

Kaycee Carroll – waverly, VA

Allayna Chang Taylor – South Chesterfield, VA

Isabella Chappell – Church Road, VA

Braxton Coleman – Prince George, VA

Mackenzie Coleman – Disputanta, VA

Zaria Covington – Chester, VA

Jack Daniel – North Prince George, VA

Daniel Danuser – Lanexa, VA

Anna Davis – Prince George, VA

Grace Davis – Mechanicsville, VA

Kaleb Davis – Chester, VA

Kate Deeds – Petersburg, VA

Jakob Dent – Petersburg, VA

Michael Duncan – Arlington, VA

Jasmine Estrada – Chesterfield, VA

Cassidy Gibbs – Prince George, VA

Tamia Gilliam – Petersburg, VA

Shanna Givens – Colonial Heights, VA

Kaci Godsey – Quinton, VA

Kendall Gordon – Dinwiddie, VA

Iha Gorjala – Ashburn, VA

Ethan Greenwald – Colonial Heights, VA

Jacob Grein – Waverly, VA

Samuel Gupta – Newport News, VA

Tia Hall – Stony Creek, VA

Alyvia Harrell – Chesterfield, VA

Grace Harris-Ceballos – N Dinwiddie, VA

Elle Harrison – South Prince George, VA

Phoebe Heath – Colonial Heights, VA

Daniel Hendricks – North Prince George, VA

Quentin Hepburn – Quinton, VA

William Holdren – Bedford, VA

Myles Holmes – Ruther Glen, VA

Jiyeong Hong

Jackson Hulcher – Ashburn, VA

Riley Humphries – Disputanta, VA

Ryleigh Ingraham – Chester, VA

Teagan Jackson – Chesapeake, VA

Mya Jasper – North Prince George, VA

Tianna Johnson – Jarratt, VA

Emily Jones – Colonial Heights, VA

Ci’Ani Jones – Prince George, VA

Dylan Jones – Midlothian, VA

William Karanian – Powhatan, VA

Daniel Kemp – Disputanta, VA

Emma Kennedy – Dewitt, VA

Michael Keyes – Montclair, VA

Hyunjung Kim

Nathan Lamm – Glen Allen, VA

Yuho Lee

Joonseo Lee

Peter Lewis – Chester, VA

Chenlong Liu

Chang Liu – Chespeake, VA

Lina Lloyd – Petersburg, VA

Emma Lockett – South Prince George, VA

Iya Lopez – Chester, VA

Madison Lowe – Windsor, VA

Apoorva Mandadi – Ashburn, VA

Rachelle Martin – Harrisonburg, VA

Dylan McCoy – North Prince George, VA

Gillian McGee – Prince George, VA

Aliyah Millner – Williamsburg, VA

Katherine Moyer – Disputanta, VA

Rachel Narron – Hopewell, VA

Lillie Newton – Haymarket, VA

Tony Nguyen – Colonial Heights, VA

Jaya Nowell – Waverly, VA

Tuan O’Horo – South Prince George, VA

Makenzie Pearson – North Prince George, VA

Samantha Peeler – Lakeland, FL

Amiyah Pegram – Hopewell, VA

Jensy Perez – Hopewell, VA

Ashy Pillai – Colonial Heights, VA

Kaya Pope – Petersburg, VA

Kaelie Richey – Colonial Heights, VA

Emily Roach – North Prince George, VA

Kameron Rose – Stony Creek, VA

Eric Samarin – Chester, VA

Archer Sanku – Mechanicsville, VA

Juan Santana – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Gifford Scott – Petersburg, VA

Austin Sewell – North Chesterfield, VA

Owen Shanks – Disputanta, VA

Hyunho Shin

Jonathan Smith – Colonial Heights, VA

David Smith – Yorktown, VA

Phoenix Snapp – Quinton, VA

Lucas Sprinkle – Colonial Heights, VA

Rory Strosnider – Disputanta, VA

Luke Sweeney – Virginia Beach, VA

Lydia Sydlewski – Houlton, WI

Aliyah Taylor – Hopewell, VA

Ariana Thomas – South Prince George, VA

Precious Thomas – Prince George, VA

Mecca Thompson – Leesburg, VA

Sydney Thompson – Fairfax, VA

Olivia Thompson – Disputanta, VA

Nia Tyce – Hopewell, VA

Grace Urban – Chesterfield, VA

Brendan Van Drew – Disputanta, VA

Jesse Vargas – Chesapeake, VA

Matthew Vlkojan – South Prince George, VA

Hoai Vo

Leif Vogler – Stafford, VA

Summer Wadford – Wilsons, VA

Amanda Walker – Sutherland, VA

Dietrich Walker – McKenney, VA

Mark Walker – Hopewell, VA

Kyleigh Watts – Disputanta, VA

Jaheri White – Fort Gregg Adams, VA

Tiare Wilkie – Prince George, VA

Christopher Wilkins – Prince George, VA

Tavonny Worlds – Centralia, IL

Yizuo Wu

Andy Yang – Colonial Heights, VA

Lila Yapici – Virginia Beach, VA

Alexander Yarbrough – Colonial Heights, VA

Hayden Zahn – South Prince George, VA

Lisa Zheng – Colonial Heights, VA

Dean’s List

Nour Abdelhafez – Colonial Heights, VA

Suzan Abualia – Hopewell, VA

Richard Agbo – Chesterfield, VA

Kimberly Aldridge – North Dinwiddie, VA

Wyatt Atwater – Chester, VA

Kennon Avery – Colonial Heights, VA

Berkley Baldwin – Carson, VA

Marcus Banks – Philadelphia, PA

Gracie Barlow – Chester, VA

Peter Barnett – Chesterfield, VA

Andrew Basham – Norfolk, VA

Haleigh Bayles – North Dinwiddie, VA

Mesiyah Bellamy – Hopewell, VA

Tyler Blanchard – Prince George, VA

Jackson Blevins – Bristow, VA

Hunter-Jean Bosworth – Chester, VA

Karley Bowers – Disputanta, VA

Lauren Bowman – Petersburg, VA

Machelle Bright – Disputanta, VA

Jakwon Bryant – Hopewell, VA

Riley Bryant – Colonial Heights, VA

Caroline Buetow – North Dinwiddie, VA

Michelle Buffkin – Chester, VA

Bryce Carmichael – South Prince George, VA

Maria Castaneda – Dumfries/Southbridge, VA

Preston Charnick – Disputanta, VA

Elijah Clarke – Newport News, VA

Brianna Coleman – Colonial Heights, VA

Danyael Colendrino – Colonial Heights, VA

Whitney Collins – North Dinwiddie, VA

Alivia Conner – North Prince George, VA

Zuyemi Cortez-Cardenas – Springfield, VA

Mckinsey Cox – Carson, VA

Daikiya Curry – North Dinwiddie, VA

Tanaiya Curry-Thorne – Hopewell, VA

Jaylin Daggins – Norfolk, VA

Serena Daniel – Hopewell, VA

Michael Dixon – North Dinwiddie, VA

Gweneth Donnelly – Arlington, VA

Leo Douglas – Stony Creek, VA

Shemshia Downey – Petersburg, VA

Seanon Duncan – Gloucester, VA

Malcolm DuPree – Quinton, VA

Malachi Earp – Richmond, VA

Celine Ellis-Magee – Chesapeake, VA

Jeffrey Espinoza – Chester, VA

Lila Falconer – North Chesterfield, VA

Dovevereal Fishburne – Ladson, SC

Honnette Florence – Hopewell, VA

Molly Ford – North Dinwiddie, VA

Jasmin Galeano – North Dinwiddie, VA

Mackenzie Galle – Prince George, VA

Eliana Garcia – North Prince George, VA

Arthur Garnett – North Chesterfield, VA

Zachary Gaston – Victoria, VA

Jacob Germanos – North Prince George, VA

Treasure Givens – Hampton, VA

Michelle Gonzalez – Richmond, VA

Dayanara Gonzalez-Hernandez – Petersburg, VA

Tyler Grazioso – Quinton, VA

Taylor Green – Suffolk, VA

Averie Grubbs – Hopewell, VA

Thomas Guess – Disputanta, VA

Ciara Hamlett – Hopewell, VA

Carleigh Harrison – Colonial Heights, VA

Logan Heath – Prince George, VA

Anneliese Helber – Hopewell, VA

Leilah Hepburn – Henrico, VA

Carson Herod – Richmond, VA

Jaylen Hill – Chesapeake, VA

Tiona Hill – Henrico, VA

Isabella Hixson – Disputanta, VA

Tana Hlavacek – Disputanta, VA

Javin Howard – Chesterfield, VA

Jasmine Hurt – Prince George, VA

Zian Irvin – Disputanta, VA

Madison Jenkins – Orange, VA

Steven Jones – Petersburg, VA

Daniel Joya – Petersburg, VA

Amanda Marie Joyner – Stony Creek, VA

Lilyann Keen – North Dinwiddie, VA

Haili Kitts – Richmond, VA

Juliana Klapper – Mechanicsville, VA

Jacob Kraudy – Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Gavin Landry – Disputanta, VA

Aniyah Lane – Petersburg, VA

Amber Lee – Hopewell, VA

Marlea Lewis – Chesterfield, VA

Yihan Li

Kevin Lin – Prince George, VA

Laci Lipford – South Prince George, VA

Xiaoyu Liu – South Prince George, VA

Siatafu Lui Yuen – Fort Lee, VA

Tyler Mabry – Stony Creek, VA

Jazmyn Mackin – Hopewell, VA

Jaydyn Mackin – Hopewell, VA

Arianna Manson – Midlothian, VA

Miguel Martinez – Poughkeepsie, NY

Anaatciry Martinez – Waverly, VA

Franco Martinez Martinez – Hopewell, VA

Nadia Matthews – Hopewell, VA

Hope McAllister – North Prince George, VA

Toren McCaughan – Disputanta, VA

Reianna McDonald – Prince George, VA

Lilly McGovern – Fort Gregg Adams, VA

Brayden Melton – North Prince George, VA

Jessica Menjivar Lemus – Chester, VA

Mya Mewborn-McCauley – Virginia Beach, VA

Jayden Midar – South Prince George, VA

Haylee Mihelich – Disputanta, VA

Mylee Mihelich – Disputanta, VA

Breshauna Miller – Richmond, VA

Mikayla Mitchell – Clarksburg, MD

Asmahan Mohamed – Fairfax, VA

Emtenan Mohamed – Fairfax, VA

Victor Montes Aguirre

Brian Moore – Petersburg, VA

Ciarra Moore – Yorktown, VA

Emma Morgan – Colonial Heights, VA

Makayla Mosely – South Prince George, VA

Elaina Moser – Spring Grove, VA

Sean Mullally – North Prince George, VA

Caleb Muluneh – Alexandria, VA

Bridget Murphy – Dumfries, VA

Miles Myrick – Prince George, VA

Ammar Nazih

Fernandez Nunez – Rockingham, VA

Lisa Ou – Colonial Heights, VA

Jiangshan Ouyang

Alyssa Overby – North Prince George, VA

Kayla Patton – Prince George, VA

Benjamin Paul – Colonial Heights, VA

Christina Pelter – Chester, VA

Jakira Pennington – Richmond, VA

Kristen Peterson – Petersburg, VA

Kailyn Pond – Disputanta, VA

Clifton Powell – Hopewell, VA

Emily Powroznik – North Prince George, VA

Akaela Quarles – North Prince George, VA

Michelle Rabender – Chester, VA

Jada Ramirez – Richmond, VA

Christian Ramirez Lopez – Harrisonburg, VA

Andy Ramirez Novas – Alexandria, VA

Jordan Ramsey – Stafford, VA

Jonasia Randolph – Richmond, VA

Gabrielle Redd – Petersburg, VA

John Redick – Lanexa, VA

James Revere – North Prince George, VA

Zion Richardson-Keys – Chesterfield, VA

Nathaniel Riggs – Hampton, VA

Cruz Rios – Fort Gregg Adams, VA

LaNia Robinson – North Chesterfield, VA

Jacqueline Romero-Andrade – Arlington, VA

Samarion Rush – Ashland, VA

Maxima Sanchez Salgado – Richmond, VA

Benjamin Santiago – Richmond, VA

Alexis Scipione – Woodbridge, VA

Aurelia Scott – Chesterfield, VA

Caleb Sessums – Wilsons, VA

Rebecca Shell – North Dinwiddie, VA

Josiah Simmons – Hopewell, VA

Braylon Slappy – Stafford, VA

Kaleigh Snipes – Henrico, VA

Chhaya Sou – Ashburn, VA

Sara Sparks – Chester, VA

Zachary Stanton – Mechanicsville, VA

Henry Stewart – Springfield, VA

Jasmine Studvent – Milford, VA

Jonathan Sung – North Dinwiddie, VA

Taniya Sykes – North Dinwiddie, VA

J’Dn Taylor – Richmond, VA

Destiny Taylor – Petersburg, VA

JKiera Taylor – Hopewell, VA

NyDirah Taylor – Petersburg, VA

Lovina Teel – Jacksonville, NC

Gabriella Timmer – Hopewell, VA

Marissa Toombs – Church Road, VA

Seth Truesdale – Midlothian, VA

Erian Trusty – Petersburg, VA

Harrison Tull – Arlington, VA

Emmanuel Vonhm

Santana Walston – North Chesterfield, VA

Emily Ward – Chester, VA

Marta Whitney – Arlington, VA

Victoria Wigfall – Midlothian, VA

Jovonda Wiggins – Hopewell, VA

Emmanuel Williams – Yorktown, VA

Iziah Williams – North Chesterfield, VA

Mackenzie Wiseman – Chesterfield, VA

Savannah Worley – South Prince George, VA

Jasmine Wyche – Carson, VA

Nathaniel Young – North Dinwiddie, VA

Hoda Zuhour – Hopewell, VA

The post RBC Announces Spring 2025 President’s & Dean’s List appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Governor Youngkin’s office has announced members of the inaugural Richard Bland College Board of Visitors—a step that marks a historical milestone for the College. Like, Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University that were once governed by the William & Mary Board of Visitors before being granted their own dedicated boards, Richard Bland College will have the advantage of a governing board focused exclusively on Bland’s unique educational mission.

“It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the new Richard Bland College Board of Visitors and its role in guiding, championing and serving a College that for too long has been considered the hidden gem of Virginia higher education,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “With Governor Youngkin’s prestigious appointees taking the reins on July 1 as charter members of the inaugural Bland board, RBC students, alumni, faculty and staff are elated to help chart the future of Richard Bland College.”

The Board, which consists of an esteemed group of local executives, public officials and legal practitioners, is as follows:

• The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr. — Senior Advisor, State Government Relations, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC and Former Virginia Secretary of Education
• The Honorable Samuel D. Parham — Mayor, City of Petersburg. He currently serves on the Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors and is an alumnus (’96) of the College.
• John Rathbone — Retired Chief Financial Officer, Norfolk Southern Corporation. He served as Chair of the RBC Committee of the W&M Board of Visitors.
• Charles Patton — Managing Member, Patton Holdings, LLC. He served as Chair of the Richard Bland College Foundation Board of Directors.
• Vickie Schray — Founder and Principal, Vanguard Coaching and Consulting Services, LLC
• Bouwien Smits — Site Vice President and General Manager, Civica Rx 
• Albert Poole — Of Counsel, Poole Brooke Plumlee, PC 

“To serve as a member of RBC’s Board of Visitors is both humbling and historic,” Parham said. “This is an opportunity to spotlight our institution and help shape its future as a driving force for regional progress.”

As a former member of the William & Mary Board of Visitors who led a committee of the board focused on Bland matters, Rathbone said, “It is a distinct honor to continue serving Richard Bland College—this time as a member of its first-ever Board of Visitors. I am deeply committed to supporting the College’s mission and advancing its strategic vision during this pivotal time in its history.”

“This is more than a governance role—it’s a defining moment in Virginia higher education,” Dyke, Jr. said. “I’m honored to help guide Richard Bland College as it steps into this bold new chapter of independence and innovation.”

As another mark of progress, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Directors recently approved Bland’s request to transition to its own dedicated governing board.

The post RBC’s Inaugural Board of Visitors Appointed appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC), in partnership with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, is launching the RBC Dealer Institute at the College’s Workforce & Career Readiness Center on Crater Road in Petersburg. The Institute will prepare approximately 200 trainees to conduct table games beginning with Blackjack, with future plans of introducing Roulette and Baccarat. Over the course of the 12-week program, students will be immersed in a curriculum focused on customer service, game integrity and industry regulations. Additionally, the Institute will emphasize responsible gaming practices to ensure learners are fully prepared for the ethical challenges they may encounter in the field.

This initiative aligns with Richard Bland College’s commitment to workforce development in Petersburg, the Tri-Cities area and throughout the Commonwealth.

RBC President Dr. Debbie L. Sydow emphasized the importance of the Institute.

“As Petersburg’s economy continues to evolve, Richard Bland College is proud to contribute to workforce development, preparing the next generation of professionals for high-paying jobs in one of the most dynamic industries in the country.”

Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at RBC, said the imminent impact of the partnership between RBC, the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino is a perfect match for a community focused on expanding economic development.

“Launching a program of this scale requires more than vision—it demands strong, strategic partnerships,” Dr. Boyd said. “Collaborating with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia allows us to share the workload and leverage each other’s strengths.

“It’s a true partnership that ensures our adult students receive industry-relevant training, while also helping us scale our impact across the region.”

Upon completing the program, students are eligible to apply for jobs at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia and other regional gaming establishments. Through this training initiative, local residents will be ready to take advantage of the wealth of job opportunities created when the casino opens.

Tax Incentives and Community Investment

The Cordish Companies’ $1.4 billion investment in Petersburg is set to deliver major benefits, including $240 million in tax revenue for the City. Once Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia opens, the project is expected to generate approximately $201 million in annual economic impact and create more than 7,500 construction and permanent jobs. The City intends to use these funds to support public safety, upgrade infrastructure, enhance schools, promote health initiatives and improve quality of life for future generations.

“This is the largest tourism and economic development project in Petersburg’s history,” said The Honorable Sam Parham, Mayor of the City of Petersburg. “This opportunity has the potential to help transform our City.

“We are committed to creating better jobs for Petersburg residents and attracting visitors from around the world to discover what makes our City a special place.”

The Temporary and Main Casino

As construction advances on the full-scale Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, a temporary casino is set to open by year’s end, offering an exciting and accessible entertainment option for both residents and visitors. This interim facility is expected to generate approximately 500 new jobs, create additional opportunities for local vendors and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the City.

The temporary casino will offer a range of table games and slot machines, giving the community a taste of the casino experience while they await the grand opening of the full resort.

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027. Its destination will feature:

• More than 450,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel and dining space
• 75,000 square feet of meeting, convention and entertainment space including a state-of-the-art venue for concerts and special events from top talent from across Virginia and the greater region
• An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, resort pool and fitness center
• 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines
• 65 live action table games, including a 22-table poker room
• High limit slot and table areas
• Sportsbook
• 10 best-in-class food and entertainment options, including local partners
• Free parking

These amenities will elevate Petersburg into a major entertainment hub, attracting visitors and creating a world-class destination for both tourists and residents.

New Hotels and Business Development

The expansion of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will spark significant growth in the Crater Road area. The development will bring new hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and other businesses, all of which will cater to the influx of visitors coming for the casino experience. Thousands of new jobs will be created in construction, hospitality, retail and entertainment, providing a wealth of opportunities for the local workforce.

The casino complex will occupy 92 acres near the intersection of Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway. As Crater Road transforms into a bustling commercial district, it’s expected to have a ripple effect across surrounding areas, encouraging further investment and providing Petersburg with the infrastructure it needs to support its growing population and tourism industry.

Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, emphasized the importance of fostering local partnerships and regional collaboration.

“Our goal is to build strong connections within the community,” Parayo said. “This casino is not just about entertainment—it’s about creating a sustainable, thriving economy that benefits everyone in the region.

“By partnering with the City of Petersburg and Richard Bland College, we’re working together to ensure the economic benefits of this project are felt for years to come.”

The RBC Dealer Institute is available only for adults 21 years of age or older. To learn more about the Institute, click here.

The post Richard Bland College and Live! Casino Launch Workforce Training in Petersburg appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

With its official independence fast approaching on July 1, Richard Bland College (RBC) is wrapping up over 60 years of partnership with William & Mary on a high note. Notably, RBC’s “Take a Giant Step to Richard Bland College” awareness campaign has garnered impressive metrics.

“RBC Marketing & Communications work hand-in-hand with Admissions by aligning messaging, outreach strategies and data-driven insights to attract, engage and convert prospective students—ensuring a seamless journey from first impression to enrollment,” said Jesse Vaughan, RBC Chief Communications & Marketing Officer. “Thank you to our outstanding collaborators and partners for facilitating the work we do to highlight all RBC has to offer to prospective students and their families.”

Since the start of the awareness campaign in late April, below is the breakdown of the College’s impressive digital engagement:

• More than 1,402,100 YouTube views

RBC is now the state’s most-viewed two-year college on YouTube. To date, the College’s videos have garnered more than 6,674,530 YouTube views. Namely, RBC’s YouTube view count trumps Tidewater Community College—the second most-viewed two-year college in Virginia—by nearly one million views.

• Over 100,200 META (Facebook and Instagram) video views
• 18.6 million total social media impressions (defined as the number of times a digital ad is displayed on a user’s screen, regardless of whether it is clicked or interacted with)
• The average time spent on the RBC website increased to 172 seconds (2 minutes and 52 seconds)—a jump from 137 seconds (2 minutes and 17 seconds) the year prior. The mark also eclipses the national average, which is 2 minutes and 13 seconds. For May alone, more than 32,880 users have already visited the site, putting RBC on pace to reach more 38,000 visits by month’s end.
• 48,000 click-throughs with a clickthrough rate of 0.26 percent (the percentage of people who click on a specific link or advertisement after seeing it). This is well above the industry norm, which typically ranges between 0.02 and 0.10 percent.

These results demonstrate RBC’s rising, independent profile and the effectiveness of its outreach strategy in reaching prospective students, families and the broader community.

“Our success in Admissions is amplified by the strategic partnership with RBC Marketing & Communications,” RBC Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May said. “When we connect with students through messaging that truly reflects who we are and what we offer, we build trust, remove barriers and help them picture themselves here.”

The post As Richard Bland College Approaches Independence Its Digital Engagement Surges appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College recently celebrated its 2025 graduates at an outdoor ceremony on the lawn of the Academic Innovation Center. With proud family members, faculty and friends cheering them on, hundreds of graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. This year, RBC celebrated a record-breaking 2,062 Dual Enrollment students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year—including triplets from Hopewell, VA. 

As participants in Richard Bland College’s Dual Enrollment partnership with Hopewell High School, the Mackin triplets—Jeremiah, Jaydyn and Jazmyn—have earned associate degrees simultaneously with their high school diplomas. 

“The Mackins embody the very best of Hopewell High School’s Dual Enrollment program,” said Mr. Malik Wheat, the Director of Dual Enrollment at the high school. “They are not only outstanding students but also dedicated athletes who have shown remarkable discipline and drive.” 

While participating in RBC’s Dual Enrollment program, Jeremiah Mackin played on the high school’s football and soccer teams, while Jaydyn and Jazmyn showcased their athletic versatility in field hockey, wrestling and track and field. Despite their packed schedules, the triplets remained focused on academics. They all have an impressive 4.1 GPA. 

On May 31, the siblings will graduate from their high school. From there, Jeremiah and Jaydyn will attend Virginia State University to pursue degrees in Sports Management and Social Work, respectively. Jazmyn is headed to Virginia Military Institute, where she will study Psychology. 

RBC graduates Ana Conner and Melia Grady were selected as RBC’s 2025 student commencement speakers. Both were selected for their academic excellence, leadership and positive impact on campus. Their speeches will soon be posted on the RBC website.

In addition, Dr. Belle Wheelan, President and CEO of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, prepared an inspiring message for this year’s graduating class. Her speech, which will also be posted on the RBC website in the near future, focuses on resilience, purpose and the power of education to transform lives. 

“Richard Bland College takes immense pride in our graduates,” RBC spokesperson Dr. Tiffany Birdsong said. “These dedicated students have worked tirelessly to earn their RBC degrees and are poised for bright futures as they transition seamlessly to the four-year institutions of their choice. 

“We are thrilled to announce that this year, several of our students have been admitted to prestigious Ivy League universities, including Yale University, Princeton University, in addition to other highly selective institutions.” 

The post Richard Bland College Celebrates Record-Breaking Commencement appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

On August 4, Richard Bland College (RBC), in partnership with Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, will launch the RBC Dealer Institute at the College’s Workforce & Career Readiness Center in Petersburg. The Institute will prepare approximately 200 trainees to conduct table games beginning with Blackjack, with future plans of introducing Roulette and Baccarat. Over the course of the 12-week program, students will be immersed in a curriculum focused on customer service, game integrity and industry regulations. Additionally, the Institute will emphasize responsible gaming practices to ensure learners are fully prepared for the ethical challenges they may encounter in the field.

This initiative aligns with Richard Bland College’s commitment to workforce development in the Petersburg area and throughout the Commonwealth.

RBC President Dr. Debbie L. Sydow spoke about the importance of the Institute, saying, “As Petersburg’s economy continues to evolve, Richard Bland College is proud to contribute to workforce development, preparing the next generation of professionals for high-paying jobs in one of the most dynamic industries in the country.”

Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at RBC, spoke to imminent community impact of the RBC and Live! Casino partnership.

“Launching a program of this scale requires more than vision—it demands strong, strategic partnerships,” Dr. Boyd said. “Collaborating with Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia allows us to share the workload and leverage each other’s strengths.

“It’s a true partnership that ensures our adult students receive industry-relevant training, while also helping us scale our impact across the region.”

Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to apply for jobs at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia and other regional gaming establishments. Through this local training initiative, Petersburg residents will be ready to take advantage of the wealth of job opportunities created when the casino opens.

Tax Incentives and Community Investment

The Cordish Companies’ $1.4 billion investment in Petersburg is set to deliver major benefits, including $240 million in tax revenue for the City. Once Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia opens, the project is expected to generate approximately $201 million in annual economic impact and create more than 7,500 construction and permanent jobs. The City intends to use these funds to support public safety, upgrade infrastructure, enhance schools, promote health initiatives and improve quality of life for future generations.

“This is the largest tourism and economic development project in Petersburg’s history,” said The Honorable Sam Parham, Mayor of the City of Petersburg. “This opportunity has the potential to help transform our City.

“We are committed to creating better jobs for Petersburg residents and attracting visitors from around the world to discover what makes our City a special place.”

The Temporary and Main Casino

As construction advances on the full-scale Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, a temporary casino is set to open by year’s end, offering an exciting and accessible entertainment option for both residents and visitors. This interim facility is expected to generate approximately 500 new jobs, create additional opportunities for local vendors and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the City.

The temporary casino will offer a range of table games and slot machines, giving the community a taste of the casino experience while they await the grand opening of the full resort.

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027. Its destination will feature:

• More than 450,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel and dining space
• 75,000 square feet of meeting, convention and entertainment space including a state-of-the-art venue for concerts and special events from top talent from across Virginia and the greater region
• An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, resort pool and fitness center
• 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines
• 65 live action table games, including a 22-table poker room
• High limit slot and table areas
• Sportsbook
• 10 best-in-class food and entertainment options, including local partners
• Free parking

These amenities will elevate Petersburg into a major entertainment hub, attracting visitors and creating a world class destination for both tourists and residents.

New Hotels and Business Development

The expansion of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will spark significant growth in the Crater Road area. The development will bring new hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and other businesses, all of which will cater to the influx of visitors coming for the casino experience. Thousands of new jobs will be created in construction, hospitality, retail and entertainment, providing a wealth of opportunities for the local workforce.

The casino complex will occupy 92 acres near the intersection of Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway. As Crater Road transforms into a bustling commercial district, it’s expected to have a ripple effect across surrounding areas, encouraging further investment and providing Petersburg with the infrastructure it needs to support its growing population and tourism industry.

Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, emphasized the importance of fostering local partnerships and regional collaboration.

“Our goal is to build strong connections within the community,” Parayo said. “This casino is not just about entertainment—it’s about creating a sustainable, thriving economy that benefits everyone in the region.

“By partnering with the City of Petersburg and Richard Bland College, we’re working together to ensure the economic benefits of this project are felt for years to come.”

The RBC Dealer Institute is available only for adults 21 years of age or older. To register, click here.

The RBC Dealer Institute will host information sessions on June 2, June 11, June 18 and June 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. in Ernst Hall Auditorium on Richard Bland College’s campus.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Dr. Debbie Sydow, President of Richard Bland College, recently appointed Dr. Tiffany Birdsong, formerly the RBC Chief Academic Officer, as the College’s new Chief of Staff. The position is effective May 25.

“I am honored to join the President’s Office as Chief of Staff and contribute to Richard Bland College’s mission of academic excellence and student success,” Dr. Birdsong said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the College’s faculty and staff to align resources and strategies with RBC’s bold vision for the future.”

In this role, Dr. Birdsong will oversee the execution of priority strategic initiatives and assume a key role in aligning resources, initiatives and teams to achieve institutional goals.

To develop her executive leadership acumen, Dr. Birdsong participated as an ACE (American Council on Education) Fellow at Randolph-Macon College over the course of the 2024-25 academic year. The Fellows program is one of the nation’s most prestigious professional development opportunities for college and university administrators. At Randolph-Macon, Dr. Birdsong has worked closely with the college’s senior leadership on strategic planning, policy development and executive-level decision making.

“Always guided by her abiding commitment to student success, Dr. Birdsong brings common sense and strategic thinking to all aspects of planning and problem-solving,” RBC President Dr. Debbie L. Sydow said. “Her decade of diverse experience at RBC coupled with her knowledge and skills acquired as an ACE Fellow have equipped Dr. Birdsong well to continue making a lasting impact at Richard Bland College.”

Having served as faculty member, department chair and Chief Academic Officer at RBC since 2015, Dr. Birdsong is dedicated to further enhancing the institution’s unique educational value proposition in the Petersburg community and across the Commonwealth.

“Richard Bland College has been my professional home for nearly a decade, and I’m eager to step into this strategic role during a pivotal moment in the College’s journey,” Dr. Birdsong said.

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Below is the list of recipients:

Life Science Award – Carleigh O’Hare

Math & Computer Science Award – Yuho Lee

Business & Economics Award – Kaya Pope

Communication Award – Rachelle Martin

History & Government Award – Owen Shanks

Psychology & Sociology Award – Quentin Hepburn

G.R.I.T. Award – Wilson Chaver Molina

Outstanding International Student Award – Yuho Lee

Outstanding Dual Enrollment Student Award – Lian Llyod

Student Leader of the Year Award – Melia Grady

Statesmen Scholar Athlete Award – Phoebe Heath

Visual and Performing Arts Award – Abigail Englert

English Award – Gifford Scott

Foreign Language Award – Lian Núñez Fernández

Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award – Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe

Faculty Excellence Award – Lauran Johnson

Staff Excellence Award – Jennifer Schoonmaker

Additionally, over the course of the academic year, more than 40 students were admitted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Below are the inductees:

Yana Allen

Brandon Blaisdell

Lilli Brown

Angela Carden

Abigail Carey

Braxton Coleman

Mackenzie Coleman

Landon Conner

Marilyn Cubilete

Vincent Gardner

Shanna Givens

Tia Hall

Ciara Hamlett

Drea Harrington

Sophia Harris

Christine Horn

Ryleigh Ingraham

Mya Jasper

Ci’Ani Jones

Juliana Klapper

Aidan Kuhn

Nathan Lamm

Joonseo Lee

Ammar Nazih

Lillie Newton

Louis Newton

Kateryna Pakliachenko

Benjamin Paul

Samantha Peeler

James  Revere

Archer Sanku

Phoenix Snapp

Kyndall Snider

Katie Sommers

Olivia Thompson

Brianna Tucker

Hoai Vo

Summer Wadford

Mackenzie Wiseman

Irene Yaroschak

Finally, the RBC Foundation awarded 182 RBC students scholarships, totaling more than $300,000, for the 2024-25 academic year.

Click here to view photos from the ceremony.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) invites prospective and dual-enrollment students and their families to an engaging on-site Admissions Fair set for April 19. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a wonderful opportunity to get an inside look at life at RBC and discover all the College has to offer.

At the fair, you’ll learn about RBC’s academic programs, student life, financial aid, scholarships and guaranteed transfer agreements to more than 35 top Virginia colleges and universities. Additionally, students can be admitted on the spot with a copy of their high school transcript or GED scores.

Guests are encouraged to explore the picturesque campus; the state-of-the-art Academic Innovation Center, which is home to two Ameca robots—the world’s most advanced humanoid machines; as well as the classrooms and apartment-style residence halls. Whether you’re just starting to think about college or ready to make your decision, the RBC Admissions Fair is the perfect chance to connect, ask questions and feel right at home.

Last but not least, there will be ten $1,000 scholarships raffled off to attendees!

To register for the Admissions Fair, click here.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The 2025 Richard Bland College (RBC) Commencement will take place on the college grounds on Wednesday, May 14. Belle Wheelan, Ph.D., who currently serves as president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), will be this year’s commencement speaker.

“Richard Bland College is deeply honored that Dr. Belle Wheelan, a luminary among higher education leaders, will keynote the 2025 commencement ceremony this spring,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “Dr. Wheelan has been a role model and mentor for generations of college leaders, myself included, and she is a powerful orator.

“Members of the graduating class and everyone in attendance will be transfixed by Dr. Wheelan’s message.”

This year’s student speakers will be RBC Student Assembly President Melia Grady and Phi Theta Kappa Vice President Ana Conner. Notably, both students are semi-finalists of the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

“Ana and Melia are truly deserving of this distinction,” said Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe, RBC Director of University College. “They are outstanding ambassadors of Richard Bland College and we couldn’t be more proud of all they have accomplished.”

Dr. Wheelan has served as the SACSCOC president for more than two decades. She is the first African American and first woman to hold this position. Over the course of her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, she has served as a faculty member, chief student services officer, campus provost, college president and the Virginia Secretary of Education. In several of those roles, she was the first African American and/or woman to serve in those capacities.

Dr. Wheelan received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in Texas (‘72) with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, her master’s from Louisiana State University (‘74) in Developmental Educational Psychology and her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin (‘84) in Educational Administration with a concentration in Community College Leadership.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Richard Bland College campus safety and police department recently earned the heralded FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Agency Trilogy Award. This recognition is awarded to law enforcement departments whose entire command staff has successfully completed the program’s Trilogy Leadership Series. The agency is dedicated to advancing law enforcement leadership among small to mid-sized departments across the United States and beyond.

“I am so proud of my staff for receiving the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award,” said Thomas Travis, RBC Director of Campus Safety & Chief of Police. “It’s a testament to our dedication to leadership excellence.”

In early March, the campus safety and police department completed the program’s comprehensive Trilogy series, which consisted of supervisor, command and executive leadership Institutes. The department gained valuable insights and leadership strategies from the courses. In fact, they have already begun to integrate their new knowledge and skills into the department’s daily operations, enabling the unit to work more effectively and efficiently to achieve its mission of keeping every member of the campus safe and secure.

“Richard Bland College continues to maintain the highest standards of campus safety, and this FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award is just the latest accolade for a team that is committed to the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation,” RBC President Dr. Debbie Sydow said.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Late Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly accepted Governor Glenn Youngkin’s amendment to have the nine-member Richard Bland College (RBC) board of visitors assume its governance role on July 1, 2025.

“After years of planning and preparation, we stand ready to welcome this board with open arms,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said. “William & Mary (W&M) board leadership has been supportive every step of the way and I expect a smooth governance transition.

“Understanding the importance of RBC as an industry partner and economic engine in the Petersburg and Virginia Gateway region, bill patrons Senator Mamie Locke (D-District 23) and Delegate Betsy Carr (D-District 78) were fierce champions for independent governance, and RBC is deeply grateful for their leadership.” 

A similar bill that would have granted Richard Bland College its own, dedicated governing board never made it to the Governor’s desk in 2023. Now, two years later, the General Assembly has ensured the Commonwealth’s only junior college will go the way of Christopher Newport, Old Dominion and other former “branch” campuses of W&M that are now led by independent boards.

“The William & Mary Board of Visitors has governed Richard Bland College since its founding,” William & Mary Rector Charles Poston said. “This has been a privilege and together with former presidents of RBC and President Sydow, positive and transformational change has taken place.

“This has especially been the case at RBC over the last decade under the leadership of President Sydow. We look forward to working with RBC during the transition to a new board and we are highly confident that this progress will continue.”

Over the next 90 days, Governor Youngkin will appoint RBC’s nine-member board and the college’s accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, will review and take action on this governance change. Much work remains, but Dr. Sydow says now the fun part begins. “I can’t wait to welcome new board members and work alongside them to set a bold course for RBC’s future.”

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Richard Bland College Announces Public Hearing on Budget

The William & Mary Board of Visitors, governing body of Richard Bland College (RBC), will host a public hearing April 23, 2025, on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

The public hearing will take place in the Boardroom (A215) of the Academic Innovation Center (AIC), located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The hearing will include a presentation by the administration and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can provide written comments on the proposed fee increase via an online form, via email to the RBC Office of the President at gsmith@rbc.edu, or via regular mail or hand-delivered to the RBC Office of the President, 11301 Johnson Road, South Prince George, VA, 23805. Written comments will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on April 23. All comments submitted will become part of the public record. The William & Mary Board of Visitors will not respond to individual comments, whether submitted orally or in writing.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration, the proposed use of any incremental revenue and allow for public comment.

The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2025-2026 academic year during its April 23–25 meeting.  As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0% to 5% and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.  

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues will likely be used to address personnel costs, including the Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or university commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and contractually obligated cost escalations for collegeservices. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly. 

Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, financial assistance, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

11301 Johnson Road  South Prince George, Virginia 23805
rbc.edu

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Yesterday, on March 19, the City of Petersburg broke ground on the Live! Casino Resort & Hotel Virginia. Dr. Sydow participated in the groundbreaking ceremony as well. The $1.4 billion, 450,000 square-foot project set to be completed by 2027, is projected to generate billions in economic benefits, thousands of jobs and world-class entertainment for Petersburg and surrounding localities. In its first 10 years alone, the casino is projected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus, as well as $240 million in tax revenues for Petersburg. A temporary gaming facility will open by the end of this year to immediately begin creating an estimated 500 new jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the city.

“Congratulations to Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham (’96) whose vision, perseverance and leadership led to this extraordinary win for Petersburg and the surrounding region,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said.

Following many months of deliberation, a draft contract between the RBC Foundation and the casino is expected to be executed early next week. The partnership will launch the Table Games Dealer Institute slated for this fall. The initiative will train more than 200 people on how to conduct table games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat.

RBC Vice President Kimberly Boyd, RBC Chief Enrollment Officer Justin May and others have dedicated considerable time to exploring this opportunity to deliver non-credit programming for the casino to support economic development in Petersburg and the surrounding region. Ultimately, the partnership advances RBC’s mission and goal to support educational programming that leads to high-paying jobs for members of our community.

The College’s primary role in the partnership is to lend support to the RBC Foundation by utilizing the Barn Theater and RBC staff to provide logistical support for the Table Games Dealer Institute. The casino will procure all instructors, equipment, supplies, participants and trainees.

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President’s List

Jenna E. Ackerman – Colonial Heights, VA

Richard C. Agbo – Chesterfield, VA

Julie A. Anderson – Prince George, VA

Marissa G. Anderson – Powhatan, VA

Sophia E. Ansbro – Midlothian , VA

Jenna P. Autry – Midlothian, VA

Julia J. Avery – Dewitt, VA

Taniya M. Bailey – Hopewell, VA

Samantha P. Barbe – Virginia Beach, VA

Rileigh M. Barber – Prince George, VA

Talai A. Barber – Hopewell, VA

Charlotte G. Barnes – Sutherland, VA

Autumn G. Barricks – North Dinwiddie, VA

Joshua C. Bates – Richmond, VA

Ethan S. Belcher – Carson, VA

Lottie R. Benkendorf – Hopewell, VA

Gillian G. Bernier – East Setauket , NY

Orrin W. Besley – Hopewell, VA

Jaclyn Betti – Edgewater, FL

Janelle A. Bibby – Hopewell, VA

Aleksandar P. Bihler – Pančevo, Serbia

Hayden W. Black – Chesterfield, VA

Talia C. Blankenship – Moseley, VA

Alexandra Bliss – Prince George, VA

Turhan G. Boardley – Hopewell, VA

Rylee A. Bradshaw – Fredericksburg, VA

Aleigha M. Bristol – Hopewell, VA

Isaac W. Brittle – Wakefield, VA

Clarence J. Brock – Prince George, VA

Avery S. Brockwell – Colonial Heights, VA

Lilli H. Brown – North Chesterfield, VA

Raquel T. Brown – Petersburg, VA

Estella. Bruggeman – North Dinwiddie, VA

Sophie E. Bush – Prince George, VA

Sophia C. Bustillos – Joshua, TX

Marco A. Cafaro – Lithia, FL

Kaycee M. Carroll – Waverly, VA

Caylee S. Castro – Hopewell, VA

Edward. Cathright – North Prince George, VA

Makayla A. Chapman – Richmond, VA

Isabella B. Chappell – Church Road, VA

Carlie N. Chimera – Carson, VA

Yasmin A. Clanton – Carson, VA

Isaiah W. Cook – Disputanta, VA

Kelsey L. Cothron – Chester, VA

Zaria N. Covington – Chester, VA

Tanaiya. Curry-Thorne – Hopewell, VA

Olivia A. Dankenbring – Carson, VA

Andrew M. Davis – Glen Allen, VA

Kaleb J. Davis – Chester, VA

Alexander G. Delgado – Rye, NY

Preston D. Douglas – Moseley, VA

Barsoum N. Elkommos – Hopewell, VA

Syniah J. Ellis – Hopewell, VA

Delainey L. Empting – Colonial Heights, VA

Diana M. Escobar – North Chesterfield, VA

Fnu Fardin – Richmond, VA

Miranda C. Faulkner – Disputanta, VA

Carson M. Feldman – Prince George, VA

Dominique D. Felton – Hopewell, VA

Ryan D. Fisher – Courtland, VA

Olivia A. Fowlkes – Petersburg, VA

Jose L. Franco-Giron – Hopewell, VA

Nadia E. Fraser – Disputanta, VA

Jazara M. Frye – Hopewell, VA

Jacqueline. Fuentes Rivera – Hopewell, VA

Syla M. Gibbons – Fort Lee, VA

Tyshawn M. Gilchrist – Waverly, VA

Bryan. Gnehm – Durango, CO

Lexi E. Golembewski – Hopewell, VA

Jocelyn. Griffin – Hopewell, VA

Samuel L. Gupta – Newport News, VA

Riley M. Hacker – Petersburg, VA

Daphne S. Hall – Raleigh, NC

Ciara N. Hamlett – Hopewell, VA

Sophia F. Harris – Prince George, VA

Grace N. Harris-Ceballos – N Dinwiddie, VA

Allison P. Hebron – Virginia Beach, VA

Quentin J. Hepburn – Quinton, VA

Tiona A. Hill – Henrico, VA

Berkley M. Hipkins – South Chesterfield, VA

Charlie P. Hogan – Virginia Beach, VA

Zachary M. Hogge – Hopewell, VA

Addison K. Holder – Petersburg, VA

Ava H. Hopkins – Midlothian, VA

Sara J. Ingram – Prince George, VA

Natali. Jarquin-Tokosh – Richmond, VA

Shaniya M. Jefferson – Hopewell, VA

John M. Johnson – Hopewell, VA

Yanaiah D. Jones Hawkins – Hopewell, VA

Kyran E. Jones – Richmond, VA

Steven P. Jones – Petersburg, VA

Breanna J. Joyner – Stony Creek, VA

Frederick. Kane – Petersburg, VA

Emma G. Kennedy – Dewitt, VA

Kya N. Keyes – Hopewell, VA

Michael W. Keyes – Montclair, VA

Kaylie M. Klemm – Yorktown, VA

Luke W. Kuhns – Hopewell, VA

Nathan E. Lamm – Glen Allen, VA

Kamryn P. Lane – Red Deer,

Yeonho Lee – Seoul, Republic of Korea

Morgan R. Logue – McKenney, VA

Janique Lowe – Hopewell, VA

Sarai M. Malone – Disputanta, VA

Arianna N. Manson – Midlothian, VA

Rachelle G. Martin – Harrisonburg, VA

Victor M. Martinez Nava – Waverly, VA

Nadia Matthews – Hopewell, VA

Luke E. Mcadams – Colonial Heights, VA

Sawyer J. McElhatton – Alexandria, VA

Lilly R. McGovern – Fort Gregg Adams, VA

Henry B. Mcintire – Carson, VA

Brayden L. Melton – North Prince George, VA

Breshauna R. Miller – Richmond, VA

Ryan L. Millis – Petersburg, VA

Aliyah R. Millner – Williamsburg, VA

Emoni Y. Morris – Hopewell, VA

Leyana E. Munoz – South Chesterfield, VA

Morgan L. Muntean – Falls Church, VA

John L. Murrell – Midlothian, VA

Lloyd S. Musubire – Hopewell, VA

Rachel M. Narron – Hopewell, VA

Alana N. Newton – Hopewell, VA

Lillie R. Newton – Haymarket, VA

Jaya E. Nowell – Waverly, VA

Eowyn M. O’Brien – Gloucester, VA

Nicole. Palmatier – Chester, VA

Karen K. Parker – Hopewell, VA

Masiah J. Parker – Midlothian, VA

Noah Z. Parson – Hopewell, VA

Kelsey L. Pearson – North Prince George , VA

Jade-Michelle K. Perkins – Annandale, VA

Kristen D. Peterson – Petersburg, VA

Tanisha N. Pittman – Richmond, VA

Aiden Poole – Fredericksburg, VA

Kaya A. Pope – Petersburg, VA

Macbeth. Preston – Verona, VA

Audrey F. Regan – Locust Grove, VA

James E. Revere – North Prince George, VA

Nathaniel C. Riggs – Hampton, VA

Emily C. Roach – North Prince George, VA

Kendall M. Rodriguez – South Chesterfield, VA

Juan. Rosario – Petersburg, VA

Johnny R. Salter – Colonial Heights, VA

Fabian H. Schiebenes – Michelbach,

James N. Schulte – South Prince George, VA

Isaiah A. Scott – Suffolk, VA

Olivia G. Scott – Petersburg, VA

David W. See – North Dinwiddie, VA

Marta. Serrano Castello – Torrent, Spain

Michaela A. Shell – Dinwiddie, VA

Edwin. Sierra – Colonial Heights, VA

David S. Smith – Yorktown, VA

Keira M. Smith – Colonial Heights, VA

Owen M. Stahl – Belleview, FL

Chase L. Stith – Hopewell, VA

Marzavien K. Stith – Wakefield, VA

Trejon D. Stith – Prince George, VA

Austin R. Talbott – Petersburg, VA

Joseph M. Todd – Arlington, VA

Jaziel A. Torres – Fredericksburg, VA

Emma R. Traylor – Sutherland, VA

Ariana Thomas – South Prince George, VA

Maria F. Tunda – Chester, VA

Jimari A. Turner – Waverly, VA

Valentina Uga Sanchez – North Dinwiddie, VA

Grace E. Urban – Chesterfield, VA

Brendan J. Van Drew – Disputanta, VA

Shane J. Van Haren – Prince George, VA

Jataiyah G. Waller – Hopewell, VA

Joshua A. Whirley – Colonial Heights, VA

Alyssa H. Whitchurch – Disputanta, VA

Piper R. Whitney – Stafford, VA

Helena B. Wilkerson – Richmond, VA

Ashanta. Wilson – Petersburg, VA

Corey L. Winfield – South Chesterfield, VA

Landon I. Wood – Petersburg, VA

Arianna L. Wooldridge – Colonial Heights, VA

Kaleb L. Wyche – Carson, VA

Karly R. Wynn – Dinwiddie, VA

Lila Z. Yapici – Virginia Beach, VA

Irene I. Yaroschak – Clifton, VA

Braydon K. Yarosz – South Prince George, VA

Dean’s List

Leyan L. Abualia – Hopewell, VA

Olivia M. Adkins – Charles City, VA

Walter L. Anderson – Colonial Heights, VA

Beautiful I. Bailey – Hopewell, VA

Kayla C. Bailey – Ivor, VA

Berkley E. Baldwin – Carson, VA

Ke’Maria A. Banks – Hopewell, VA

Akemah K. Bates-Cheatham – Richmond, VA

Kathleen M. Beekwilder – McKenney, VA

Rayon C. Boone – Hopewell, VA

Braelyn G. Boyd – Chesapeake, VA

Charles E. Boyer – Powhatan, VA

Iyanna G. Branch – Richmond, VA

Anaya M. Braxton – Newport News, VA

Hannah L. Brewer – Colonial Heights, VA

Aaryn M. Bridgeforth – Petersburg, VA

Reyna. Brossard – Prince George, VA

Amari A. Brown – Stony Creek, VA

Doyle C. Brown – Fairfax, VA

Kyler S. Brungerwood – Hopewell, VA

Carolyn D. Bryant – North Chesterfield, VA

Kendall E. Bryant – Newport News, VA

Caroline E. Buetow – North Dinwiddie, VA

Jailyn M. Burgess – Prince George, VA

Samantha R. Burkett – Disputanta, VA

Nicklas J. Calhoun – Richmond, VA

Nvei Z. Callaham – Prince George, VA

Angela. Carden – Hopewell, VA

Abigail G. Carey – Carson, VA

Myshel Cary– Prince George, VA

David Carvalho Viegas – Amadora, Portugal

Brindon T. Cary – West Point, VA

Anais B. Chacon – Hopewell, VA

Preston B. Chappell – Church Road, VA

Cameron I. Claiborne – Petersburg, VA

Braxton N. Coleman – Prince George, VA

Shyla E. Cooper – Norfolk, VA

Elise J. Cornwell – Petersburg, VA

Nicolas J. Corrales – Carson, VA

Zuyemi G. Cortez-Cardenas – Springfield, VA

Terrell D. Crawley – Charles City, VA

Olivia M. Crews – Richmond, VA

Boyd A. Crist – South Prince George, VA

Mckinsey Cox– Carson, VA

Jaylin Daggins – Norfolk, VA

Bailee R. Daniel – South Chesterfield, VA

Daniel R. Danuser – Lanexa, VA

Laci N. Davenport – Petersburg, VA

Anna G. Davis – Prince George, VA

Ava R. Davis – Church Road, VA

Jade D. Davis – Hopewell, VA

Madison E. Decker – South Prince George, VA

Jakob O. Dent – Petersburg, VA

Amanda M. Dokoupil – Stony Creek, VA

Kyani. Donahue – Petersburg, VA

Lily V. Donovan – Hopewell, VA

Angela M. Dreistadt – Fredericksburg, VA

Seanon. Duncan – Gloucester, VA

Malachi L. Earp – Richmond, VA

Justin East – Dinwiddie, VA

Celine M. Ellis-Magee – Chesapeake, VA

Bridget Estrada – Waverly, VA

Addison R. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

Jake P. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

Ava K. Falconer – Chester, VA

Addyson M. Finney – Petersburg, VA

Honnette. Florence – Hopewell, VA

Ramiyah Foskey – Hopewell, VA

Marisa M. Furner – Concord, NC

Jasmin C. Galeano – North Dinwiddie, VA

Carmen D. Garcia Zuniga – Richmond, VA

Ingrid. Garcia – Conover, NC

Marquez I. Garcia-Cubas – Hopewell, VA

Tiffani A. Gardner – Richmond, VA

Karen. Gay – Richmond, VA

Tiffany D. Geer – Oceanside, CA

Addison. Gibbs – Dolphin, VA

Tamia O. Gilliam – Petersburg, VA

Meryem. Gogdas – Midlothian, VA

Quinton O. Gonzales – Ashburn, VA

Hailey E. Gradiska – Springfield, VA

Nolan L. Graham – Hopewell, VA

Te’Elle M. Graham – Richmond, VA

Saidie C. Graudiel – Sutherland, VA

Taniyah. Gray – Midlothian, VA

Brennan M. Grieco – Dinwiddie, VA

Linda A. Griffith

Pharoh L. Hanks – Petersburg, VA

Grace Harris-Ceballos – North Dinwiddie, VA

Tyrone Harrison – South Prince George, VA

Tory I. Harrup – Hopewell, VA

K’Nyaha Hassell – Hampton, VA

Logan K. Heath – Prince George, VA

Joel Hernandez – Lady Lake, FL

Vanessa G. Hernandez – South Boston, VA

Brayanna N. Holland – Seaford, VA

Myles O. Holmes – Ruther Glen, VA

Ronald L. Hudson – Petersburg, VA

Zariah Hudson– Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Molly R. Huffman – North Dinwiddie, VA

Safia M. Huggi – Prince George, VA

Kierstyn M. Hughes – Carson, VA

Jasmine M. Hurt – Prince George, VA

Ricardo K. Hutchinson-Bennett – Petersburg, VA

Ryleigh H. Ingraham – Chester, VA

Usra. Jabri – Prince George, VA

Jaelin V. Jackson – Hopewell, VA

Jakari S. Jackson – Petersburg, VA

Lily G. Jackson – Chesterfield, VA

Tianna. Johnson – Jarratt, VA

Brooke L. Joiner – Spring Grove, VA

Lillian E. Jordan – Disputanta, VA

Daniel J. Joya – Petersburg, VA

Amanda Marie T. Joyner – Stony Creek, VA

Joseph A. Karpovich – Virginia Beach, VA

Joelle M. Kayiji – Woodbridge, VA

Lilyann M. Keen – North Dinwiddie, VA

Mariah N. Killiebrew – North Chesterfield, VA

Allyson S. Klotz – Chesterfield, VA

Isaac B. Knight – Williamsburg, VA

Warren T. Landreth – Raleigh, NC

Amber E. Lee – Hopewell, VA

Laniah R. Lewis – Hopewell, VA

Marlea E. Lewis – Chesterfield, VA

Camden R. Lilley – Portsmouth, VA

Sara T. Liones – Henrico, VA

Emma Lockett – South Prince George, VA

Jose A. Lopez Palacios – Richmond, VA

De’Ari J. Mabry – North Dinwiddie, VA

Tyler I. Mabry – Stony Creek, VA

Taylin A. Manson – Church Road, VA

Dayesi B. Martinez Santos – Colonial Heights, VA

Anaatciry A. Martinez – Waverly, VA

Miguel E. Martinez – Poughkeepsie, NY

Takhari N. Mason – Prince George, VA

Kristen M. Mathes – Midlothian, VA

Madalyn R. Matthews – Disputanta, VA

Ashland Mauger – Disputanta, VA

Austin M. McGraw – Yorktown, VA

Deagon J. McNew – Waverly, VA

Paolo J. Menjivar Arevalo – Emporia, VA

Stacy V. Menjivar – Chester, VA

Kevin L. Meza – North Prince George, VA

Mylee Mihelich – Disputanta, VA

Claudia Z. Minetree – Chester, VA

Taloa N. Moefaauo – Hampton, VA

Yordani S. Molina – Hopewell, VA

Brian K. Moore – Petersburg, VA

Zikirah T. Morris – Saluda, VA

Madison C. Moses – Cardinal, VA

Jack Mozucha – Prince George, VA

Bridget R. Murphy – Dumfries, VA

Abigail O. Nicholson – Sutherland, VA

Sydney S. Ogburn – Dinwiddie, VA

Cornelious A. Oppong – Dumfries, VA

Brady C. Page – Bristow, VA

Kayla Patton – Prince George, VA

Benjamin M. Paul – Colonial Heights, VA

Ryan J. Paul – Clermont, FL

Breanna N. Pierce – Dinwiddie, VA

Grace A. Pope – Fredericksburg, VA

Faith M. Potts – Prince George, VA

Jonathan I. Potts – Midlothian, VA

Kamaya B. Powers – Ettrick, VA

Daniel Radcliffe – Yale, VA

Rylan J. Radosevich – Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Andy R. Ramirez Novas – Alexandria, VA

Tiyanah M. Reavis – Petersburg, VA

Edgar H. Reyes Perez – Henrico, VA

Adriaunna L. Richardson – Prince George, VA

Dewight A. Robinson – North Chesterfield, VA

Madison C. Rock – North Chesterfield, VA

Kaitlyn D. Rogers – Disputanta, VA

Kameron B. Rose – Stony Creek, VA

Jakob Savic – Aspendale, VIC

Owen J. Sharlow – Fredericksburg, VA

Gabrielle G. Shaver – Waynesboro, VA

Evan O. Shea – Sutherland, VA

Rebecca Shell – North Dinwiddie, VA

Ja’Ida M. Shelton – Hopewell, VA

Lauryn N. Silver – Stony Creek, VA

Braylon D. Slappy – Stafford, VA

Kyla D. Smart – South Chesterfield, VA

Dalevon N. Smith – Chester, VA

Stephanie R. Smith – McKenney, VA

Tytiana M. Spinks – Petersburg, VA

Summer R. Stowers – King George, VA

Jasmine T. Studvent – Milford, VA

Kasey M. Sulc – Disputanta, VA

Luke A. Sweeney – Virginia Beach, VA

Mecca D. Thompson – Leesburg, VA

Sydney C. Thompson – Fairfax, VA

Lorieanna J. Thorne – DeWitt, VA

Madalinn R. Timmer – Hopewell, VA

Madison L. Togger – Disputanta, VA

Hallie M. Tomlin – Church Road, VA

Marko Tosic – Hopewell, VA

Erian L. Trusty – Petersburg, VA

Patrick R. Tubbins – Fairfax, VA

Harrison M. Tull – Blacksburg, VA

Antoinette Chrysler D. Valdez – San Juan, Phillipines

Sarah E. Van Houten – Hampton, VA

Alexandria R. Varga – North Dinwiddie, VA

Jasiel R. Venable – Richmond, VA

Mikayla R. Walker – Petersburg, VA

Jayda S. Wallace – Norfolk, VA

William D. Wamsley – Disputanta, VA

Cash J. Warren – Prince George, VA

Noah K. Watson – Chester, VA

Kyleigh Watts – Disputanta, VA

Aubree L. Welle – Hopewell, VA

Victoria C. Wigfall – Midlothian, VA

Jolie E. Williams – Aldie, VA

Michael J. Wingo – Sandston, VA

Mackenzie G. Wiseman – Chesterfield, VA

Alizabeth Wooding – White Sulphur Springs, WV

Cora P. Woolfolk – Burkeville, VA

Savannah L. Worley – South Prince George, VA

Bayly S. Wright – Hailsham, FC

Jasmine S. Wyche – Carson, VA

The post Fall 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List Announced appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Today, Richard Bland College (RBC) students Ana Conner and Melia Grady were named semifinalists for the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This award empowers the nation’s top community college students to transfer to premier four-year institutions with drastically reduced student debt.

“Ana and Melia are truly deserving of this distinction,” said Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe, RBC Director of University College. “They are outstanding ambassadors of Richard Bland College and we couldn’t be more proud of all they have accomplished.”

Out of a pool of more than 1,600 applicants from around the country, Conner and Grady were among the crop of semifinalists selected for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Finalists will be announced in May.

“Our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship represents a lifeline for exceptional community college students to actualize their academic dreams,” said Giuseppe Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s semifinalists exemplify the extraordinary talent found within community colleges across America and we’re excited to congratulate this group as we celebrate a quarter century of work as a Foundation.”

For two to three years, finalists will receive up to $55,000 annually to complete their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, they will have access to college planning support, ongoing advising and a thriving network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

Click here to see the complete list of 2025 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship semifinalists.

The post RBC Students Named Cooke Scholarship Semifinalists appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Courtesy of The Progress-Index

True autonomy for Richard Bland College is now only a stroke of the governor’s pen away.

Senate Bill 742, which sets up a board of visitors for the two-year junior college south of Petersburg, has cleared both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly and is on its way to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk for his action. RBC president Dr. Debbie Sydow said Youngkin’s approval would add to his “legacy” of supporting Petersburg and the surrounding area.

“Governor Youngkin has demonstrated his commitment to growth and prosperity in Petersburg, and his support of RBC’s independence will add to that legacy.” Sydow said in a statement to The Progress-Index Wednesday, one day after the bill jumped its last legislative hurdle.

The bill from Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, breezed through the legislature this session. It sets up a nine-member board of visitors for Richard Bland College beginning in 2026. It severs the final remaining link between RBC and The College of William & Mary, its longtime parent university.

William & Mary has already blessed the move, noting that Richard Bland has essentially been operating on its own for several years now. RBC leadership pushed for the separation, saying it was the next step in the college establishing its future as an academic and technological leader.

Sydow called the Assembly’s action “momentous, especially as RBC is poised to deepen and expand its strategic partnerships.”  

Richard Bland is Virginia’s only junior college. Students graduate from there with associate degrees and can transfer those credits to most four-year colleges.

The post General Assembly Passes RBC Independence Bill appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights) announced the introduction of a budget amendment that would kickstart the design phase for a new public safety and emergency operations center at Richard Bland College. The college has been designated a Crime Prevention Campus by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The present Department of Campus Safety & Police building is a modified hay barn from the 1930s that was converted for its present use in 2008. The current building has outdated plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems. In addition, there are challenges with ADA accessibility and fire suppression, communications technology and appropriate space for managing day-to-day operations. The college has made it a priority to focus on a permanent solution to these issues rather than a temporary band-aid.

The new, 2,500-square-foot facility would address present deficiencies while elevating campus and community safety and security. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) would serve as a hub to coordinate responses to emergencies like natural disasters and security threats. By streamlining communication and resources, it would potentially save lives, minimize disruptions and promote emergency preparedness.

Item C-52.10 #5h would amend the Virginia House of Delegates budget at a cost of $2.6 million. This funding would cover the planning and design phases.

“During a visit last summer to Richard Bland College, I had the opportunity to see the campus safety building firsthand,” Cherry said. “To say it is outdated is an understatement.

“Because I know just how vital Richard Bland College is to our region, I am proud to carry this key budget amendment in the House to support public safety on campus.”

“Delegate Cherry cares deeply about public safety and his proactive approach to addressing a critical campus safety need at Richard Bland College is commendable,” RBC President Debbie Sydow said. “This new facility will support the safety and security of our campus community and the extended community as well.”

“The department’s top priority is the safety of our RBC community,” RBC Chief Thomas Travis said. “Support from the General Assembly for a new Emergency Operations Center will allow our team to better serve our students, faculty and campus visitors for decades to come.

“I am appreciative of Delegate Cherry for sponsoring this important budget amendment.”

With the inclusion of this budget amendment, the design phase will begin later this year. The construction phase could begin by 2027 and be completed by 2028.

The post Del. Cherry Introduces Budget Amendment to Kickstart Emergency Operations Center at RBC appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Recently, the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution of support for Richard Bland College to be granted independent governance by the Virginia General Assembly. This support aligns with the Virginia Secretary of Education’s recommendation and further validates the College’s quest for a dedicated governing board to help guide continued innovation. The Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors is committed to advocating for this legislative change in partnership with state legislators, community stakeholders and regional partners.

“As County Administrator of Dinwiddie County, I proudly join the Board of Supervisors in proclaiming our steadfast support for Richard Bland College and its pursuit of independent governance,” said W. Kevin Massengill, County Administrator of Dinwiddie County. “Richard Bland College is more than an institution of higher learning—it is a gateway of opportunity for our region, empowering generations with the tools to succeed and strengthening the fabric of our community.

“Together, we affirm our commitment to stand alongside Richard Bland College in this vital journey toward autonomy, ensuring its legacy of excellence endures for years to come.”

The General Assembly will deliberate the bill for the College’s independence in its January session. During the 2023 session, a similar bill concerning RBC’s independent governance, passed the Senate unanimously, but it unfortunately did not make it to the Governor.

Click here to read the resolution in full.

The post Dinwiddie Agrees to RBC’s Independence Governance appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) is the recipient of a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Impact Grant, which totals more than $3.9 million. This initiative, made possible by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) and the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund, will create more paid internship and work-based learning opportunities for Virginia students to bolster their career readiness and academic growth.

“RBC is honored to be a recipient of V-TOP funding,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, RBC Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer. “It will help expedite the growth and increase the impact of our career readiness initiatives.”

Richard Bland College, which was named a Capacity-Building Grant Awardee, will receive upward of $150,000 to enhance its program infrastructure and institutional tracking mechanisms. It will also provide RBC students the opportunity to “learn and earn” through structured internship opportunities.

“Internships are the bridge between education and the workforce,” RBC Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May said. “Here at Richard Bland College, our career development programs help students develop their soft skills, build professional connections and feel empowered to excel in the competitive, workforce marketplace.”

The funds will support two additional Awardee categories, Vision and Scaling. The purpose of the Impact Grants is to facilitate stronger collaborations between higher education institutions and Virginia employers to encourage innovative approaches to workforce development.

“Internships and work-based learning provide students with the confidence and practical skills to thrive in a competitive workforce,” SCHEV Director Scott Fleming said. “The Impact Grants reinforce our commitment to supporting Virginia’s higher education institutions by integrating internships into their strategic priorities and fostering meaningful partnerships with employers across the Commonwealth.”

To read more about this announcement, click here.

The post RBC Among Schools Selected for $3.9 Million in SCHEV Grants appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Yesterday, the William & Mary (W&M) Board of Visitors voted unanimously to support Richard Bland College (RBC) in its pursuit of legislation that would grant the institution an independent governing board. In the 2023 Virginia General Assembly Session, a bill that would have enabled RBC to have its own appointed board passed the Senate unanimously, but did not make it to the Governor.

The 2025 Session is expected to deliberate a bill that would grant RBC independent governance. This follows a report from the Virginia Secretary of Education in August of 2024 that recommended creation of a dedicated board for RBC.

RBC Committee Chair John Rathbone and RBC President Debbie L. Sydow are both optimistic about the College’s future.

“Richard Bland College has proven to be nimble, innovative and bold in responding to a changing higher education landscape,” Rathbone said. “It’s a special place that will undoubtedly benefit by the singular focus of its own governing board.”

“The origin stories of several Virginia institutions of higher education, namely Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University, include governance by the W&M Board of Visitors,” Dr. Sydow said. “Each has evolved in response to Virginia’s economic and industry needs, and these universities are presently among the finest in the state.

“Richard Bland College now stands ready to work with a dedicated governing board to explore strategic alternatives and further position itself to optimally serve the educational and economic needs of Petersburg, rural Southside Virginia and the Commonwealth.”

While on campus, the Board of Visitors toured the RBC campus grounds, including the new Academic Innovation Center (AIC) and renovated library. They concluded their visit with a luncheon in the AIC with Promise Scholars. Upon graduation from RBC with little to no debt, these Pell-eligible, Virginia students can seamlessly transfer to William & Mary where they will continue to receive scholarships that dramatically reduce the cost of attendance. Most graduate completely debt-free.

To learn more about RBC’s quest for independent governance, click here.

The post W&M Board of Visitors Supports Independent Governance for Richard Bland College appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Just four months into fiscal 2025, Richard Bland College (RBC) has secured more than $5 million in grant funding. Also of note, the College’s YouTube page is among the top-viewed of the Commonwealth’s two-year schools—recently amassing more than five million views.

Grants Awarded to RBC ORI

The RBC Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) received two grants from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV): $3.4 million for its Rural Student Success Program, also known as the REACH⁴ (Rural Engagement, Achievement Center for Hope, Happiness, Harmony and Healing) Project, as well as $1 million for its Mobile Marketing Engagement Unit.

“With this funding, we can delve deeper into student success initiatives that drives innovation in educational outcomes,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, RBC Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer.

In September of this year, the College unveiled its Academic Innovation Center (AIC). The 24,000 square foot center, which connects to the freshly renovated library, features a host of modern classrooms, offices and collaboration spaces. The AIC serves as a hub for STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Health Sciences) research and education for RBC students, faculty, staff and the local community.

The ORI, which has offices in the AIC, is committed to unparalleled research and innovation, as well as providing students with a world-class education that will prepare them for success in their future endeavors.

“Our office is committed to diversity and inclusion to achieve its mission and to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected,” Dr. Boyd added.

Dr. Barry W. Simmons Sr., Financial Aid Associate and Program Administrator for the Pell Initiative at SCHEV, applauded the College’s intentionality in exposing rural and underserved populations to state-of-the-art technology. This has the potential to have a reverberating impact in the Greater Crater Health District and beyond.

“RBC’s approach echoes portions of the K-12 Invitational Education Movement,” he said.

The movement is a recent phenomenon that advocates for student holistic wellness and empowerment. The RBC REACH⁴ project incorporates mental health support and resources, which was often overlooked in higher education until recently, according to Simmons.

Artificial intelligence (AI) research and education will also be foundational in the work the ORI is conducting. In fact, within the next few months, the College will be welcoming Ameca to campus. The humanoid robot, which was created by British robotics company Engineered Arts, is one of the most advanced in the world. It is designed to interact with humans in a fascinatingly natural and engaging way.

“Presently, artificial intelligence is ubiquitous in all aspects of life,” Dr. Boyd said. “However, there are students who aren’t exposed to it on a frequent basis.

“By way of the SCHEV grant funding, the College’s Office of Research & Innovation will help close this accessibility gap for middle and high school students, as well as underrepresented and underserved rural college students in the Greater Crater Health District. AI technology is pivotal to enhancing students’ educational experiences.”

Additionally, the office received more than $600,000 in grant funding from a federal agency for its Distance Learning Training Program. The ORI will utilize a mobile center to travel to various parts of the state to educate learners about career discovery and exploration. This initiative will primarily service first generation and rural area students, as well as non-traditional adult learners.

RBC President Debbie L. Sydow projects enormous growth opportunity for the ORI and the compounded impact its research and projects will have on the campus and surrounding community.

“Since its inception three years ago, the Office of Research & Innovation has been leading paramount research and community development initiatives financially backed by several prominent state and federal organizations,” Dr. Sydow said. “The work not only elevates the College’s value proposition, but also lifts up the surrounding community, especially our rural and underserved neighbors.”

RBC Marketing & Communications Surpasses 5 Million YouTube Views

The RBC Marketing & Communications team also has cause for celebration as the College’s YouTube page recently eclipsed five million views. This is a testament to the team’s tireless efforts to revamp RBC’s multimedia presence and its partnerships with local media stakeholders to grow public knowledge of the College and its value proposition.

“The team has worked diligently to ensure and sustain the growth of RBC’s multimedia footprint,” RBC Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Jesse Vaughan said. “It’s rewarding to see the fruits of our labor in real-time.”

Prior to Vaughan’s tenure as head of the Marketing & Communications team, the College’s multimedia work was largely outsourced, which wasn’t sustainable due to rising video production costs. But once he came on board, Vaughan and his team looked for ways to work more efficiently and cost-effectively.

“Self-sufficiency saves Richard Bland College money and it also gives us a chance to highlight the talent of the RBC Creative Services Group,” Vaughan said.

CSG is an in-house advertising agency and production support company that consists of Vaughan, who serves as Creative Director and Producer; RBC Senior Videographer/Producer Derek Wright; RBC Associate Director of Communications Sterling Giles; Graphics Designer LeeAnn Wilson; freelance News Host Amy Lacey and ancillary partners from all over the globe.

“We build brand awareness by creating immersive multimedia content,” Vaughan said. “We don’t outsource any of our advertising or production services—it’s all created right here on campus.”

To date, the College has garnered nine Capital Emmy Award nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. It notched its first-ever win in June of this year for the second installment of its “Inside RBC-TV” program.

The accolades and success were a byproduct of the invaluable partnerships the College established with Richmond, Va.-based media conglomerates, Lewis Media Partners and WTVR-TV CBS 6.

In its first digital commercial campaign with Lewis Media, the Marketing & Communications team produced a set of spots and the partner provided media-buy support. In total, the videos garnered more than 1.2 million YouTube views with over 11 million social media impressions.

“There’s a great trust between Jesse, the team and us,” said Aurelia Lewis, Founder and President at Lewis Media Partners. “We keep them up to date with all the changes that are happening in the industry. We’ve invested in all the tools and technology to make sure that our clients are reaching the pertinent target audiences.”

To facilitate its marketing services, Lewis Media uses several applications such as Domo, a business intelligence and visualization tool; Skai, a data driven marketing platform and Resonate, an AI-powered consumer data and insights research program.

From the outset, the Marketing & Communications team has sustained an impressive content output, which translated to the surge in the College’s social media followers and YouTube views. Currently, RBC and its affiliate pages have roughly 19,000 followers across all social media platforms and more than 230 videos on its YouTube page.

By leveraging RBC’s content, Lewis Media optimizes multimedia channels to target prospective students and their families, as well as the general public. The return on investment has been fruitful. Namely, Richard Bland College saw a significant year-over-year increase in student enrollment.

With WTVR-TV CBS 6, the College partnered with the station’s “Virginia This Morning” program to conduct interviews with several RBC faculty and staff about the newsworthy happenings on campus. The station has also run a slew of RBC content ranging from awareness commercials aired during the Super Bowl to the Capital Emmy Award-winning “Inside RBC-TV” show.

“The team at Richard Bland College represents best-in-class ability to think outside the box in reaching potential students and their families,” WTVR-TV CBS 6 General Manager Stephen Hayes said. “From Emmy Award-winning, long-form programming to linear content integration, it’s refreshing to witness how RBC connects and engages with the Central Virginia community.”

With both Lewis Media and CBS 6, the Marketing & Communications team has been able to expand its reach in traditional and digital media spaces. The marketing campaigns have been resounding successes due to the synergy of the Marketing & Communication team’s high-quality content and the media partners’ intentionality and expertise in audience marketing.

“We are eternally grateful to work with partners who are equally invested and aligned in raising awareness about Richard Bland College,” Vaughan said. “I believe the College is one of the most unique and invaluable educational institutions in the country and it deserves to be marketed as such.”

The post Grants and Marketing Help Advance Virginia’s Only Junior College appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College’s (RBC) student enrollment is up for a consecutive year. The College’s fall first-year class grew by 11 percent year-over-year. Part-time enrollment rose to 1,991—a 27 percent year-over-year increase. By comparison, the Virginia Community College System saw an overall enrollment increase of roughly three percent, which is similar to the jump seen at the national level.

“More students and their families are discovering Richard Bland College’s unique value proposition,” said RBC President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “A high-quality education doesn’t have to break the bank, and at RBC we are committed to delivering on that promise.”

This current academic year, RBC is projected to increase its dual enrollment population by five percent, according to RBC Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May. Dual enrollment makes up roughly 28 percent of all undergraduate enrollment in the United States.

“The Admissions office will continue to hit the pavement with our most ambitious outreach strategy to date,” May said. “It is critical to driving future enrollment and expanding our impact across the Commonwealth.”

Click here to learn more about the RBC admissions process.

The post RBC Enrollment is Bucking the Trend appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) has relocated two Glin D. Casey monuments to prominent locations near its newly renovated Library as a part of a plan to increase public art across campus. The sculptures had been tucked away in obscurity for nearly 40 years.

“Richard Bland College is committed to making art accessible to its diverse student body, both inside buildings and on campus grounds,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “The College is privileged to own multiple pieces of local artist Glin Casey’s artwork and it is high time these sculptures be displayed in a central location where they can be seen and appreciated by the campus community.”

In the 1980s, Casey—an artist, sculptor and educator from Colonial Heights—donated two of his abstract monuments to the College, along with paintings and small sculptures. The striking monument-sized sculptures are made of metal, which was Casey’s preferred medium because of the high level of detail he could attain with his pieces and because of its durability.

“Mr. Casey’s singular art pieces are in a perfect location,” RBC Head Librarian Tim Hurley said. “His artwork and the addition of other outdoor pieces in the near future will continue to embellish Richard Bland College’s picturesque campus.”

Casey, who passed away in the fall of 2004, served in the U.S. Navy. He also taught at RPI (Richmond Professional Institute), which is now Virginia Commonwealth University, and served as craft director at Fort Lee. In addition to Virginia, his work, which consisted of paintings and metal sculptures, has been displayed in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. Casey described his art as a combination of semi-modern and pre-Columbian content expression.

The post Glin Casey Monuments Relocated After 40 Years appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The grand opening for the Richard Bland College Academic Innovation Center (AIC) is set for Thursday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. Outfitted with cutting-edge technology like one-button recording studios and Esports arenas, the AIC will house the college’s new Online Education Center and serve as a long-awaited Student Commons.

Designed by RRMM Architects and funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the AIC embodies innovation in every sense of the word. This 24,000 square foot innovation center, which connects to the freshly renovated college library, features a host of modern classrooms, offices and collaboration spaces. Skyfold walls—partitions that fold and retract vertically—are in place to enable maximum flexibility in the configuration of customizable spaces that align with utilization.

“Everything in the entire building is flexible,” said RBC Chief Operating Officer Eric Kondzielawa, who oversaw the $17 million project. “Everything glides or is on wheels; everything is movable.”

Kondzielawa, who is a licensed contractor, has overseen the renovation and repurposing of more than 150,000 square feet of RBC’s campus since 2013.

The College’s 2014 Facilities Master Plan conceptualized physical space that would support a bold strategic plan focused on innovation. The decade-long process to get the AIC built was laborious, especially due to complications posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But eventually, Kondzielawa received the green light to start construction, which began in October 2022 and concluded in April of this year.

“The Academic Innovation Center is the crowning glory of the College’s physical transformation,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow said. “Situated at the center, at the very heart of campus, this space personifies Richard Bland College as the premier model for innovation in higher education and workforce development.”

The Center will be available to RBC partners such as DroneUp—a leading Virginia-based drone flight services innovator and aviation technology provider—and other local businesses and organizations for meetings, seminars and trainings. The Center will also accommodate tenants of the new Business Innovation Park on campus.

“The rooms are all sleek and modern-looking,” RBC Head Librarian Tim Hurley said. “It’s really modernizing this building—it’s exciting.”

Richard Bland College is in a class of its own as the only junior college in Virginia. The value proposition is clear—by completing the first two years of college at RBC, in addition to saving money to help fund baccalaureate degree completion, the educational experience deepens self-knowledge and prepares students for transfer to more than 40 universities across the Commonwealth.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The most recent college and university return on investment (ROI) rankings reported by the Georgetown University Center on Education & The Workforce (CEW) affirm Richard Bland College (RBC) provides students and families a competitive return on their investment in higher education. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education “College Scorecard,” CEW ranked the ROI of more than 4,500 colleges and universities across the nation.

One of the metrics used to measure a college’s ROI is Net Present Value (NPV), which calculates how money in the future is valued today. This measurement includes costs, future earnings and the length of time it would take to invest and earn a specific amount of money in a fixed period.

RBC’s 40-year NPV—which according to the report is the most comprehensive benchmark metric—is $878,000, which ranks fourth among U.S. public, two-year colleges designated as Predominantly Black Institutions. Black students comprise 55 percent of RBC’s student demographic.

“Richard Bland College has a richly diverse student population, which contributes to its unique value proposition,” said RBC President Debbie L. Sydow. “CEW’s rankings help to highlight that value proposition in a way that standard databases often fail to measure.”

RBC’s 40-year NPV also ranked fourth among those public, two-year colleges in the Southeast offering a transfer curriculum to traditional-aged students. RBC is the only Carnegie-designated (system for identifying the common attributes of two-year and four-year colleges) “high-transfer, high-traditional” two-year college in Virginia.

Still, RBC’s 40-year NPV ranked favorably in comparison to Virginia’s community colleges and even many four-year, public and private non-profit colleges in the Commonwealth.

“Richard Bland College’s ranking in the Georgetown University report affirms the long-term value and return on investment we provide our students,” RBC Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May said. “We’re proud to offer an education that facilitates transfer to four-year institutions, prepares students for the workforce and supports their financial success well into the future.”

RBC’s value proposition extends beyond the classroom. Last year, the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC) in partnership with the University of Virginia Weldon-Cooper Center, reported RBC contributed $43 million in GDP, as well as $3 million in tax revenue to the Commonwealth’s economy.

RBC’s outsized economic impact for a college that received roughly $14 million in state funding in FY 2023 was credited largely to the influx of RBC graduates continuing their education at four-year universities or entering the workforce.

Click here to read the full Georgetown University CEW report.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Richard Bland College (RBC) women’s indoor and beach volleyball teams recently received the prestigious American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award. The distinction recognizes high school and college volleyball teams across the country that have at least a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale) for the entire academic year.

“The Richard Bland College women’s volleyball teams have brought great acclaim to the college,” RBC President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. said. “This powerhouse program led by Head Coach Stephanie Champine consistently demonstrates high performance standards and an unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.”

The Lady Statesmen won the indoor NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II National Championship in 2022 and were 2024 National Runner-Ups in beach volleyball. The teams have produced multiple All-Americans as well. During the 2023-24 season alone, there were five—Leilani Goggin, Alexis Scipione, Phoebe Heath, Sarah Heath and Peyton Ostenson.

Champine—who coaches alongside her husband, Assistant Head Coach Shaun Dryden—was named the AVCA Two-Year College Northeast Region Coach of the Year in 2022.

“I’m very proud of this team for earning the AVCA Team Academic Award,” Champine said. “It is a reflection of our team’s commitment to excellence.”

For the full listing of the 2024 AVCA Team Academic awardees, click here.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) recently bestowed the Office of Research & Innovation at Richard Bland College with a $1 million grant to fund its virtual Mobile Marketing and Communication Outreach Project. The vehicle will double as a center for career discovery and exploration and will primarily serve first generation, rural area and non-traditional adult learners.

“The mantra of this initiative is ‘We come to you,’” Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Jesse Vaughan said. “We’re meeting learners where they are to have engaging and insightful sessions with state-of-the-art technology and resources.”

Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer, Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May and Vaughan will run point on the project.

Dr. Boyd will lead virtual reality, mobile artificial intelligence and aviation & drone demonstrations, mindfulness activities, as well as conduct research for the initiative. May will handle admissions and enrollment, which entails distributing resources and information, as well as offering virtual tours of the college campus. Lastly, Vaughan will craft a multi-faceted recruitment campaign to reach residents in rural and underserved communities.

In the near future, the college will collaborate with community and workforce development partners to support the initiative and to foster a pipeline of STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health Sciences) professionals.

To learn more about the RBC Office of Research & Innovation, click here.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

According to CNBC, Virginia’s education system is ranked No. 1 in the country. This is attributed to the Governor Glenn Youngkin administration’s efforts to restore rigor and excellence to both K-12 and higher education.

“We reestablished expectations of excellence with intensive tutoring, adopting the science of reading, launching lab schools and renewing the focus on career and technical education,” Youngkin said in his State of the Commonwealth address in January.

The Virginia General Assembly reached a bipartisan decision to invest $2.5 billion in K-12 schools, as well as provide three percent pay raises for teachers and state workers in the 2024-25 state budget.

State support for higher education increased by roughly 30 percent over the last five years, according to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. Additionally, state institutions have successfully bridged education to the workforce via paid internships and work-based learning experiences.

Richard Bland College has paved the way in this regard with its dedication to STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Health Sciences) innovation. The Academic Innovation Center, slated to open in the fall, will have myriad resources for delivering STEM-H research and education.

Additionally, DroneUp—a leading Virginia Beach-based drone flight services innovator and aviation technology provider—has trained more than 200 drone operators on RBC’s campus at the Drone Flight Academy. The company has pledged to invest roughly $20 million—which is projected to create 145 new jobs—to establish a testing, training and R&D (Research & Development) center on campus grounds.

From an economic impact perspective, the VBHEC (Virginia Business Higher Education Council) recently reported RBC contributed $43 million in GDP and $3 million in tax revenue contributions to the Commonwealth’s economy. This can largely be credited to the influx of RBC graduates continuing their education at four-year universities or entering the workforce. The college’s expenditures and human capital components account for the rest of the revenue contributions.

“The DroneUp Flight Academy plus an array of STEM-H projects and partnerships has solidified Richard Bland College as a hub for innovation and advancement,” said President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “RBC has established a new model for higher education in the Commonwealth through ‘earn and learn’ initiatives, supporting the Greater Petersburg workforce and beyond.”

The Commonwealth has been named “America’s Top State for Business” by the CNBC study three of the last five years and a total of six times.

CNBC uses 10 categories, ranging from infrastructure to technology & innovation, in its annual state competitiveness rankings. This year, Virginia finished in the top half or better in each of the categories.

Click here to read the CNBC article.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Beginning July 1, the Financial Aid Office at Richard Bland College (RBC) is offering free FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance to prospective and current RBC students, as well as non-RBC students.

“The FAFSA can be daunting and challenging to navigate, especially for first-time students,” said Lisa Johnson, RBC Director of Financial Aid. “Additionally, the 2024-2025 FAFSA application has brought substantial changes to the application process.

“With the additional resources provided by the U.S. Department of Education, our office will execute this initiative to help students at RBC and beyond.”

Johnson and her staff will guide students on the ins-and-outs of the FAFSA form, so they feel empowered and can look forward to having access to postsecondary education.

Beginning July 1, 2024, the Financial Aid Office will be available on campus and virtually to assist students Monday through Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Staff will also be available on Saturday, July 20, July 27, August 10 and August 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Additional after hours are available upon request.

After August 31, however, the Financial Aid Office will only be available during normal college hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the RBC Financial Aid Office website.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) won its first-ever Emmy at the 66th Capital Emmy Awards held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center this weekend. The second installment of the college’s Inside RBC-TV program won in the Education/Schools category.

“This is a remarkable achievement for Richard Bland College and a testament to Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Jesse Vaughan and his team who have set an unparalleled  standard of excellence in every aspect of RBC communications,” said RBC President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D.

The show’s production team credits are as follows:

Debbie L. Sydow, Ph. D., Executive Producer

Jesse Vaughan, Producer/Director (click for Emmy acceptance speech)

Derek Wright, Producer (click for Emmy acceptance speech)

Amy Lacey, Host (click for Emmy acceptance speech)

LeeAnn Wilson, Graphics Designer

This Emmy win is the first for Lacey, Wilson, Wright, and Dr. Sydow. This is Vaughan’s 37th.

“I’m especially proud of our RBC Creative Services Group,” said Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at RBC. “In all my years in the business, this is one of the most collaborative teams I’ve ever worked with.”

After 20-plus years in the media industry, Wright is proud to call himself an Emmy winner.

“It means a lot to me to be honored and respected by my peers,” said Wright, RBC Senior Videographer/Producer. “This is a mountain-top moment for my career and I wouldn’t be here without my family’s unwavering love and support.”

The Inside RBC-TV episode featured Dr. Kimberly Boyd, RBC Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer and the City of Petersburg STEM Camp team; RBC Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Eric Miller and his Alternative Spring Break initiative; the Dual Enrollment program at Hopewell High School; and the RBC Learner Mentors program.

The Capital Emmy Awards recognizes media outlets from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The chapter is a part of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Emmys are the most prestigious awards in television.

Click here to see the full 66th Capital Emmy Awards ceremony.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) will receive more than $3.4 million in grant funding from the State Council of Higher Education For Virginia (SCHEV) to support its REACH⁴ (Rural Engagement, Achievement Center for Hope, Happiness, Harmony, and Healing) Project. The REACH⁴ Project will provide grants and scholarships, paid student internships, work study and experiential learning opportunities to Pell-eligible and low-income students to attract and propel them to success at RBC and beyond. The initiative, which will launch in fiscal year 2025, is a continuation of RBC’s efforts to attract and propel first-generation, underrepresented, underserved and rural students.

“The College is ecstatic about this paramount opportunity to better serve our unique student population,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Principal Investigator, Vice President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer at RBC.

Roughly three out of every five students at RBC are Pell-eligible, which means they display exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a degree of higher education.

One of the main REACH⁴ Project objectives is to develop targeted collaborative recruitment and engagement efforts with high school districts designed to increase the size and participation of the initiative’s diverse student population. The project will introduce an on-campus multidisciplinary, cross-department, supportive learning environment with collaborative research teams to immerse students in STEM education and workshops.

The grant, in conjunction with RBC’s BOT (Back On Track) program, will bolster outreach, marketing, communication and engagement of the aforementioned student populations. BOT, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, offers stress management, mental health care and workforce development support to local high school and college students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant was made possible by the Virginia Plan, the Commonwealth’s strategic effort to advocate for and empower low-income and Pell-eligible students pursuing higher education. Please contact Dr. Kimberly Boyd at kboyd@rbc.edu to receive more information about the REACH⁴ Project.

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Richard Bland College is pleased to recognize the students who have earned distinction on the President’s and Dean’s List for the 2024 Spring semester.

President’s List

Benjamin S. Adams – Virginia Beach, VA

Scionna E. Allen – Petersburg, VA

 Gianluka Anello – Fort Lee, VA

 Cassidy D. Atchley – South Prince George, VA

 Marissa K. Balite – Hopewell, VA

 Jalisa S. Banks – Chesterfield, VA

 Landon L. Beasley – South Prince George, VA

 Orrin W. Besley – Hopewell, VA

 Brandon A. Blaisdell – Williamsburg, VA

 Stacie M. Bollmann – Williamsburg, VA

 Andrew W. Bottari – Sandston, VA

 Aziza Brown – Hopewell, VA

 Mackenzie Coleman – Disputanta, VA

 Danyael Colendrino – Colonial Heights, VA

 Ana N. Conner – Disputanta, VA

 Jessie-Lynn C. Conner – Ashland, VA

 Jack T. Daniel – North Prince George, VA

 Lauren D. Davis – Fredericksburg, VA

 Kate C. Deeds – Petersburg, VA

 Lucas T. Delich – Brooklyn Center, MN

 Domenic B. DiPilato – Woodbine, NJ

 Justin A. Dunn – South Prince George, VA

 Otto Eisenhardt – FPO, CA, AA

 Alexis A. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

 Bryce M. Everett – Stony Creek, VA

 Larissa K. Flournoy – Henrico, VA

 Nicole R. Frye – Dinwiddie, VA

 Eliana R. Garcia – North Prince George, VA

 Nevaeh J. Gillead – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Shanna V. Givens – Colonial Heights, VA

 Treasure J. Givens – Hampton, VA

 Kendall M. Gordon – Dinwiddie, VA

 Reagan Gregory – Petersburg, VA

 Katelyn M. Griffin – Henrico, VA

 Jihye Han – Seoul, Republic of Korea

 Deonte I. Harris – Mechanicsville, VA

 Phoebe S. Heath – Colonial Heights, VA

 Sarah P. Heath – Colonial Heights, VA

 Daniel Hendricks – North Prince George, VA

 Carson S. Herod – Richmond, VA

 Jiyeong Hong – Seoul, Republic of Korea

 Rachel Ingram – North Prince George, VA

 Zian E. Irvin – Disputanta, VA

 Teagan R. Jackson – Chesapeake, VA

 Chiera A. Johnson – Dewitt, VA

 Cadence M. Jones – Prince George, VA

 Carter R. Jones – Lynchburg, VA

 Ci’Ani Jones – Prince George, VA

 Dylan Jones – Midlothian, VA

 Emily E. Jones – Colonial Heights, VA

 William D. Karanian – Powhatan, VA

 Hannah A. Kassim – Henrico, VA

 Daniel E. Kemp – Disputanta, VA

 Hyunjung Kim – Seoul, Republic of Korea

 Myungjun Kim – Seoul, Republic of Korea

 Avery Koch – Prince George, VA

 Kristen A. Kountz – Virginia Beach, VA

 Jacob A. Kraudy – North Dinwiddie, VA

 My Anh La – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

 Joonseo Lee – Gyeonggi-to, Republic of Korea

 Yuho Lee – Seochogu Seoul, Republic of Korea

 Peter T. Lewis – Chester, VA

 Yihan Li – Dongying, China

 Chenlong Liu – Chengdu, China

 Iya B. Lopez – Fort Lee, VA

 Jonathan Machado-Aguilar – Petersburg, VA

 Michael S. Mason – Alexandria, VA

 Kylie K. McCoy – Richmond, VA

 Abbigail D. McGee – Disputanta, VA

 Jessica Menjivar Lemus – Chester, VA

 Janelle Y. Mujadzic – Chester, VA

 Michael J. Mullenix – Prince George, VA

 Matteo S. Musso – Chesterfield, VA

 Maya W. Naim – Prince George, VA

 Natalia Nunez Fernandez – Rockingham, VA

 Carleigh S. O’Hare – Prince George, VA

 Bruno Oliveria Barros – Fort Lee, VA

 Darren C. Osborne – Chantilly, VA

 Peyton H. Ostenson – Hermosa, SD

 Jiangshan Ouyang – Sichuan, China

 Kateryna Pakliachenko – Zhytomyr, VA

Karen Parker – Hopewell, VA

 Sergio Perez – Carson, VA

Jensy Perez – Hopewell, VA

 Kailyn K. Pond – Disputanta, VA

 Edgar J. Reboredo Martins – Seixal, Portugal

 Ashley E. Renn – Prince George, VA

 Colyn A. Rudis – Carson, VA

 Eric C. Samarin – Chester, VA

 Reagan E. Shiel – Chesterfield, VA

 Hyunho Shin – Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

 Savannah M. Smith – Mc Kenney, VA

 Katie J. Sommers – Chester, VA

 Precious D. Thomas – Prince George, VA

 Olivia R. Thompson – Disputanta, VA

Gabriella Timmer- Hopewell, VA

 Brianna G. Tucker – Dinwiddie, VA

 Victor J. Vasquez – Henrico, VA

 Katie G. Villalta – Colonial Heights, VA

 Isabella G. Viramontes – Chester, VA

 Hoai An Vo – disrtict Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

 Summer M. Wadford – Wilsons, VA

 Amanda G. Walker – Sutherland, VA

 Grace A. Walker – Hopewell, VA

 Christina Wallace – Carson, VA

 Sophie V. Whitehead-Thomas – Arlington, VA

 Cara Wickham – Singapore,

 Christopher A. Wilkins – Prince George, VA

 Jeremiah Wilkins – Hopewell, VA

 Kaitlyn M. Williams – Sutherland, VA

 Maria C. Williams – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Julia A. Womersley Jackman – Williamsburg, VA

 Yizuo Wu – Junua Zhejiang, China

 Hoda Zuhour – Hopewell, VA

Dean’s List

Susan Abualia – Hopewell, VA

Martina G. Amato – Sutherland, VA

 Imani K. Anderson – Germantown, MD

 Wyatt M. Atwater – Chester, VA

 Seth W. Babish – Disputanta, VA

 Gracie B. Barlow – Chester, VA

 Nathaniel-Kenneth T. Bodman – Ashburn, VA

 Kayden A. Bolling – Hopewell, VA

 Nia D. Bookard – Richmond, VA

 Jacob B. Bowman – Petersburg, VA

 Lauren P. Bowman – Petersburg, VA

 Messiah D. Boyd – Chester, VA

 Janessa L. Branch – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Reece A. Braswell – Chester, VA

 Breana L. Brooks – Henrico, VA

 Reyna Brossard – Prince George, VA

 Kaitlyn N. Brubaker – Fort Lee, VA

 Matthew J. Caldwell – Newport News, VA

 Jacob D. Challberg – Haymarket, VA

 Alex W. Chini – Colonial Heights, VA

 Emily M. Christian – South Prince George, VA

 Ryan R. Church – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Elijah N. Clarke – Newport News, VA

 Landon J. Conner – Chester, VA

 Jada A. Costello – Hopewell, VA

 Solius E. DelCristo – Petersburg, VA

 Emily M. Delice – Prince George, VA

 Layla G. Donald – Hopewell, VA

Abigail Drumheller – Hopewell, VA

 Michael S. Duncan – Arlington, VA

 Hannah C. Dunn – South Prince George, VA

 Marisa Dunnavant – Chesapeake, VA

 Mason D. Dycus – Glen Allen, VA

 Sadie E. Dyke – North Prince George, VA

 Abigail L. Englert – Chester, VA

 Rachel J. Fields – Portsmouth, VA

 Gabriella L. Finnerty – Stafford, VA

 Molly L. Ford – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Seth R. Franzyshen – Church Road, VA

 Mercedes A. Gaither – Waldorf, MD

 Anahi G. Garcia-Cubas – Hopewell, VA

 Shelby N. Godfrey – Prince George, VA

 Juana Gomez Barrera – Richmond, VA

 Tremia K. Goudy – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Melia E. Grady – Fort Lee, VA

 Connor R. Gray – King George, VA

 Tyler A. Grazioso – Quinton, VA

 Christion M. Grzyb – Ruther Glen, VA

 Ruben Guerreiro Santos – Armação de Pera, Portugal

 Thomas S. Guess – Disputanta, VA

 Anita A. Hall – Hopewell, VA

 Tia V. Hall – Stony Creek, VA

 Jerry Hamilton – Blackstone, VA

 Drea M. Harrington – Prince George, VA

 Mackenzie N. Harris – Colonial Heights, VA

 Michele A. Harris – South Prince George, VA

 Andrew T. Harville – Chester, VA

 Leilah M. Hepburn – Henrico, VA

 Brooke L. Heyl – Virginia Beach, VA

 Jaylen N. Hill – Chesapeake, VA

 Isabella V. Hixson – Disputanta, VA

 Tana C. Hlavacek – Disputanta, VA

 Jaelin K. Hobson – Petersburg, VA

 Larry Z. Howell – North Chesterfield, VA

 TySeana Hughes – Emporia, VA

 Jackson M. Hulcher – Ashburn, VA

 Riley J. Humphries – Disputanta, VA

 Aubrey J. Hyndshaw – Topping, VA

 Ryleigh L. Jeter – Chester, VA

Aliyana Johnson – Hopewell, VA

 Daniel F. Johnson – Arlington, VA

 Jada C. Johnson – Prince George, VA

 Alesya Jones – Hopewell, VA

 ZaMeira R. Kelley – Petersburg, VA

 Haili R. Kitts – Richmond, VA

 Margaret S. Kloske – Ford, VA

 Anh Tuan Le – Hochiminh City, Vietnam

 Savannah M. Lewis – Sutherland, VA

 Xiaoyu Liu – Liu An City, An Hui Province, China

 Lina J. Lloyd – Petersburg, VA

 Ashton L. Lohnes – Prince George, VA

 Andrew N. Lohr – Petersburg, VA

 Ryan A. Martin – Broadway, VA

 Zy’Nasia L. Mason – Petersburg, VA

 Dylan P. McCoy – North Prince George, VA

 Kyhia McCray – Richmond, VA

 Kaylee B. Melton – Sutherland, VA

 Kevin L. Meza – North Prince George, VA

 Emma S. Morgan – Colonial Heights, VA

 Makayla J. Mosely – South Prince George, VA

 Logan M. Moses – Prince George, VA

 Xandria N. Moton – Hampton, VA

 Sumiyah J. Ould Dey – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Alyssa S. Overby – North Prince George, VA

 Grace D. Parker – Petersburg, VA

 Cristopher Perez Hernandez – Chesterfield, VA

 Kiley D. Pickett – Fredericksburg, VA

 Dalaysia A. Pinkney – Mc Kenney, VA

 Emily J. Powroznik – North Prince George, VA

 Dryden D. Rancourt – Bristow, VA

 Makayla D. Randall – Hopewell, VA

 Katherine M. Randolph – Colonial Heights, VA

 Khepera Y. Reed-Robinson – Prince George, VA

 Olivia E. Richards – Surry, VA

 Kaitlyn D. Rogers – Disputanta, VA

 Charles E. Rohr – Glen Allen, VA

 Laureen Rosales – Hopewell, VA

 Hailee M. Rosa-Lopez – Hopewell, VA

 John A. Ross – Sutherland, VA

 Hannah G. Rutledge – Colonial Heights, VA

 Connor W. Sakamoto – Roseville, CA

 Celissa M. Samora-Nixon – Fredericksburg, VA

 Benjamin P. Santiago – Richmond, VA

 Abbie M. Sars – Prince George, VA

 Alexis C. Scipione – Woodbridge, VA

 Landon S. Scott – Mechanicsville, VA

 Alexsandra P. Smith – Disputanta, VA

 Erin M. Smith – Ashland, VA

 Rachel M. Smith – Prince George, VA

 Phoenix S. Snapp – Quinton, VA

 Stephanie D. Soaladaob – Petersburg, VA

 Estrella C. Soto Martinez – Arlington, VA

 Samir Spaulding – Fort Myers, FL

 Melody M. Spiers – Prince George, VA

 Jonathan Sung – North Dinwiddie, VA

 J’Dn A. Taylor – Richmond, VA

 Jolie K. Tessenear – Chester, VA

 Austin J. Toombs – Church Road, VA

 Jaziel A. Torres – Fredericksburg, VA

 Ashlyn G. Turner – North Dinwiddie, VA

 Logan B. Viveiros – Church Road, VA

 Iris M. Wachman – Chesterfield, VA

 Jason Wang – Henrico, VA

 Jayla M. Werts – Richmond, VA

 Christopher G. Westbrook – South Prince George, VA

 Tiare M. Wilkie – Prince George, VA

 David M. Williams – Petersburg, VA

 Lyuliu Wu – YongkangJinhua Zhejiang, China

 Ariana N. Young – Hopewell, VA

 Jack E. Young – Powhatan, VA

 Hayden A. Zahn – South Prince George, VA

The post RBC Announces Spring 2024 President & Dean’s List appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Yesterday, Richard Bland College Marketing & Communications garnered two Capital Emmy nominations. The team’s mini-documentary “The Bus Stops At RBC” and television show, Inside RBC-TV,  were nominated. Below are the full award nominee listings:

Education/Schools — Long Form Content

Inside RBC-TV

Jesse Vaughan, Producer/Director

Derek Wright, Producer

LeeAnn Wilson, Graphics Designer

Amy Lacey, Host

Deborah L. Sydow, Ph. D., Executive Producer

Education/Schools — Short Form Content

“The Bus Stops At RBC”

Jesse Vaughan, Producer/Director

Derek Wright, Producer/Videographer

Since 2022, including this year, the department has received seven Capital Emmy nominations. Over the course of his decades-long career, RBC Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Jesse Vaughan has received 36 Capital Emmys and 68 nominations.

The Capital Emmys is dedicated to advancement in the art and science of television. The Academy’s goals are to foster creative leadership in the television industry and to encourage artistic, educational and cultural excellence and technical progress.

The 66th Capital Emmy Awards Gala will be held on June 22 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Rockville, MD. To see the full list of Capital Emmys nominees, click here.

The post RBC Receives Two Capital Emmy Nominations appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) student Michael Mason was among the scholars selected for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Out of roughly 1,800 applications from more than 380 community colleges across the country, Mason was among the 60 finalists selected.

“I am honored to be a Cooke Scholar,” Mason said. “Thanks to the James Kent Cooke Foundation, my tuition and expenses at Amherst College are completely covered.

“I would also like to thank RBC faculty and staff for supporting me over the last two years to help me achieve my dreams and propel me toward my goals. The RBC community will always have a special place in my heart.”

Mason will graduate from RBC this week and attend Amherst College in the fall.

The Cooke scholarship bridges the gap by providing crucial support for transfer students to overcome barriers and successfully attain their bachelor’s degrees.

Click here to see the full list of 2024 Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholars.

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More than 150 Richard Bland College (RBC) students voted in five student leaders for the 2024-25 Student Assembly. In total, eleven students ran for office. 

Congratulations to the following winners!

PRESIDENT

• Melia Grady – WINNER    
• Zack Brooks
• Kaci Godsey

VICE PRESIDENT

• Eliana Garcia – WINNER 
• Maria Artica

SECRETARY

• Sergio Perez (Ran Unopposed) – WINNER

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

• Alexis Poe – WINNER
• Takayla Wilbourn

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

• Yuho Lee – WINNER
• Lian Núñez Fernández

RESIDENTIAL REPRESENTATIVE

• Janelle Mujadzic (ran unopposed) – WINNER
  

This fall, the RBC Student Assembly will have six vacant positions:

• Treasurer (executive position)
• Student-Athlete Representative
• Historian
• Commuter Representative
• Second-Year Representative
• First-Year Representative

Fill out a Student Assembly Officer application

Learn more about Student Assembly

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The Richard Bland College (RBC) women’s beach volleyball team made a dominant run in the 2024 NJCAA Division II National Tournament set in Huntsville, Alabama. Unfortunately, they fell to the 2023 national champion Palm Beach State College in the championship match, 3-0.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our team,” RBC Director of Student Life and Athletics Scott Newton said. “Throughout the national tournament and during the regular season, they played with heart and were incredible competitors.”

Leading up to the championship round, the Lady Statesman defeated Sandhills Community College, 4-0 and State College of Florida, 4-1 in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively.

The team repeated as NJCAA Division II Region 10 Champions and RBC’s Sarah Heath and Jordan Schlageter were named the Region 10 Pair of the Year.

Last season, the inaugural year of the national tournament, the Lady Statesman finished fifth overall.

Click here to read more about their 2024 national tournament run.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

On May 6, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) College Partnership Laboratory School Committee unanimously approved the Richard Bland College (RBC)/Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) laboratory school proposal. The proposed Globe Academy intends to build STEM efficacy for underserved students and will build on existing dual enrollment partnerships. The proposal is tentatively set to go before the Virginia Board of Education on May 21.

“The Globe Academy at Richard Bland College will deliver an innovative learning environment and guided exploration of STEAM-H careers that address regional workforce needs, and we are excited about our partnerships that will begin with Petersburg schools and continue with school divisions in our rural areas,” RBC Vice President Dr. Kimberly Boyd said. “The mission is to engage and excite underserved students whose representation, particularly in STEM careers, remains relatively low.

“Every Globe Academy student will enjoy a personalized learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and build the confidence needed to pursue STEAM-H careers.”

For more information about the VDOE lab school initiative, click here.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College (RBC) received three of five awards given at Virginia21’s 15th Annual Leadership Luncheon. Virginia21 is a statewide, non-partisan organization that brings young Virginians together to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

The first of the three awards, the Prosperous Virginia Award, was awarded to RBC student Michael Mason. His leadership, civic engagement initiatives, and mature approach to tackling complex issues made him the standout choice for this year’s award. The future doctor organized two entertaining and successful election game nights in his dorm to boost voter participation. Mason demonstrated exceptional skills in seeing the bigger picture, identifying core problems, consulting experts when needed, and charting an effective path forward—all with wisdom and poise beyond his years.

The Community Builder Award was awarded to Thomas “Flight” Larus who embodied Virginia21’s mission of building community. He has a genuine curiosity about others’ perspectives and the ability to make everyone feel heard and valued. As the head of RBC Student Assembly, he has fostered an inclusive environment that empowers his fellow RBC Student Leaders and beyond. Larus’ willingness to learn, help others, and talent for bringing people together made him the model recipient of this well-deserved award.

Last but not least, the John H. Hager Award for Civic Engagement went to the Student Leader teams at Richard Bland College and Radford University for their exceptional work hosting engaging, creative events that inspired civic participation across Virginia. RBC’s Virginia21 Election Trivia and Game Night was an inspiring success that motivated similar programming statewide.

Click here to learn more about Virginia21.

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Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

The 2024 Richard Bland College (RBC) Commencement is set for Wednesday, May 15 on the college grounds. Petersburg mayor Samuel Parham will be this year’s commencement speaker.

“As a highly respected leader and an alumnus of Richard Bland College, this year’s commencement speaker—the Honorable Sam Parham—will inspire the Class of 2024,” said RBC President Dr. Debbie L. Sydow. “It is particularly significant that Mayor Parham will deliver the keynote address at the first on-campus commencement ceremony since the pandemic.”

Parham (‘96) has served as mayor of Petersburg since 2017. He has held numerous leadership roles in the community, including Governor of the Petersburg Breakfast and Lunch Rotary Clubs and the Colonial Heights Rotary Club, as well as President of the Petersburg Breakfast Rotary Club. He also serves as a board member for the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, the Virginia Gateway Region, the Battersea Foundation, and the VCU Alumni Association.

RBC student Michael Mason, who serves as Secretary of Student Assembly, will be speaking at the ceremony as the Class of 2024 representative.

Click here for more information on the 2024 Commencement.

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Richard Bland College (RBC) students Kylie McCoy and Michael Mason have been named semi-finalists for the competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Additionally, Mason and fellow RBC student Melia Grady were recently selected for the Howard University Center of Excellence (COE) Pre-Pharmacy Student Training & Education Pipeline 2-Pharm STEP 2 Program. For more than 20 years, COE has built a pipeline of notable BlackYou healthcare professionals and leaders who serve within the United States and abroad.

“Richard Bland College is dedicated to helping our students achieve greater heights,” said Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe, Director of University College. “We’re extremely proud of Kylie, Melia, and Michael for their astounding achievements.”

Out of a pool of more than 1,600 applicants from around the country, McCoy and Mason were among the crop of semi-finalists selected for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. For two to three years, finalists will receive up to $55,000 annually to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited U.S. four-year undergraduate institution. The finalists will be announced in May.

Historically, only about a third of students starting in community colleges transfer to four-year schools and only 16% earn a bachelor’s degree within six years. This scholarship bridges the gap by providing crucial support for transfer students to overcome barriers and successfully attain their bachelor’s degrees.

“In light of the challenges that hinder many community college students from achieving their goal of earning a bachelor’s degree, our Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship makes the journey more achievable and helps to eliminate the threat of student debt,” stated Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “The exceptional pool of talent among this year’s chosen semifinalists from community colleges showcases the vast potential within these institutions and we look forward to learning more about these students during the final stage of our application review.”

Click here to see the full list of Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship semi-finalists.

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Richard Bland College Announces Public Hearing on Budget

The William & Mary Board of Visitors, governing body of Richard Bland College (RBC), will host a public hearing April 24, 2024 on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The public hearing will take place in room 107 of Ernst Hall, located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It will include a presentation by the administration, and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can comment on the proposed fee increase via an online form.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration, the proposed use of any incremental revenue and allow for public comment.

  The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2024-2025 academic year during its April 24-26 meeting.  As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0% to 5% and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues will likely be used to address personnel costs, including the Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or university commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and contractually obligated cost escalations for college services. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly.

 Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary

Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, financial assistance, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

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On March 11, the Richard Bland College (RBC) Department of Campus Safety & Police introduced its drone program. The office recently acquired the DJI Mavic 3T drone to bolster its operational capabilities—notably its emergency response.

The drone has impressive features: a 56x camera zoom, thermal imaging, a spotlight for night operations, as well as picture and video storage. In the short-term, the department plans to license three to four officers to operate the device.

“We are thrilled about our brand-new drone program,” said Thomas Travis, Director of Campus Safety & Chief of Police. “It will help us work more efficiently and give us unparalleled visibility to keep our campus and community safe.”

The drone will facilitate the following operations:

• Traffic monitoring: assess traffic flow, congestion, and aid in accident investigations
• Crowd monitoring: assist law enforcement in maintaining public safety and managing crowds more effectively
• Surveillance: offer aerial surveillance for public events, crime scenes, and areas of interest
• Emergency response: examine damage and provide crucial situational awareness to first responders
• Public relations and community engagement: capture footage for community events, safety demonstrations, and educational programs

 To learn more about the RBC Department of Campus Safety & Police, click here.

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Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tiffany R. Birdsong was one of 26 fellows selected for the 2024-25 cohort of the prestigious ACE (American Council on Education) Fellows Program. According to the ACE website, the program is the most effective, comprehensive leadership development program in U.S. higher education.

“I’m grateful to have been selected for such an amazing executive leadership development opportunity,” Birdsong said. “This experience will also allow me to initiate a project that advances the mission and strategic goals of RBC and I am eager to embark on that work.”

Fellows will participate in multi-day seminars, retreats, team projects, as well as develop a network of higher education leaders from around the country.

The RBC family is so proud of Dr. Birdsong’s momentous achievement.

“The American Council on Education Fellows Program is one of the nation’s most prestigious professional development programs for college and university administrators,” President Dr. Debbie Sydow said. “As such, the selection process is highly competitive.”

“Dr. Birdsong has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader at Richard Bland College and as a 2024-25 ACE Fellow, her talents will be recognized nationally. She’s an invaluable addition to this noteworthy cohort class. We know she’s going to make an indelible impact.”

Since 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has strengthened institutions in American higher education by identifying and preparing more than 2,500 faculty, staff, and administrators for senior leadership positions at colleges and universities nationwide. More than 80 percent of the fellows have gone on to serve as deans, chief executive and chief academic officers, as well other prestigious cabinet positions.

“The ACE Fellow Program, known for its history of success, cultivates skilled and promising leaders, driving the growth of a diverse and talented higher education leadership pipeline,” ACE President Ted Mitchell stated in a press release. “Through immersive learning experiences, ACE Fellows acquire fresh perspectives and develop distinctive skills to apply upon their return to their home campuses. I am excited to witness the accomplishments of this class.”

Click here to learn more about the ACE Fellows Program.

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It’s the summer of 1972. Ed Hatch just graduated from Hopewell High School and landed a job at a local plant unloading liquid fertilizer from train cars. But whenever there was a lull in the day, Hatch whipped out his pen and pad and got to sketching.

Hatch’s boss caught wind of this, but his response wasn’t what you’d expect.

“He literally picked the phone up and said ‘Call Richard Bland and take art classes, will ya?’” Hatch reminisced with a chuckle.

He obliged—and the decision changed his life forever.

READ MORE

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The Richard Bland College (RBC) Dual Enrollment student population grew to 1,950—a 22 percent uptick from the previous school year. Chief Enrollment Management Officer Justin May attributes the growth to the addition of new courses within the program.

“Each year, we expand our course offerings with our school partners which creates greater accessibility for students,” May said.

The Dual Enrollment program grants high school students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree at RBC. The college partners with roughly 25 high schools and academies and has guaranteed transfer agreements with more than 35 colleges and universities across the Commonwealth.

The Dual Enrollment program gives students a unique opportunity to experience the rigor of college coursework while in high school. It’s also cost-effective for students because if they decide to attend a four-year university after receiving their associate’s degree, they will borrow far less in student loans.

“My main benefit is I only have to go to school for two years to get my bachelor’s degree,” said Benjamin Cummings, a former Dual Enrollment student. “It’s easier for us to transfer those credits instead of going to a four-year institution to get the same degree for more money.”

Christie Clarke, Director of Dual Enrollment and High School Programs, lauded partner schools such as Hopewell High School for investing in the program.

“The school administration, particularly the principal, drives the program,” Clarke said. “When you have the buy-in, the vision of the school, and know what that school needs—[these are] are some of the biggest factors in making a partnership work.”

The college recently established the “RBC Excellence in Education Champions” to recognize its dedicated high school partners who have gone above and beyond to support the Dual Enrollment program and its students.

The honorees are as follows: Jeffrey Witt of Prince George High School received “Dual Enrollment Teacher of the Year,” Tre Walker of Petersburg High School received “Financial Aid Advocate of the Year,” Janice Walker of Cristo Rey Richmond High School received “New Partner of the Year,” and Jeremiah Camp of Richmond High School for the Arts received “Counselor of the Year.”

Click here to learn more about the Dual Enrollment program.

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President’s List

Dean’s List

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A new report by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC) calculates Richard Bland College’s (RBC) contributions to the state economy at $43 million in GDP and an additional $3 million in state tax revenue contributions. According to the report, RBC has an outsized economic impact both for the Petersburg / Southside region and for the Commonwealth.

College expenditures in FY 2021 had an employment effect of 306 and generated $22 million in state GDP and $2 million in state revenues. Human capital improvements are estimated to contribute a present value of $21 million in GDP and approximately $2 million in state tax revenue. The total economic contribution resulting from RBC operations during FY 2021 is $43 million in GDP, and the total state tax revenue contribution is $3 million.

“This number reflects the college’s thriving student population,” said Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., president of RBC. “During the time period studied, 192 students graduated with associate’s degrees, and many others completed RBC course before transferring to their program of choice at a four-year college. More than 70% of RBC students continue their education at four-year institutions or enter the workforce, positively impacting Virginia’s economy.”

The analysis divides RBC’s impacts into expenditure and human capital components. Through the employment of 185 faculty and staff members, the procurement of goods and services and capital purchases, RBC’s institution-related expenditures totaled more than $17.7 million for the 2021 fiscal year (FY).

RBC’s spending in FY 2021 created an economic footprint of $22 million in state gross domestic product (GDP), which is defined as the market value of goods and services produced by Virginia’s labor and property; it supported 306 jobs and led to an additional $2 million in state revenue.

“Higher education is the pulse of Virginia’s economy,” said Dr. Sydow. “RBC is committed to developing job-relevant programs and partnerships, and streamlining student degree completion and workforce entry. As the state’s only public junior college that boasts small class sizes and academic support programs, RBC fills a niche for students seeking an affordable path to four-year institutions and high-paying career programs.”

RBC’s economic contributions are included in the Economic Impact Study of Virginia Public Higher Education, released in July 2023. The VBHEC is using the data analysis for its Growth4VA campaign, which promotes reform and reinvestment in Virginia’s higher education system.

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The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is investing $19.6M in emerging research institutions to grow their capacity to participate in regional innovation ecosystems. Richard Bland College is officially one of those NSF recipients.

 “RBC’s Research & Innovation Department will receive training and support for 3 years to build more inclusive regional ecosystems and potentially connect to NSF Regional Innovation Engines,” says RBC Vice President & Chief Research & Innovation Officer.

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced the first-ever Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment of $19.6 million to nearly 50 teams at U.S. institutions of higher education, including teams from historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions and community colleges. Each institution will receive up to $400,000 over three years. RBC has received that maximum $400k amount, one of only two colleges in Virginia to be awarded funding.

Through this investment, RBC will receive support to develop capacity and institutional knowledge to help build new partnerships, secure future external funding and tap into regional innovation ecosystems, and potentially into an NSF Regional Innovation Engine(NSF Engine) or an Economic Development Administration Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (EDA Tech Hub).

“NSF aspires to accelerate the nation’s research and innovation enterprise and empower all Americans to participate in the science- and technology-driven workforce,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). “EPIIC reinforces NSF’s commitment to develop new, inclusive innovation ecosystems by connecting diverse networks of partners to work together to drive the expansion of key technologies — and the technology workforce — in the U.S. and in turn address pressing national, societal and geostrategic challenges.”

Launched by the TIP Directorate, EPIIC works with institutions interested in growing external partnerships and building innovation capacity.

“This funding advances not only RBC’s core mission but also its strategic priorities,” says Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College. “This STEM initiative creates both inclusive and engaging learning environments that improve the quality teaching and learning at our institution.”

NSF recognizes that many institutions, including MSIs, small academic institutions and two-year institutions, stand to benefit from additional focused support for the infrastructure and resources needed to grow external partnerships and to tap into innovation ecosystems, including engaging with NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hubs.

“NSF recognizes that institutions with limited research capacities require comprehensive support to become equitable partners in their regional innovation ecosystems,” said Thyaga Nandagopal, director of TIP’s Division of Innovation and Technology Ecosystems. “This funding aims to set EPIIC awardees on level ground to seek and build lasting partnerships to tap into their innovation potential, and the capacity-building efforts will continue to provide significant innovation partnership opportunities well into the future.”

The full list of EPIIC awardees can be found on NSF’s award search webpage.

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President’s and Dean’s List for the 2023 Spring Semester

Florida

Brooksville: Connor Haitz (Hernando High School)

Georgia

Mableton: Mackiness Whitton (Pebblebrook High School)

Pennsylvania

Lancaster: Janessa Neff (Conestoga Valley Senior HS)

Virginia

Arlington: Daniel Johnson (Wakefield HS)

Ashland:  Mason Dycus (Patrick Henry HS)

Broadway: Ryan Martin (Broadway HS)

Chantilly: Michael Mason (Westfield HS)

Chester: Emelin Trejo Ibarra (Thomas Dale HS)

Chesterfield: Gavin Burton (Lloyd C Bird HS)

Colonial Heights: Katie Villalta (Colonial Heights HS)

Dinwiddie: Kaitlyn Danforth, Ashlyn Turner (Dinwiddie HS)

Hampton: Xandria Moton (Bethel HS)

Haymarket: Jacob Challberg (Battlefield High School),

Henrico: Andrew Bottari (Freeman High School), Amiyah Wright (Hermitage HS), Marcellus Williams (Varina HS)

Midlothian: Kai Huang (Crosby HS)

Newport News: Matthew Caldwell (Warwick HS), Victoria Chrepta (Woodside HS),

North Chesterfield: Roman Borders (Meadowbrook HS), Abigail Dowdy, Cecilia Soukup (Monacan HS)

Petersburg: David Wolfe (Appomattox Reg Gov Arts & Tech)

Prince George: Hannah Dunn, Gavin McGee, Ashley Renn, Justin Dunn, Brandon Rogers, Michael Mullenix, Isabella Adair (Prince George HS)

Sandston: Kylie McCoy (New Bridge Academy)

South Chesterfield: Christopher Chiodo (Matoaca HS)

South Riding: Darren Osborne (Freedom HS),

Smithfield: Jonathan Major (Smithfield HS)

Stafford: Henry Becker, Jadyn Brown (Brooke Point HS), Brooklyn Simmons (Colonial Forge HS)

Unlisted: Edgar Reboredo Martins, Reagan Gregory, Hyunseo Jegal, Jungyeop Kim, Ruokun Wu, Yeonho Lee, Anh Tuan Le, Minseo Kim, Margaret Whitton, Jihye     Han, Byung Seok Lee, Myungjun Kim, Seungho Han, Jaeyoo Park

Homeschooled: Grace Regan, Jessica Fisher, Shannon Corrigan

Dean’s List Spring 2023

Military

Apo: Holly Reeves (Kaiserslautern High School)

California

Petaluma: Melanie Sheehan (Petaluma High School)

New Hampshire

North Sutton: Julia Marquardt (Kearsarge Regional High School)

North Carolina

Gastonia: Tiffany Hargett (Hunter Huss High School)

Virginia

Ashburn: Marisa Dunnavant, Matthew Stevenson (Stone Bridge HS), Senuvi Jayasinghe (Rock Ridge High School)

Chester: Madison Balint (Thomas Dale HS)

Chesterfield: Andrew Furr, Kelley Reagan (Lloyd C Bird HS)

Colonial Heights: Alex Chini, Lillian Moody, Chandler Hunches (Colonial Heights HS)

Dinwiddie: Miles Gilmore, Gavin Spradlin, Miriam Walker, Gregory Daniel (Dinwiddie HS)

Dumfries Southbridge: Kaleikaumaka Grebin (Dumfries Southbridge)

Falls Church: Dorian Beltran Veizaga (Justice High School)

Fredericksburg: Christion Grzyb (Massaponax HS), Lauren Davis, Thomas Larus (Stafford Senior HS)

Glen Allen: Messiah Boyd (Glen Allen High School)

Henrico: Carson Herod (Freeman High School)

King George: Connor Gray (King George High School)

McLean: Benjamin Cantrall (Langley HS)

Mechanicsville: Landon Scott (Atlee HS)

Midlothian: Catherine Fisher (Manchester HS)

New Kent: Natalie Filipowicz (New Kent HS)

Penn Laird: Austin Dansey, Madison Sweet (Spotswood HS)

Portsmouth: Rachel Fields (Portsmouth Christian Schools)

Prince George: Berkleigh Martin, Breeana Hunter, Hailey Fields, Amanda Cook, Joshua Dendler, Dylan Bowen, Jenna Simpson, Corey Edwards, Brianna Barlow, Cristopher Perez Hernandez, Laci Lipford, Shelby Godfrey, Hannah Seay (Prince George HS)

Stafford: Candace Johnson, Sophia Kaiser (Brooke Point HS), Anna Lane, Gavin Riley (Colonial Forge HS), Michael Afful (Mountain View High School)

Stony Creek: Anna White (Sussex Central HS)

Vienna: Christopher Polymeropoulos (James Madison HS)

Virginia Beach: Benjamin Adams (Frank W Cox HS), Ahnesti Lynch (Frank W Cox HS)

Unlisted: Karagyn Durco, Ruopeng Wu, My Anh La, Kateryna Pakliachenko, Seunghee Yoon, Rahim Askarov, Zaid Al Khatalin, Aykhan Bayramov

Homeschooled: Katharine DeAntonio, Andrew McGowan, Sara Youssef

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South Prince George, VA (JUNE 21, 2023) – Richard Bland College  is one of 34 U.S. colleges and universities in 28 U.S. states to be awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program, which aims to develop and expand study abroad programs around the world. Of the 34 U.S. colleges and universities, eight are community colleges and 13 are minority-serving institutions. The selected proposals will develop new international partnerships, train faculty and staff, internationalize curriculum, engage diverse students in study abroad, broaden the destinations where U.S. students study, and create virtual and hybrid exchanges.  The IDEAS Program contributes to the State Department’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts to engage the American people in foreign policy.

 “Increasing and diversifying U.S. students going abroad for educational opportunities, as well as diversifying the places where they study, is a State Department priority,” said Lee Satterfield, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. “This year’s recipientsreflect the true greatness of America – our diversity – as almost 25 percent represent two-year institutions, 40 percent represent minority-serving institutions, and 25 percent represent rural-serving institutions.

“This is a fantastic experiential learning opportunity for RBC’s faculty and students,” said Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Vice President of Richard Bland College. “Everyone here is ready to engage through research and service, with both our local and international community partners. Dr. Katie Heffernan, our faculty lead for Madagascar, is involved in this new program design.”

Since 2016, the IDEAS Program has awarded 179 grants to 173 U.S. colleges and universities in 49 states and territories to create, expand, and diversify their U.S. study abroad programs in 71 countries across all world regions.  In addition to the IDEAS grants, the program offers opportunities for international educators at U.S. colleges and universities to participate in free virtual and in-person study abroad capacity-building activities.

The IDEAS Program is a program of the U.S Department of State with funding provided by the United States Government and supported in its implementation by World Learning.  For a full list of 2023 IDEAS grantees, as well as information on upcoming IDEAS webinars and workshops, please visit www.studyabroadcapacitybuilding.org.

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April 12, 2023

“Richard Bland College is absolutely honored to announce that this year’s commencement speaker will be Tom Walker,” says RBC President, Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “Mr. Walker is Founder & CEO of DroneUp, an American technology company specializing in advanced commercial drone services.”

Previously, Mr. Walker served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy for almost 17 years, pioneering government digital reform through re-programming and web enablement of systems to support both U.S. and International Special Forces.  As a natural early adopter of innovative technology, his interest turned to drones many years ago. Working with a team of industry veterans and experts, he built DroneUp to be the largest drone delivery operation in the United States.

“Richard Bland College’s contribution to innovation and workforce development within the Commonwealth of Virginia is unparalleled among two-year schools,” says Mr. Walker. “I look forward to interacting with the students, and am honored to serve as this year’s commencement speaker.”

DroneUp’s mission is to bring the tremendous benefits of drone technology to communities, businesses, and society. Clients and partners include Walmart, Brookfield Properties, NATO Allied Command, and many more. Mr. Walker has served as an advisor to the White House on technology innovation and its impact on the emerging workforce and is a member of the Forbes Technology Council. He resides in Chesapeake, VA with his wife, Dyanne, and a fleet of drones. 

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“We are extremely honored to be selected as a First Scholars institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success,” said Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., President of Richard Bland College. “We look upon our first-generation students as change agents at RBC, both on campus and within our community. They break down barriers and often influence friends and family to take advantage of the benefits of higher education.”

Powered by the Center for First-generation Student Success, the First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that allows institutions of higher education to advance outcomes through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources, and establishing peer networks. More than 275 institutions of higher education have entered the Network and progressed through the second phase, First-gen Forward.

Through their outstanding commitment, Richard Bland College has been selected to join a third phase, First Scholars, that signals an unprecedented commitment to serving first-generation students. The Center recently announced a commitment to serving over 700 institutions through the Network in the next five years.

“After seeing such exciting Network progress and leadership, the Center is pleased to welcome Richard Bland College as a new First Scholars institution,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through every step, it was evident that RBC is not only invested in serving first-generation students, but is prepared to make a long-term commitment to radically change the way first-generation students are served and to employ strategies for sustainability and scale that result in intentional impact.”

Through a phased approach designed to scaffold learning and achievement of institutions over time, First Scholarsprovides institutions with the opportunity to engage in student-centered, systemic transformation through an ecosystem of resources. Benefits of participation in First Scholars include:

• an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops;
• diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight;
• robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership;
• guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience;
• and customized solutions and continuous improvement plans personalized to allow each institution to meet its first-generation student success goals.

Upon meeting milestones in the First Scholars phase, institutions are eligible to earn the Champion Campus designation.

“First Scholars provides a unique balance of bringing first-generation student initiative scaling into focus while drilling down into how Richard Bland College recalibrates institutional systems to elevate potential and advance outcomes for first-generation students, positioning them to be a real leader in first-generation student success,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, President and CEO of NASPA. “I look forward to seeing their success as they drive national change and advance success outcomes for first-generation students.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Richard Bland College visit RBC University College. To learn more about the First Scholars Network and the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

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ABOUT Richard Bland College

Richard Bland College is a selective, 2-year institution located in Prince George, Virginia. Students attending RBC have the choice between earning an Associate of Arts degree, or an Associate of Science in Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration, Math & Computer Science, Physical Science, Life Science, or Clinical Lab Sciences. RBC is a residential college, giving students the option to choose between apartment-style living and traditional dorm-style living. Although the college is a 2-year institution, it offers a variety of pathways that guarantee admission to The College of William and Mary upon completion of an associate’s degree.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS

The Center is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students.

ABOUT NASPA

NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs and is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of its institutional members—a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education.

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The William & Mary Board of Visitors, governing body of Richard Bland College (RBC), will host a public hearing April 19, 2023 on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The public hearing will take place in room 107 of Ernst Hall, located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.  It will include a presentation by the administration, and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can comment on the proposed fee increase via an online form.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration, the proposed use of any incremental revenue and allow for public comment.

The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2023-2024 academic year during its April 19-21 meeting.  As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0% to 6% and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues will likely be used to address personnel costs, including the Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or university commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and contractually obligated cost escalations for college services. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly.

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Richard Bland College is pleased to announce its status as an Affiliate of the Transfer Scholars Network (TSN), a program dedicated to expanding transfer from two-year colleges to some of the nation’s most highly selective colleges and universities.

Led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program with support from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, TSN aims to expand the national transfer pipeline to high-graduation-rate four-year institutions. To achieve that goal, TSN facilitates direct connections between high-achieving two-year college students and admissions representatives at highly selective colleges and universities.

Richard Bland’s President, Dr. Debbie Sydow, shared that the “Transfer Scholars Network will add a great many quality options for our transfer students.” As part of a small cohort of two-year colleges selected as TSN Affiliates, Richard Bland College will be able to nominate high achieving students for access to the following four-year partners located in Massachusetts, New York, and Texas:

• Amherst College (MA)
• Cornell University (NY)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
• Mount Holyoke College (MA)
• Rice University (TX)
• Smith College (MA)

These 4-year partner schools provide students in TSN with exclusive webinars and resources, generous financial aid, and ongoing support as they navigate the transfer admissions and financial aid process.

Students will be nominated for TSN based on eligibility criteria including demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, holistic life and professional experiences, and transfer readiness. Once they receive personalized nomination letters, they submit a short application to the TSN portal and are quickly connected with senior admissions leaders at the four-year partners.

Since 2021, TSN has engaged 372 students from eight 2-year colleges. The overwhelming majority of TSN students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and are from lower-income backgrounds and/or communities of color.  After successful completion of the Affiliate pilot program, RBC will be eligible for full partnership in TSN in Summer 2023.

The TSN initiative shows promise in diversifying the student pipeline at the nation’s top universities. After its first full admissions cycle in Spring 2022, at least 20% of TSN students who applied to four-year partner colleges received offers of admission, outpacing the average admission rate of 15.6% at these schools.

For more information, visit https://transferscholars.org/.  For questions specific to Richard Bland College and the Transfer Scholars Network, please contact Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe, University Center Director at aifekwunigwe@rbc.edu or (804) 862-6100 x6246.

TAGS: Transfer, Academic Advisement, Transferring, Partners

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“COVID impacted me in many ways,” recalled McArtis, who was then a freshman at Virginia State University (VSU). “I had to go home in the middle of my spring semester. I had to quit my summer job to protect myself and my family from getting sick. Even though I felt like I did everything I could, I still ended up contracting COVID that year.”

Dr. Kimberly Boyd, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Richard Bland College (RBC), heard similar stories from individuals who wrestled with the pandemic while continuing their studies at institutions of higher learning.

“These are traumatized students,” described Dr. Boyd. “Because of COVID, some couldn’t return to school; others had death in the family; some caught COVID themselves. If their grades went down or they failed, they couldn’t apply for financial aid. No financial aid means you can’t afford college anymore – all very traumatizing”

Knowing COVID posed unprecedented educational and emotional challenges, Boyd anticipated there would be a massive call for help. Boyd was a sounding board for students on the RBC campus and had regular conversations with leaders at VSU, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampton University, and the College of William & Mary.

Using insight from her communication with them and encouragement from RBC President Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., Boyd developed the CTS component to be linked to the RBC Guided Pathways to Success (RBC-GPS), a program offering recruitment, engagement, and support services, along with educational and training pathways for COVID traumatized students (CTS).

RBC secured one-time funding of $694,000 from Senator Warner and Senator Kaine for students at Richard Bland College from Petersburg, Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Hopewell Counties to participate in the College’s Guided Pathways for Success program that provides services, education, training, and job placement support for students from rural areas, underrepresented Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) groups, and students highly impacted by the COVID pandemic

“I wrote this grant from the heart,” said Boyd. “I wrote this grant for the community. What does this community need? I wrote this grant after listening. I listened and tried to be that solid ear for so many students who were hurting.”

Through this program, RBC will offer several pathways to assist students with getting back on track. The first path focuses on getting students from high school to move forward to college. This path allows students to complete two to four classes at RBC to assist them with moving forward to college if they are a high school senior or students without a home school.

The second path allows students to complete two to four classes at RBC to assist them with returning to their two or four-year Virginia institution.  “A lot of colleges kept a COVID withdrawal form, but now students are in the predicament that they cannot go back because they lost their financial aid,” Boyd relayed.

The third path is designed “If students decide after their classes with us that they do not want to go back to their first school, they can stay at RBC.” This RBC-GPS path gives individuals an opportunity to enroll in RBC’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME); it combines coursework to earn an associate degree with paid, on-the-job training and experience.

On the third path, RBC faculty, staff and students will also work on job readiness and attainment through a partnership with Job Corps, the country’s largest residential career training program.

Each path also addresses mental health needs triggered by the pandemic; the isolation of remote learning and social distancing created high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

“The mental health part of the program is so important to me,” Boyd explained. “When students come into the program, we use positive psychology, mindfulness techniques and mental health first aid, to make sure we are helping them, truly helping them. Think about it, the world was turned upside down. Some of them still don’t know how to get back up.”

“All of the upperclassmen have been affected by COVID in some way,” McArtis recognized. “It caused me to have to take my sophomore year online and at home. Online classes are very challenging especially when the professors are not used to having their classes online.”

RBC-GPS will support a minimum of 100 individuals.  Through this program and others “we hope to positively impact the community and build the workforce by having manufacturing jobs through FAME,” Boyd said. “Also, DroneUp is now at RBC to teach students how to drive unmanned systems. These are tomorrow’s jobs available to GPS students. Walmart and DroneUp will deliver packages, and students can get an education on our campus to operate the drones.”

Currently, RBC enrolls approximately 2,400 students, with 59% considered low-income and Pell Grant recipients. Of those individuals, 42% identify as African American; another 30% of RBC students are Caucasian, while 26% are Native American or Asian.

Most RBC students are from the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell or the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George. These rural communities, which have fewer options for mental health services, will benefit from the resources provided by RBC-GPS, said Boyd.

“This program is designed to assist students with getting back on track.  I believe in all of our students and want them to have a fair chance that COVID took away for many students” she explained. “So many times, during COVID, I would talk to them and realize this one lost a mother, or they had COVID themselves. Just the trauma behind it all.”

As RBC prepares to welcome its first students in 2023, Boyd already envisions it as a model for other schools.

“As they realize the benefits of this program, they can start their own. I can see it moving around the state of Virginia with various tracks to jumpstart education post-COVID,” predicted Boyd. “In my career, I have always worked to give students what each individual needs to move forward. Not just focus on the academics but the person. RBC continues to do just that.”

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The entrepreneurial spirit of RBC’s founding animates its collaboration in strategic partnerships to provide an affordable, accessible, and innovative education. Richard Bland in collaboration with the American Council of Education (ACE) adopted a one-size-fits-one approach to student success undergirded by the principles of Guided Pathways. With neighboring Virginia State and Virginia Wesleyan Universities, RBC is also able to offer unparalleled flexibility in pursuing stackable credentials and/or full baccalaureate degree programs through a joint virtual School of Technical & Professional Studies as well as a Center for University Transfer, respectively. RBC’s work with Navitas, a leading global education provider, internationalized its campus.  Partnering with local industry partners formed the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program – the first of its kind in the state – which offers students the ability to “earn and learn” on the job while in college. RBC also hosted a testing, training, and R&D center for DroneUp, a leader in unmanned aircraft systems. The DroneUp Flight Academy at RBC was the first of its kind in the United States.

The college’s fourth President, Dr. Debbie Sydow, fostered the creation of this partnership network, shepherding RBC toward its visionary goal of becoming a new, hybrid model for higher education in Virginia. This network and the multiple expansions it engenders has necessitated a reimagining of RBC with William & Mary. In November 2022, the W&M Board of Visitors voiced its support for RBC to join other former W&M affiliate institutions such as Christopher Newport and Old Dominion University in establishing its own board. After an arduous process spanning more than 15 years of the College seeking its independence from William & Mary, on July 1, 2025, the Virginia General Assembly granted the institution its independent governing board.

Dr. Kenneth Alexander, currently serving as the College’s Interim President since May 18, 2026, is advancing the 2028 Strategic Plan, which aligns with the Virginia Plan for Higher Education. The initiative prioritizes the development of workforce programming and credentials that align with regional needs such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare and aviation technologies.

Excited for the future, Richard Bland College continues to calibrate its programming and partnerships to deliver the hallmark of an RBC education: preparation for a lifetime of endless potential.

The post Born Through Innovation appeared first on Richard Bland College.

By Abigail Holmes

The college brought on a husband and wife coaching team, Stephanie Champine and Shaun Dryden, at the beginning of 2022 to build a women’s volleyball team capable of winning nationals. In the recent NJCAA Division II National Championship, the team won four matches, taking home the National Championship title. Before the arrival of Champine, Dryden and the 2022 tournament, RBC had never won a match in the competition before.

Scott Newton, Director of Student Life and Athletics at RBC, observes, “Bringing on Stephanie and Shaun has majorly benefited the program because of the amount of attention they can put towards the development of the student-athlete holistically. They make each player better athletically and push them to reach their full potential on the court.”

The coaches spent the last year recruiting and training athletes in mindset and skill to accomplish this feat. They moved from Ohio, where they formally coached several volleyball seasons at Terra State Community College. “We were looking for an opportunity to coach beach in addition to indoor volleyball, and Richard Bland needed both,” says Champine.

“Moving from snowstorm territory to near beach terrain has been awesome, and our players are amazing,” adds Dryden. Having coached athletes through high-level sand and indoor volleyball tournaments, the duo moved to Virginia to surround themselves with both versions of their beloved sport. Champine serves as Head Coach of Women’s Indoor and Beach Volleyball at RBC, with Dryden assisting as Associate Head Coach.

Champine reminiscences, “We had a volleyball court at my parent’s house growing up, and I always loved the sport. In fact, I enjoyed it so much in high school that I dropped other sports to get serious and play more. Coaching during the week and playing on the weekends has never tired.”

An Owen’s Community College coach approached Champine in high school after seeing her play and offered the young athlete a place on the team. After two years at Owen’s, Champine transferred to Austin Peay State University (APSU), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2010. She was inducted into Owen’s Hall of Fame as the first female and APSU’s Hall of Fame as well. Moreover, she was voted All-American NCAA Division I for APSU and Newcomer of the Year in 2008, qualified for All-American in 2008 and 2009, and was named Conference Player of the Year in 2009. Her jersey #11 was retired in 2012 and resides at Owen’s.

Likewise, Dryden also devoted his time to volleyball beginning in high school, saying, “I started out randomly playing as a club sport, but it quickly became my number one. Stephanie and I have always played and competed hard, so coaching is second nature.”

Dryden played Division I after graduating with an associate degree from Los Angeles Pierce College and earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in 2013. He was twice named MIVA Defensive Player of the Week and holds the Single Season Dig Record for the university. While earning his MBA from IPFW, Dryden trained with the Swedish volleyball club Falkenberg in 2014. In 2015, he participated in the USA Tour in Slovenia and Italy and played for Team Blizzard in Serbia during the following season.

The couple was introduced during an adult professional league volleyball tournament where you could say they met their match. “Coaching as husband and wife instead of with a random coach has been easier because we have similar coaching styles and bounce off of each other well,” says Champine. “It’s more fun and makes for easy travel.” In just one season of coaching at RBC, their team made school history.

Champine and Dryden’s coaching philosophy reveals: “A good coach realizes the game is about the athletes, and they’re passionate about their players. Each athlete is different, so our coaching techniques are flexible enough to adjust based on the player’s needs. We’re always researching how to teach skills in new ways, and we’ll work with them until they’re ready to stop for the day. We’re 100% invested and available, and they know they can call us up anytime, regardless of whether it’s volleyball related. We’re here to help them through college, supporting them and holding them accountable.”

“I was never worried about the championship. When we got the job, we intentionally recruited athletes with the character and drive necessary to compete successfully. Once they arrived on campus, we worked with them to develop their play, and they took it from there. We have a team of strong, self-motivated, and talented players, and we do our best to teach and support them,” comments Champine.

During the tournament, the team consistently took out essential opponents who performed well over the season. RBC defeated #4 Iowa Central Community College in three straight sets, playing against the nation’s top scorer. In the match against the #1 Johnson County Community College, RBC was down two sets but came back in a reverse sweep to win the next three.

Shaun says, “It took all the players to make it happen. Some of the matches were tough, and it took all five sets to come out on top. We trained our players to focus, teaching them how to face adversity and maintain mental toughness. A well-rounded athlete is taught on and off the court. From the start of the season to championships, our athletes grew in working as a team in structure and communication. They can see how much they’re improving and their teammates are improving, which is rewarding.”

In the finals against #6 Scottsdale Community College (SCC), SCC was at match point, but RBC overcame the pressure, winning the National Championship title and closing the season 34-3. Setter Karagyn Durco broke RBC’s record with 62 assists in a final match and was named MVP. In addition, Leilani Goggin and Hailey Hopkins were voted All-Tournament, and Champine was named Coach of the Tournament.

Newton states, “This is an exciting time for the volleyball program, the athletic department, and the college as a whole. Traditionally the National Champion in volleyball has come from the Midwest or the western regions, but being able to do it with a team mainly from VA is a great achievement. This will help recruit for all programs and show that we are committed to being successful athletically and academically. Especially with the recruiting ability that Stephanie and Shaun have, I believe we can be contenders for the championship every year. This is the first step to building a powerhouse program that maintains national recognition annually.”

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During a time when year-over-year enrollment in higher education has declined, Richard Bland College (BRC) has bucked the trend by experiencing a 20.4% increase.

Justin May, chief officer of enrollment management, credited RBC’s focus on relationships.

“We’ve redesigned the application process to be more customer-centric and less transactional,” May explained. “Calling a prospective student the same day. Making an acceptance decision within 48 hours.”

May said just as a company like Amazon offers customers updates on the status of a product’s delivery, RBC involves candidates during each step, from confirmation of the application’s receipt and review to conversations about individual needs.

“It’s about showing them they can do it and believe in themselves,” May said. “We are giving applications more care. We reach out to prospective students to ensure they understand the process and how we can accommodate them with financial aid and help with other challenges they may face, certainly including but not limited to COVID.”

According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC), postsecondary institutions have lost nearly 1.3 million students since the spring of 2020 when the novel coronavirus began; colleges and universities have experienced a 4.7% decline in undergraduates this spring from the spring 2021 semester. The NSCRC expects to release numbers for fall 2022 later this week.

President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D., attributed RBC’s growth to the culture on campus.

“With the pandemic now behind us, the RBC team has rolled out the red carpet to welcome students back to campus,” she said. “At RBC, students are always our first priority, and everything we do reflects that core value. Our students thrive in RBC’s ‘one size fits one’ environment.”

She went on to say, “RBC is always mindful that students have many options when it comes to choosing a college, so our team goes the extra mile to ensure that prospective students know exactly what RBC has to offer. We want students to find the perfect college fit, and for many students there is no better fit than RBC. Every student at RBC is unique, and we work hard to ensure that their educational experience is personalized.”

One way RBC has been able to identify students most interested in its programs and boost enrollment is by working closely with counselors at school systems.

“Our strategies are the same, but we’ve worked to tighten relationships with those counselors,” said May. “They are trusted advisors. We strengthened our relationships with them with more frequent visits and by hosting more events, like lunches, on campus.”

Expanded email marketing about new initiatives, an effort May called ‘information campaigns,’ also helped counselors refer qualified students to RBC.

Further, there has been a focus on hiring additional staff members for programs like Promise Scholars, which offers College of William & Mary (W&M) courses and guaranteed transfer to Virginia residents who are high-performing and eligible for a Pell Grant; it has allowed RBC to recruit individuals who are most committed to their education. The most recent incoming Promise Scholar class is the largest since the program’s inception.

“These are the students who aren’t applying because everyone else is doing it,” May described. “They’re doing it for the right reason. They know what they are getting into, and they will persist. That naturally leads to increased enrollment, happiness and higher graduation rates.”

Financial fallout from the pandemic caused many institutions of higher learning to raise their tuition, but Sydow said RBC has taken great strides to mitigate student loan debt.

“Cost matters, so to keep college affordable RBC has not increased tuition since 2017. Today’s students also want to know that what they learn in college is going to translate to real job skills. RBC has entered into partnerships with business and industry partners to ensure that students have the option to ‘earn and learn’ on the job, then move directly into living wage jobs.”

One of those opportunities is the Central Virginia Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), which RBC launched during the spring 2021 semester. FAME students earn their associates degree over two years while immersing themselves in paid on-the-job training.

Programs like FAME advanced RBC’s efforts to become an option for students during a time of economic recovery.

“Providing them the option to gain job skills at the same time that they earn college credentials makes good sense,” said Sydow. “Students will graduate without big debt, and they will be well prepared to succeed in the workforce. It’s a win-win!”

Added May, “Since COVID, we know that people are struggling. We also know they’re looking to retool and advance their skill sets, whether that is to move up the ranks in their current profession or move out of it all together and pursue new opportunities. RBC has always been at the crossroads of a quality education at an affordable price. RBC can get them there.”

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The grant was written and brokered by Kimberly Boyd, Ph.D. — Vice-President and Chief Research & Innovation Officer at RBC. Her office is RBC’s hub for research grants at the college. “We hold a commitment at RBC to making the world a better place for others,” says Dr. Boyd. “This grant represents ideals fundamental to our mission.”

Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of RBC adds, “The goal of RESPECT is to reduce or eliminate DVSAS incidents and to offer trauma-informed services to victims with support for long-term healing. The intended outcome is that students will continue to build safe, diverse and welcoming environments throughout their lifetime.”

The project will work with surrounding RBC communities to engage committed partners to ensure that RESPECT is empowered to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Create a Coordinated Community Response Team to accomplish all mandated tasks including: prevention education, bystander intervention, training for campus, community and victim services.

2. Provide prevention education for the entire campus:

a. Mandatory prevention education for all incoming students about DVSAS.

b. Prevention education for all students incorporating awareness, cultural sensitivity, bystander interventions, information about resources, campus policies and procedures.

The initiative will continue to work closely with Dr. Evanda Watts-Martinez  – Director of Counseling Services, Thomas Travis – Director of Campus Safety & Chief of Police and Stacy Sokol – Director of Continuing Education at RBC. They will compose the RBC team, serving as the coordinated internal response unit.

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DroneUp will invest $7 million to expand its headquarters at 160 Newtown Road in Virginia Beach, creating 510 new jobs. The company will also invest $20.2 million to establish a new testing, training, and R&D center for drone operators at Richard Bland College, which will create 145 new jobs.

In addition to the headquarters facility and training center, DroneUp plans to establish three drone hubs at Walmart locations in the Commonwealth this year. DroneUp recently announced a multi-year commercial services agreement with Walmart, Inc. to provide drone delivery services at 34 sites, providing the potential to reach 4 million U.S. households by the end of the year. Walmart has a minority stake in DroneUp and a seat on its board and in turn, DroneUp is the exclusive provider of drone services for Walmart.

“This is an impressive and highly impactful project for Virginia Beach, Dinwiddie County, and beyond that represents a new age of technology for our society, and DroneUp is at the forefront of Unmanned Aircraft System development,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This homegrown Virginia company is transforming product delivery through its partnership with Walmart, and we are proud to partner with DroneUp as it extends its footprint across the Commonwealth and creates more than 650 cutting-edge jobs. The Commonwealth successfully competed against multiple states for this expansion project and I’m so proud of the multi-pronged effort to attract this investment to Virginia.”

“DroneUp’s expansion in Virginia Beach and new testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College is an exciting step forward for the unmanned systems industry in Virginia and serves as a model for higher education partnerships and economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “With the second-highest concentration of tech workers in the nation and world-class education institutions, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to empower DroneUp’s continued success.”

“The team at DroneUp couldn’t be happier with the support we’ve received from Governor Youngkin’s office and the Commonwealth of Virginia as a whole over the years,” said Tom Walker, founder and CEO of DroneUp. “Virginia is our home, and we are proud to be able to continue to bring new innovation, talent, and economic opportunities to our great state. This investment and expansion will not only bring new career opportunities to our region, but also allow us to tap into the brightest minds around Unmanned Aircraft System development and design.”

“We are beyond thrilled that DroneUp has decided to make Virginia Beach its corporate headquarters and expand their operations by bringing more than 500 new jobs to our community,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer. “Their expansion is the latest shining example in our city’s history of fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.”

“We welcome DroneUp and their training center program to Dinwiddie County,” said Harrison A. Moody, Chairman, Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors. “The campus of Richard Bland College is the ideal setting for their testing, training, and R&D center, and bringing 145 high-quality jobs to the County presents a phenomenal opportunity for our citizens. DroneUp’s work complements ongoing efforts of Richard Bland College to develop a curriculum for an unmanned aviation program. Drone technology is cutting-edge, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

“Through strategic linkages with partners like DroneUp, Richard Bland College (RBC) continues to assert itself as a new model for higher education in the Commonwealth,” said President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “RBC and DroneUp share the vision of delivering a world-class drone pilot training program to expand the UAS workforce in Virginia and across the nation. Now the vision is becoming a reality as DroneUp prepares to welcome its first class to the drone testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College.”

“This exciting announcement is a testament to Virginia’s Gateway Region, a top logistics center in the Commonwealth,” said Keith Boswell, President & CEO of Virginia’s Gateway Region Economic Development Organization. “We look forward to the economic impact this project will bring to our seven communities as individuals and companies travel from near and far to hone their skills in drone technology and delivery.”

Tobacco Commission member Senator Joe Morrissey said, “It is wonderful to see an innovative technology company like DroneUp partner with Dinwiddie County and Richard Bland College to bring the future of last mile delivery to our area all while creating 145 new high-quality jobs. Additionally, I am excited to see that DroneUp will work with Richard Bland College to instruct students on the use of drone technology, a field that is only going to continue to grow. This is a big win for Dinwiddie County, and I very much look forward to seeing this project succeed.”

Tobacco Commission member Coley J. Drinkwater said, “This is a great day for Dinwiddie County, and I am excited that DroneUp chose to locate here and create 145 great new jobs that will have a lasting impact on our community. Dinwiddie is the perfect place to live and work and I look forward to welcoming DroneUp as our newest business partner.”

“VIPC’s relationship with DroneUp spans several years and multiple pilot programs with our Virginia Unmanned Systems Center and funding opportunities through our Commonwealth Commercialization Fund and Virginia Venture Partners,” said Robert Stolle, President and CEO of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). “They are a shining example of Virginia’s willingness to welcome and support innovation and job creation.”

“As an emerging industry, unmanned systems has been a priority for the Hampton Roads region for several years. We are proud to have DroneUp as a cornerstone of that industry cluster,” said Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance. “DroneUp’s investment at their Virginia Beach headquarters is a testament to their innovation and rapid success in a niche market, and their expansion into other locations in Virginia shows potential for even greater future growth. The Alliance extends its sincere congratulations to our friends at DroneUp, the City of Virginia Beach, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on this exciting win for the Commonwealth.”

“Virginia Beach is the perfect place for DroneUp to continue leading in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries,” said Representative Elaine Luria. “When I visited DroneUp in May, we discussed how investing in technologies and workforce programs is good for business and good for Coastal Virginia. This expansion is a testament to the thriving workforce in Hampton Roads. I will continue to support businesses like DroneUp that lead in development and innovation and grow and diversify our economy in Hampton Roads.”

“It is an honor and true testament to Virginia’s pro-business climate that DroneUp has decided to invest in our Commonwealth and expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach,” said Senator Jen A. Kiggans. “DroneUp’s expansion will create 510 new jobs and continue to develop this valuable industry right here in Hampton Roads. I look forward to watching their business grow and provide high-quality service to our residents!”

“The 85th District of Virginia Beach is proud to serve as home for DroneUp, a small business gone global,” said Delegate Karen S. Greenhalgh. “Today’s announcement of plans to expand DroneUp’s headquarters, bringing 510 new jobs, is a tremendous investment into our city. Virginia Beach is a great place to live and to work, and we are definitely looking up, thanks to DroneUp!”

“I am thrilled that this innovative technology company has decided to call Virginia its home,” said Representative A. Donald McEachin. “DroneUp’s expansion in our Commonwealth will create hundreds of new jobs in localities across my district, stimulate economic activity, and support other businesses in our communities. Tech is a burgeoning industry, and I look forward to seeing the impact DroneUp will have in Virginia.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for DroneUp and the folks in Virginia Beach and around Richard Bland College,” said Senator Frank Ruff. “As innovations in the drone world continue to advance, the opportunity for training will also grow.”

“I am thrilled to hear the news of DroneUp investing $20.2 million in our community and bringing 145 jobs to the new training facility at Richard Bland College,” said Delegate Emily M. Brewer. “Innovative partnerships like this demonstrate how creativity in higher education can yield incredible opportunities. This year, it was one of my priorities to facilitate budget language so the General Assembly could reduce regulatory barriers to make this training facility happen. I am also very grateful to Governor Youngkin for championing innovation in higher education and workforce development in our Commonwealth.”

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, DroneUp was founded in 2016 by Tom Walker. A privately held company, DroneUp quickly moved from an American small business start-up to a global leader. The company works with more than 20,000 drone pilots to serve its customer portfolio and is dedicated to connecting communities to drone technology globally. DroneUp is recognized as a drone flight services innovation leader, transforming organizations with drone delivery and drone technology solutions. The company develops SaaS platforms with patented mobile application technology available at the Apple App and Google Play Stores. With technology-driven customers, DroneUp inspires the future of drone services, providing intelligent access to airspace, automation innovation, streamlined process management, operational efficiency, and a commitment to safety.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Virginia Beach, Dinwiddie County, Richard Bland College, and Virginia’s Gateway Region to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $928,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. The Governor also approved $4 million in funds from the Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant. The Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant was established as a self-funded program of performance-based incentives that the Commonwealth awards to exceptional economic development projects with large numbers of employees and very high wages relative to average wages for that particular area. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a grant for $111,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund for the project, and funding and services to support DroneUp’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The post DroneUp Comes To RBC appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The two schools have shared reciprocal housing arrangements in past years, and with RBC having the ability to absorb VSU students in its Freedom, Patriot, and Commerce Halls, showing much-needed neighborly love makes perfect sense.

“RBC and VSU are strong partners, so when VSU reached out with a request to house some of their students, we were happy to accommodate,” says Debbie L. Sydow, RBC President. “This is just one of many ways that RBC and VSU work together to support student success and our greater Petersburg region.”

Move-in for VSU students into RBC dorms started this weekend and most have found the campus welcoming and peaceful. “It’s been a smooth transition for everyone,” says Charmayne L. Wyche, Director of Residence Life. “We’re happy to share our dorms with VSU students.”

“It feels good to be living at RBC,” says Kristina Jean-Baptiste, a VSU graduate student from Richmond studying Health Psychology. “I have a single room, which is exciting. I wouldn’t have gotten that at VSU. I’m impressed by these dorms.”

RBC’s Freedom and Patriot Halls are spacious dorms that offer apartment-style living, with full baths, laundry, and a fully equipped kitchen among many amenities.

“I didn’t know what to expect, and this is way better than living in a hotel,” laughs Terrence Blunt, a senior from Newport News who is majoring in Computer Science. “Having a full kitchen is huge. My living space is nice.”

Other VSU students like Randay Hataway, a sophomore Mass Communications major from Chesterfield, are simply happy to be living on a college campus. “I‘m glad I have a place to live that’s close to VSU,” he says. “I’m looking forward to being at RBC.”

The post Richard Bland College Opens Its Doors to VSU Students appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Dr. Boyd arrived at RBC from Hampton University where she served as Chairperson of the University Psychology Department. Prior to Hampton, she served as the Interim Assistant Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, Chairperson of the Psychology Department and Director of the Ph.D. Health Psychology, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Program at Virginia State University. Dr. Boyd also served as Vice President of Administration at the VSU Research Foundation.

“Dr. Boyd brings an innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirt to her new role as Vice President,” said Sydow. “Richard Bland College is fortunate to have her in this new leadership role to help lead strategic initiatives at a critical time in the College’s evolution.”

Dr. Boyd has received grant funding from multiple federal government agencies that include the Department of Justice, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Science Foundation. Her community based participatory research includes student efficacy towards STEM, HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse, violence prevention and mindfulness.

“It is an honor to have been asked to serve in this capacity at RBC,” said Dr. Boyd. “I am eager to work alongside President Sydow and members of the RBC and extended community to lead the College to a new level of excellence.”

Before entering the academic arena, Dr. Boyd worked for more than a decade as a Deputy Branch Chief, Behavioral Scientist, Research Psychologist, Public Health Analyst and Grants Management Specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Boyd earned her B.A in Psychology from Spelman College, and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from GA School of Professional Psychology. She earned a second M.S. and PhD in Social Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The post Richard Bland College Names Dr. Kim Boyd Vice President appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“The College is honored to have Dr. Douglas-Glenn deliver this year’s Commencement address,” said President Debbie Sydow. “Dr. Douglas-Glenn is a powerful role model, leader, and visionary who will most assuredly inspire RBC’s 2022 graduates.”

Dr. Douglas-Glenn is a higher education academic and practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in organizational development, leadership development, public policy analysis, and racial equity. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors at VCU, including the President’s Outstanding Achievement Award and the Presidential Award for Community Multicultural Enrichment. In addition, Douglas-Glenn was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as this year’s Richard Bland College commencement speaker,” says Dr. Douglas-Glenn. “The class of 2022’s demonstration of resilience, perseverance, and compassion in and outside of the classroom has served as a masterclass on leadership for us all. I look forward to celebrating the class of 2022 as they advance to the next stage of their professional journey.” 

Before coming to VCU, Douglas-Glenn served as a research and evaluation associate at the National Science Foundation. Douglas-Glenn earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in public administration and public affairs with a certificate in race and social policy from the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech. She has a Master of Social Work from Radford University and received her Bachelor of Arts in political science and Bachelor of Science in sociology from Virginia Tech.

Douglas-Glenn is active in the community and professional organizations. She previously served on the YWCA Richmond board of directors and was appointed to the Millennial Civic Engagement Task Force by Governor Terry McAuliffe. She is an elected member of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Virginia Women’s Network executive board and serves as the Women’s Network’s institutional representative at VCU. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Health Brigade free and charitable clinic (formerly the Fan Free Clinic) and SOAR365, an organization providing services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The post Richard Bland College Announces 2022 Commencement Speaker appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The William & Mary Board of Visitors, governing body of Richard Bland College (RBC), will host a public hearing April 20, 2022 on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The public hearing will take place in room 107 of Ernst Hall, located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. It will include a presentation by the administration, and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can comment on the proposed fee increase via an online form.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration, the proposed use of any incremental revenue and allow for public comment.

The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2022-2023 academic year during its April 20-22 meeting.  As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0% to 5% and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues will likely be used to address personnel costs, including the Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or university commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and contractually obligated cost escalations for college services. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly.

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The Pecan Festival is thrilled to feature Aidan Bryant, a teen aerialist performance artist from Prince George who was the runner-up on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent. He will be performing at 12:45 pm. Popular local band Smoke & Wine will also be performing throughout the day. The Richmond Flying Squirrels mascots, Nutsy & Nutasha, will be on hand to entertain and mingle with with the crowd, along with performances by local dance troupes Aspire Dance Academy and Art of Rhythm Dance Company.

Festival-goers will be able to interact with farm animals at the petting zoo, and the Prince George Animal Control Department will be offering on-site adoptions. This year Pecan Festival has also added a cornhole tournament, a hay bale maze for kids, and a local photographer will be onsite taking fall photos. More than 80 vendors will be on-site with products ranging from local honey, candles, baked goods, jewelry, and more. The festival is also excited to have local vendors joining the festivities from Richland’s Dairy and Mrs. Yoder’s Doughnuts.

Richard Bland College is home to the oldest & largest pecan groves in Virginia. There are nearly 1,000 pecan trees on the grounds. Each year the pecans are harvested and proceeds are used to advance student success and maintain the groves.

The post America’s Got Talent Finalist to Perform at Richard Bland College’s 5th Annual Pecan Festival appeared first on Richard Bland College.

On Wednesday, September 22, the Richard Bland College Committee will meet from 2:00 – 4:00p.m. in Ernst Hall on the Richard Bland College campus, located at 11301 Johnson Road, South Prince George, VA.

The post Richard Bland College Board of Visitors Meeting appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Victor Branch remembers growing up in Dinwiddie County in the 1960s and 1970s as one of five siblings with a supportive family that provided endless opportunities for him.

“When people ask me my story, I’m so proud to share where I come from,” says Branch. “My parents were not high school graduates, and they knew education was the passport out of poverty.”

Branch, now a 37-year veteran of Bank of America (BofA), admits he was not sure what career he wanted to pursue after graduating from Dinwiddie High School in 1980. His parents encouraged him to enroll at Richard Bland College (RBC) instead of following his classmates to four-year programs. Branch serves as RBC Committee Chair, William & Mary Board of Visitors.

“I veered off in a direction that none of my friends or family members had before,” Branch describes. “RBC took a diamond in the rough and polished it up and put me on the path to where I sit today.”

Branch, the current regional vice president for BofA’s Richmond region, appreciated not being just a number during his time at RBC. The nurturing, small group atmosphere offered him attention from his professors and faculty advisor to RBC’s President at the time, Dr. Clarence Maze.

“Two years at RBC turned this kid around to show him how he could be academic and successful, and I matriculated into William and Mary and was ready for the rigor of the competitive environment,” Branch recalls. “I won’t say it was easy, it was nowhere near it, but I was able to hold my own and come out in two years. I didn’t have to take any extra courses. Richard Bland was a game-changer with the background I come from.”

After he graduated from William and Mary, Branch learned the bank that eventually became BofA through mergers was hiring. He started there in 1984 and climbed the ranks, along with the company’s evolution into a trillion-dollar company with more than 200 thousand employees with global reach and services.

Branch also got married to a high school friend turned sweetheart who attended Richard Bland. His two daughters, numerous cousins, and now his great-nephew chose RBC for their higher education too.

“All roads lead to Richard Bland in the Branch clan,” he says. “We’re in our third generation now, family members who have walked those wonderful, beautiful grounds. Richard Bland is a big part of my life and my family’s life.”

In 2018, Governor Ralph Northam appointed Branch to the Board of Visitors at William and Mary. He is the first RBC graduate to serve on the governing body, and he is proud to help guide the future of a school that set him up for success.

“I am a one-man promoter of RBC and what it does,” Branch says. “I do encourage young people who are willing to listen to seriously consider RBC.”

The post Victor Branch: “One-man RBC promoter” appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The post RBC Announces Spring 2023 President & Dean’s List Students appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“All members of campus community are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” says President Debbie Sydow.

“Richard Bland College is encouraged by the rapidly decreasing rate of infections in the Commonwealth, and we look forward to welcoming students back to campus in the fall.”

Consistent with Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order and guidance from the CDC, RBC has lifted the requirement to wear a face covering on campus for all community members who are fully vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in all settings.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Can I still attend RBC with only one vaccine?
There will be no vaccine requirement to attend RBC in the 2021-22 academic year.

Are face covering protocols in place?
RBC has lifted the requirement to wear face coverings for those who are fully vaccinated. For those who are not fully vaccinated, face coverings should be worn consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines. 

Is it safe to take in-person classes?
Many of the safety protocols detailed in the College’s Statesmen Safe & Secure Plan will remain in effect during the 2021-22 academic year. The College’s commitment to a healthy and safe environment enable in-person classes to continue without incident in the 2020-21 academic year.

The post Richard Bland College Resumes Normal Operations appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Chesterfield: Elizabeth Alexander (Thomas Dale HS), Trevor Davis (Matoaca), Julia De la Pena Juarez (Lloyd C. Bird), Jasmine Hickson (Chesterfield Community HS), Abigail Holmes (Homeschooled), Christina Ozoroski (Matoaca HS), Anna Thomas (Matoaca HS), Selena Simmons (Thomas Dale HS)

Carson: Miranda Kaufman (James Monroe HS)

Colonial Heights: Jeremy Narrow (Colonial Heights HS)

Dinwiddie: Jayden Jefferson (Dinwiddie HS), Madison Koren (Dinwiddie HS), Noah Muskett (Dinwiddie HS), Jaysen Pilger (Dinwiddie HS), Daniel Trevino (Dinwiddie HS)

Loudoun County: Thulani Jayasinghe (Rock Ridge HS)

Petersburg: Sarah Mitchell (Homeschooled), Mary Rackley (Appomattox Reg Gov Arts & Tech),

Prince George: Caden Chartrand (Prince George HS), Masako Kaneko (Prince George), Skye Powroznick (Prince George HS), Sydney Setchel (Prince George)

Richmond: Alexandra Swaney (Greely HS)

Virginia Beach: Cassidy Richardson (Princess Anne HS)

Waverly: Allison Monahan (Homeschooled)

International: Royal Asadzade (Baku, Azerbaijan/ADA School), Chieh Ting Choy (Taipei City, Taiwan/Tatung HS, Sangjae Lee (Phnom Penh, Cambodia/Cambodia International Academy, Poh Sam Ng (Selangor, Malaysia/Asia Pacific International)

“Induction into PTK is a well-deserved honor and recognition for students who have achieved academic excellence,” said Dr. Tyler Hart, Provost. “The College applauds each of them for their leadership during a hybrid learning experience due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Established in 1918, Phil Theta Kappa International Honors Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievements of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors leadership and service programming. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.3 million members and 1,200 chapters located in 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada and Germany.

The post Richard Bland College Announces Honor Society Inductees appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The meeting will be held in open session and may be accessed via the following link on the Board webpage.

All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

The post Richard Bland College April Committee Meeting Announcement for April 2021 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“Justice Powell is a powerful role model and inspiration for RBC’s 2021 graduates,” said President Debbie Sydow. “The College is honored to have her deliver this year’s Commencement address.”

Before her appointment to the Supreme Court of Virginia, Justice Powell was a labor and employment law associate at Hunton & Williams from 1982-1986. She served as Senior Assistant Attorney General for the Equal Employment Opportunity and Personnel Section from 1986-1989 in the Office of the Virginia Attorney General. Justice Powell began her judicial career on the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights General District Court in 1993.

“Graduation is a special time,” said Justice Powell. “It is a time for looking back and simultaneously looking forward. It is a time to reflect on the past and to anticipate the future. I look forward to sharing this special time with each of the Richard Bland College graduates.”

Justice Powell is a recipient of numerous awards, including Virginia Women in History (2013); Strong Men & Women Excellence in Leadership (2011); Virginia Women Attorneys Association 2010 Leader in Diversity; Virginia Lawyers Weekly Influential Women of Virginia (2010); Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association, Woman of the Year 2009; and the YWCA’s Outstanding Women of the Year (2001).

Justice Powell received her undergraduate degree, with distinction, from the University of Virginia and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

The post Richard Bland College Announces Esteemed Judge Cleo Powell Commencement Speaker appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“Richard Bland College is committed to helping students finish their bachelor’s degrees through successful transfer to a four-year college or university,” says Provost Dr. Tyler Hart. “RBC has established guaranteed admission agreements with almost every public and private school in Virginia. This new agreement with Purdue Global adds to RBC’s out-of-state guaranteed transfer opportunities for current students,” Hart adds. “It provides a pathway for students who prefer fully online programs to seamlessly complete a degree with an accredited fully online partner.”

Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary
Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, financial assistance, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

Purdue University – Purdue Global Is Part of the Renowned Purdue University System
Purdue University Global delivers personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop essential academic and professional skills with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their career goals. www.purdueglobal.edu

The post Students Win with Richard Bland College and Purdue Global Partnership appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“Dr. Hart has distinguished himself as a respected leader at Richard Bland College. He brings the breadth and depth of leadership experience that is needed to advance the College’s long-term strategic goals,” says Sydow. “As RBC continues to navigate through new challenges, Dr. Hart has proven time and again his steadfast commitment to student success.”

Dr. Hart joined RBC in May 2008 as the Coordinator of Financial Aid. Since then he has overseen several key areas of the College, including strategic planning, development, academic and institutional effectiveness, program development, and strategic enrollment management.

“Since its inception Richard Bland College has demonstrated how high education can change lives and help students reach their full potential,” said Hart. “I am honored to have been named provost. I look forward to working with Dr. Sydow and the leadership team, faculty, and staff to ensure that students are successful in completing the credentials needed to be competitive in the job market.”

Prior to coming to RBC, Dr. Hart worked as a business and tax consultant with small businesses and individuals in the Greater Richmond Area. He holds an MBA from Averett University and a Ph.D. from Old Dominion University where his research focused on Entrepreneurial Practices in Higher Education.

The post Richard Bland College Announces Dr. Tyler Hart New Provost appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approval of any increases in tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions must announce the range of increases under consideration, an explanation of the need for such increase, and allow for public comment. William & Mary’s Board of Visitors approved the RBC guidelines for receiving public comment at its February 2020 meeting.  Richard Bland College is governed by the William & Mary Board of Visitors.

The virtual hearing allowing for public comment will take place via Zoom from 9:00 am – 9:45 am on April 19, details for the virtual hearing will be available at www.rbc.edu. It will include a presentation by the administration, and also time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can also comment on the proposed fee increase via an online form.

Public comments will be shared with the Board of Visitors in advance of its April 2021 meeting during which the vote will be conducted to set the tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state and out-of-state undergraduate and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The Board of Visitors will consider mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.

The April meeting of the Board of Visitors will be held on April 23 in Hunter Hall, located at 262 Richmond Road. More information on the Board meeting will be released next month in accordance with the university’s normal schedule of announcing public meetings.

The post RBC To Host Public Hearing On Tuition & Mandatory Fees on April 19, 2021 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The meeting will be held in both open and closed sessions. The open session may be accessed via the following link on the Board webpage:  https://www.wm.edu/bov/rbc

All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

The post Richard Bland College Committee Meeting Announcement for February 2021 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

President’s List – 3.80 to 4.00

Kansas

Kansas City: Alyssa Didone (Mission Oaks Christian School)

New York

New York: Jessica Fisher (Homeschooled), Andrew McGowan (Homeschooled), Grace Regan (Homeschooled), Elizabeth McKain (Homeschooled), Sarah Heath (Homeschooled), Austin Allison (Homeschooled), Shannon Corrigan (Homeschooled)

Virginia

Ashburn: Vincent Litwinowicz (Briar Woods High School)

Stafford: Brianna Correa (Brooke Pointe High School), Jadyn Brown (Brooke Pointe High School), Henry Becker (Brooke Pointe High School),

Charlottesville: Ari Kyle (Charlottesville High School)

Midlothian: Jordan May (Clover Hill HIGH SCHOOL), Julian Rivera Santiago (Cosby High School), Kai Huang (Cosby High School),

Stafford: Anna Lane (Colonial Forge High School)

Glen Allen: Meredith Schuler (Deep Run High School)

Dinwiddie: Isaiah Duclairjeune (Dinwiddie High School), Kaitlyn Danforth (Dinwiddie High School), Tatum Branch (Dinwiddie High School)

Virginia Beach: Kristen Kountz (Floyd E Kellam High School), Benjamin Adams (Frank W Cox High School)

South Riding:  Darren Osborne (Freedom High School)

Hopewell: Jada Costello (Hopewell High School)

Aldie: Shuban Bala (John Champe High School)

Mc Lean: Benjamin Cantrell (Langley High School)

Chesterfield: Stephen Hollis (Lloyd C.Bird High School)

Fredericksburg: Christion Grzyb (Massaponax High School), Noryen Lasley (Massaponax High School)

North Chesterfield: Christopher Chiodo (Matoaca High School), Dylan White (Monacan High School), Cecilia Soukup (Monacan High School), Sage Moss (Monacan High School)

Crewe: Casey Hart (Nottoway High School)

Prince George: Michael Mullenix (Prince George High School), Isabella Adair (Prince George High School), Willard Andrews (Prince George High School), Kelsey Johnston (Prince George High School), Riley Newbold (Prince George High School), Corey Edwards (Prince George High School), Brienne Carr (Prince George High School), Hannah Dunn (Prince George High School), Amanda Cook (Prince George High School), Jenna Simpson (Prince George High School), Justin Dunn (Prince George High School), Ashley Renn (Prince George High School), Ruben Lantigua (Prince George High School)

Ashburn: Senuvi Jayasinghe (Rock Ridge High School), Matthew Stevenson (Stone Bridge High School)

Courtland: Kaleb Jenkins (Southampton High School)

Dendron: Adam Seward (Surry County High School)

Stony Creek: Anna White (Sussex Central High School)

Chester: Abbey Horne (Thomas Dale High School), Erika Western (Thomas Dale High School), Quianna Benway (Thomas Dale High School)

Wakefield: Allison Brittle (Tidewater Academy)

Waynesboro: Destiny Lam (Waynesboro HIGH SCHOOL)

Chantilly: Michael Mason (Westfield HIGH SCHOOL)

Arlington: Ryan Lee (Yorktown High School), Robert Ryder (Yorktown High School)

Unlisted: Minseo Kim (Unlisted High School), Byung Seok Lee (Unlisted High School), Jihye Han (Unlisted High School), Jungyeop Kim (Unlisted High School), Seunghee Yoon (Unlisted High School), Minseo Kim Unlisted High School ,Anh Tuan Le (Unlisted High School) Ruopeng Wu (Unlisted High School),  Mideum Han (Unlisted High School) ,Hyunseo Jegal (Unlisted High School), Reagan Gregory (Unlisted High School), Ruokun Wu (Unlisted High School), Maria Perez (Unlisted High School)

 Dean’s List 3.25 to 3.79

California

Roseville: Connor Sakamoto (Oakmont High School)

Georgia

Mableton: Mackiness Whitton (Pebblebrook High School)

New Hampshire

Nashua: Ruojia Li (Bishop Guertin High School)

New York

New York: Sara Youssef (Homeschooled)

Pennsylvania

Lancaster: Janessa Neff (Conestoga Valley Senior High School)

Scranton: Jamie Stockner (Penn Foster High School)

South Carolina

Greenville: Benjamin Jones (Greenville High School Acad Law Fin Bus)

Virginia

Petersburg: David Wolfe (Appomattox Reg Gov Arts & Tech)

Mechanicsville: Landon Scott (Atlee High School)

Haymarket: Jacob Challberg (Battlefield High School)

Broadway: Ryan Martin (Broadway High School)

Stafford: Candace Johnson (Brooke Point High School), Oghenerukevwe Onovae (Colonial Forge High School), Brooklyn Simmons (Colonial Forge High School)

Colonial Heights: Alex Chini (Colonial Heights High School), Ava Kirkland Colonial Heights HIGH SCHOOL (Colonial Heights High School), Trever Weeks (Colonial Heights High School), Brett Lewis (Colonial Heights High School), Katie Villalta (Colonial Heights High School),

Dinwiddie: Gavin Spradlin (Dinwiddie High School), Sonja Ortiz (Dinwiddie High School), Jessica Fletcher (Dinwiddie High School), Gregory Daniel (Dinwiddie High School), John Ross (Dinwiddie High School)

Lynchburg: Crystal Pitman (E C Glass High School)

Fairfax: Alex Mendoza (Fairfax High School)

Fort Defiance: Leilani Goggin (Fort Defiance HigHigh Schoolcool)

Henrico: Victor Vasquez (Freeman High School), Margaret Linthicum (Freeman High School), Carson Herod (Freeman High School), Andrew Bottari (Freeman High School), Alex Lozano-Tinoco (Freeman High School), Micael De Almeida (Hermitage High School)

Hopewell: Jaelin Hobson (Hopewell High School)

Vienna: Christopher Polymeropoulos (James Madison High School)

Fredericksburg: Celissa Samora-Nixon (James Monroe High School), Steven Fey (Stafford Senior High School)

King George: Connor Gray (King George High School)

Charlotte Court House: Tucker Webb (Kristina Edmonds Administrative Account)

Chesterfield: Heaven Smith (Lloyd C Bird High School), Gavin Burton (Lloyd C Bird High School)

Mineral: Avanti Hunter (Louisa County High School)

Midlothian: Chad Hensley (Manchester High School), Carter Dolan (Midlothian High School)

South Chesterfield: Nora Harrison (Matoaca High School), Marshall Stewart (Matoaca High School)

North Chesterfield: Jonathan Koch (Monacan High School), Kaitlyn Dudley Monacan High School), Abigail Dowdy (Monacan High School), Temitope Omotayo (Monacan High School)

New Kent: Natalie Filipowicz (New Kent High School)

Manassas: Mayra Osorto-Terezon (Osbourn High School)

Ashland: Mason Dycus (Patrick Henry High School)

Dumfries Southbridge: Kaleikaumaka Grebin (Potomac Senior High School)

Powhatan: Connor Woodel (Powhatan High School)

Farmville: Haniyyah Johnson (Prince Edward County High School)

Prince George: Shelby Godfrey (Prince George High School), Alissa Heishman (Prince George High School), Hailey Fields (Prince George High School), Ricardo Figueroa (Prince George High School), Christopher Brown (Prince George High School), Jada Johnson (Prince George High School), Anna Linduff (Prince George High School), Cristopher Perez Hernandez (Prince George High School), Kaley Koren (Prince George High School) , Joshua Dendler  (Prince George High School), Brianna Barlow (Prince George High School), McKenzie Morrissette (Prince George High School)

Smithfield: Jonathan Major (Smithfield High School)

Courtland: Wyatt Smith (Southampton Academy)

Penn Laird: Madison Sweet (Spotswood High School), Austin Dansey (Spotswood High School)

Chester: Emelin Trejo Ibarra (Thomas Dale High School), Eleonora-Francis Centorino-Moden (Thomas Dale High School), Alexander Collins (Thomas Dale High School)

Windsor: Madison Lowe (Windsor High School)

Unlisted: Margaret Whitton (Unlisted High School), Duarte Veigas Mendes (Unlisted High School), Rahim Askarov (Unlisted High School), Yeonho Lee (Unlisted High School) ,Edgar Reboredo Martins (Unlisted High School), Ajra Faiza Islam (Academia Pearson Edexcel), Juang Park (The King’s School)

The post RBC Announces President’s & Dean’s List Students appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The meeting will be held in open session and may be accessed via the following link on the Board webpage:  https://www.wm.edu/bov/rbc

All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

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Richard Bland’s reaffirmation follows a vigorous process of on-site and off-site reviews to ensure the College is continuing to provide the resources, programs and services to accomplish its mission of excellence in teaching, learning and commitment to 100% student success.

The SACSCOC reaffirmation process is conducted every 10 years. Campus visits were completed in October 2018  by members of the SACSCOC On-Site Reaffirmation Committee, which differs and is separate from members of the association’s Off-Site Reaffirmation Committee. Richard Bland was first accredited in 1961 and last reaffirmed in 2009.

Accreditation by SACSCOC is a statement of the institution’s continuing commitment to integrity and its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed-upon accreditation standards.

“Reaffirmation was the result of years of tireless and painstaking work by faculty and staff,” says President Debbie L. Sydow. “It is a testament to the commitment of the College to provide a high quality education for our students while operating in an ethical and responsible manner.”

Reaffirmation signifies that RBC meets or exceeds national standards and enables the College to receive federal funds, including scholarships, loans and research grants. Additionally, accreditation determines that RBC has the resources, programs and services to accomplish its mission and has clearly specified educational programs to accomplish its goals and objectives. It is an important element of recognition for students working toward degrees at the College.

Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary
Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, up to 80% financial assistance for high performing students, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
SACSCOC is the regional accrediting body for institutions awarding degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. It accredits higher education institutions in the Southern states and serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America and other international sites approved by the Commission. https://sacscoc.org

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The meeting will be held in both open and closed sessions. The open session may be accessed via the following link on the Board webpage:  https://www.wm.edu/bov/rbc

All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

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Dr. Birdsong, who has been appointed to a second one-year term, has been an Assistant Professor of Psychology at RBC since 2015. Dr. Birdsong earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in business from Manhattan College. She earned her Master of Arts and Doctoral degrees from LaSalle (PA) University. Prior to joining RBC Dr. Birdsong worked as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in a variety of treatment settings.

In 2019 Dr. Birdsong became Chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department. She was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence in 2017 and has served Chair of the Faculty Assembly for two consecutive terms and currently serves as Chair of the Instructional Programs and Curriculum Committee.

“It was a pleasure to serve as faculty representative to the Board of Visitors for the 2019-20 academic year, said Dr. Birdsong. “The Board has continued to provide enthusiastic support for our students and I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the RBC faculty on the Board this academic year.”

Ms. Moncure is a sophomore honor student from Fredericksburg and a Resident Assistant on campus. She is enrolled in the prestigious Promise Scholars program, an innovative collaboration with William & Mary that is designed to ease transfer from RBC to W&M for high-ability, Virginia residents who are eligible for a Pell Grant. She plans to major in International Relations at William & Mary.

“I am looking forward to representing my peers and Richard Bland to the Board of Visitors,” Moncure says. “I am incredibly thankful for this honor and ready to fulfill my responsibility to the best of my abilities.”

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The cornerstone of RBC’s campus reopening plan is Statesman Safe & Secure, which was developed in consultation which the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The plan has been reviewed by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) and found compliant with the required components of the “Higher Education Reopening Guidance.”

The Statesman Safe & Secure report can be accessed here

“While campus life will be decidedly different this fall due to the pandemic, RBC remains committed to its educational mission and to delivering an exceptional student experience,” says President Debbie L. Sydow. “Richard Bland’s Safe & Secure reopening plan is designed to safeguard the health and safety of every member of the community.”

This fall, fifty-seven percent (a 10 percent increase from the 2019-20 academic year) of RBC’s incoming honor students are members of the Promise Scholars program, a joint initiative between Richard Bland College and William & Mary. The Promise Scholars program is designed to provide high-ability, Pell-eligible, Virginia students the opportunity to earn an associate degree at RBC and then transfer to William & Mary to complete a baccalaureate degree with little to no debt. This is the third year for this innovative program.

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The meeting will be held in open session. The open session may be accessed via the following link on the Board webpage: https://www.wm.edu/bov/rbc

All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

The post Richard Bland College Committee Meeting Announcement for August 18, 2020 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Return to campus
Check out the video on the return to campus this fall.

Gap Year
Check out the video on taking advantage of a gap year.

Not Too Late to Enroll for Fall 2020
Check out the video on applying to RBC for the fall semester

Staying Close to Home
Check out the video on staying close to home this academic year

The post Adapted Learning This Fall appeared first on Richard Bland College.

New this year, the LSL is part of a suite of Transformation Labs offered by ACE to guide colleges and universities through a structured strategic planning process to advance critical institutional priorities. Participants will work 12-18 months to integrate evidence-based practices for persistence and completion, life design and career exploration, and workforce skills development, ultimately producing a comprehensive strategy for learner success. The pilot cohort will begin work in October 2020 and is supported by a grant from the Strada Education Network.

“Richard Bland College will now have the opportunity to build upon its innovative Exceptional Student Experience program as a member of the elite LSL cohort,” says President Debbie L. Sydow. “Prioritizing student success in a highly diverse learning community is squarely in our wheelhouse, and this program will undoubtedly contribute to RBC’s aspirational goal of 100% student success.”

“Seize Your Potential,” RBC’s strategic plan, focuses on clearly defined pathways that outline workforce-friendly majors and credentials, making RBC an ideal fit for the LSL,” says Director of Student Success Celia Brockway. “This process will involve the entire RBC village and surrounding community. We look forward to propelling our strategic plan forward in collaboration with ACE and the LSL cohort institutions.”

“This is an important time to take action to further learner success, especially for post-traditional and traditionally underserved learners who are our new majority,” said Lindsey Myers, director of the Learner Success Lab. “As higher education reshapes itself in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions in the Learner Success Lab can leverage this opportunity to align their resources and build strategies that center and empower learners.”

The other institutions in the inaugural Learner Success Laboratory cohort include: Elon University, Iowa State University, Labouré College, Massasoit Community College, Southeast Missouri State University, Union Institute & University, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Western Oregon University, and Windward Community College.

Institutions in the cohort serve approximately 67,000 undergraduate learners in total and comprise a diverse range of two-and four-year, public and private institutions, and several current or emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions.

Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary

Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, up to 80% financial assistance for high performing students, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

 American Council on Education

ACE is a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two-year and four-year, public and private. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on Twitter @ACEducation.

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“Richard Bland College is thrilled to continue working with the Chesterfield Chamber to offer leadership training to help grow our leaders and support our businesses, and communities grow and thrive,” said President Debbie L. Sydow. “In a time of so much uncertainty, it’s critical that we build leaders that are nimble and innovative. This program helps develop those leaders.”

“As communities, businesses, and residents continue to be nimble in a rapidly changing environment, building leaders to carry us beyond is most critical today. Leadership Chesterfield will be a catalyst in the County of identifying those leaders and their passion in which they want to serve,” said Danielle MW Fitz-Hugh, President & CEO. “Richard Bland College continues to be our great partner to help accomplish those goals.”

Justin Lundie, a recent Leadership Chesterfield graduate said, “I was able to reinforce good habits I already had and develop some opportunities for growth as a leader. The content was meaningful, relevant, and engaging.”

Leadership Chesterfield consists of nine workshops from October 2020 through June 2021. The sessions will be held from 9 am to 1 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at various locations throughout Chesterfield County chosen to enrich learning in a business environment.  Guest speakers and educators will be facilitating the workshops.

To learn more and apply for Leadership Chesterfield, go to www.chesterfieldchamber.com.

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The RBC Reopening Tiger Team

In an effort to focus on the best way to reopen safely and effectively in the fall, President Sydow created the “RBC Reopening Tiger Team,” on May 26th. This Team, which combined the work of the Academic Fall Reopening Committee and the Continuity of Operations Committee, was tasked to identify campus reopening options, assess the pros and cons of each option and to develop a reopening recommendation that upholds the College’s mission while ensuring the health and safety considerations of the RBC community by adhering to CDC and VDH guidelines. This Team did not consider fiscal issues related to reopening.

The Team initially met on May 28 and had three additional meetings on June 3, June 4 and June 5. The June 5 meeting included the Virginia Department of Health’s epidemiologist. The Team concluded its effort on June 10, after providing an open discussion with members of the College’s COVID-19 Team.

As student education and success is at the heart of RBC’s existence, the capabilities and capacity of the RBC academic team became the driver of Fall reopening plans.

Process

Two feasible scenarios were presented that consider the mission critical delivery of quality instruction

while considering the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students.

1. Return to Campus Scenario with mitigation strategies
2. Fully Online Instruction Scenario

In the first scenario, faculty develop their courses to a hybrid format (synchronous) that will reduce on campus, in-seat capacity at all times to maintain recommended social distancing guidelines. Breaks between classes will be increased to allow for proper disinfection. This option would also provide for residential living experience at a reduced capacity for students to include library and Café operations to support campus life.

In the second scenario, RBC offers fully online instruction in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction that restricts student and faculty access to campus in much the same way that the College operated during the second half of the Spring 2020 semester. Residential housing would be closed and the Café would not be operational.

A survey was developed and administered to students in an effort to gage their willingness to return to campus or to operate online. The survey was administered to existing and prospective students with 353 respondents. Important summarized findings include that “students do not want to go completely online and will not return if we are only online.” In addition, students’ responses indicated that, “they are willing to go the extra mile to keep themselves sanitized and keep their peers accountable in order to return to campus.”

The Team reviewed all relevant Executive Orders from the Office of the Governor as they relate to the public health emergency and developed this recommendation around the guidance provided in the Governor’s “Forward Virginia Blueprint.”

In addition, the Team reviewed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) guidelines for college and university reopening, met with the VDH epidemiologist, assessed current data specific to the Crater District and reviewed reopening plans from Radford University, Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University.

As new and relevant guidance is made available from the Governor, the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV), CDC and VDH, the College plan should be adjusted to reflect those guiding principles.

Findings

Realizing that this pandemic situation is dynamic and impacted by many variables, the Tiger Team has made certain assumptions regarding the College’s ability to reopen:

• Regionally, there must be a decrease or downward trend in new and confirmed cases for a minimum of 14 days prior to students moving into residence halls and the start of any in-person classes;

• Crater District testing capacity must be at a level that, at a minimum, supports testing symptomatic individuals and their close contacts;

• Crater District must have a tracing capacity sufficient to trace contracts for all new cases and their close contacts;

• The capacity of the healthcare system (Southside Regional Medical Center) must be steady and capable of, at a minimum, safely treating all patients and new COVID-19 related admissions;
• The capacity of housing must be sufficient to accommodate all residential students who need to be isolated and quarantined;
• Personal protective equipment must be available in sustainable quantities for campus use;
• The Governor must have lifted the shelter at home (phase I) requirement and permitted a partial to full reopening of non-essential businesses in the Crater Health District (phase II or phase III).

With the understanding that the College has developed significant mitigation strategies, it is the Team’s recommendation that the College move forward with a phased return to the campus for the Fall 2020 semester utilizing the existing academic calendar.

Plan

The functional areas of Academics, Student Success, Facilities, Residential Life, Human Resources, Legal Services, Safety and Communications will develop specific plans to support the reopening scenarios while adhering to CDC and VDH guidelines. Highlights:

• Residence Life

o Residence Life will open residential suites to students, but with a reduced occupancy rate that maximizes student health and well-being and is consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines

o Implement an educational campaign before students arrive on campus

o Train Residence Life staff to monitor residential student safety and health standards

o Establish visitation and gathering guidelines consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines

• Off-campus visitation will be restricted and subject to review by Residence Life
• Inside visitation will be consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines

o Commerce Hall and certain rooms in Patriot and Freedom Halls will be reserved for quarantine and isolation of students

o An agreement with Days Inn, Prince George, has been developed to provide additional rooms for students requiring quarantine or isolation

o An agreement with Serv-Pro has been established to disinfect rooms after an incident

o An agreement with Patient First to provide COVID testing for students is established

o Students with a positive test result will be isolated by VDH order, as necessary

o Students will be provided personal protective equipment (PPE) in the form of a “Welcome Home” package. It may include hand sanitizer, face masks, related cleaning supplies and information on COVID-19

• Additional supplies will be available for students in the Office of Residence Life
• Dining Services

o The Café seating area will be reduced to 100 seats

• Large tables will be removed and tables will be 6’ apart
• Outdoor seating will be established

o Installation of sneeze guards at service areas

o Grab and Go food will be available

• Athletics

o Due to the many complexities related to safeguarding the health of student-athletes, placing Statesman athletics on hiatus in the year ahead should be considered. This hiatus would achieve the primary goal of safety first.

o Intramurals and open gym

• Restricted access to exercise facilities and gym consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines

• Academics

o Move majority of classes to synchronous remote face-to-face format providing students with the option to take the course in-seat or online

• Ability to rotate students in-seat and online
• Ability to pivot to strictly online in event of resurgence
• Cancel fall break
• Complete semester after Thanksgiving online only

o Additional time allotted between classes

• Allow student/faculty cleaning of space
• Allow de-densified traffic flow through building spaces

o Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday class format

• Allows deep cleaning of buildings on Friday
• Allows small group testing and labs on Friday

o Faculty office hours

• Remote
• Larger classroom
• Student Success (Appendix 3D)

o Gatherings

• No large gatherings will be permitted consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines
• Elimination of field trips
• Small gatherings will be permitted, but students will be required to RSVP for the event to ensure space is sufficient

o Virtual gathering of

• Clubs
• Conduct Board
• Career/Internship Fairs

o Tutoring online with limited face-to-face tutoring by appointment

o Shuttles will be offered by appointment or sign up on designated days

o Library services will be developed consistent with social distancing guidelines

• Chrome-book sign-out will be by appointment

o Medical transport will be provided through Dinwiddie County Emergency Services (911)

• VDH will test students on campus, as necessary

o Bridge Program

• Coordination with W&M is ongoing and will be consistent with CDC and VDH guidelines

• Reviewing guidelines that allow a student to operate a fleet vehicle for transportation to W&M

o Provide counseling services remotely and by appointment

• Develop partnerships with off campus counseling providers

o Transfer Partner program will be developed to offer virtual opportunities

o Testing Center will develop virtual testing opportunities or by appointment

o Student absence policy for COVID-19 will be developed in conjunction with Academic programs

o Disability Services will provide training to faculty for special needs in a virtual environment

o High-Risk students will be virtually contacted by the ADA consultant to check on the student sense of safety on campus

o Student Conduct

• Virtual hearings
• Develop student health and safety pledge
• Health and safety social norming activities will be developed

o Provide contract nurse services to students 24/7

o Provide contract ADA services to students

o One-on-One Advising services will be remote or by appointment in large classroom setting

• Learnor Mentors will have a larger space reserved for advising
• Facilities

o Supply PPE kits to all students, faculty and staff at the start of the semester, to include:

• Washable face coverings
• Hand sanitizer
• Information packets

o Maintain cleaning and disinfecting supplies

o Install standard hardware in academic, administrative and residential facilities to prevent the spread of disease

• Sneeze guards
• Social distancing floor tiles
• Signs and related static media placement
• Human Resources

o Face coverings will be required in all common areas, consistent with the Governor’s order

o Faculty and staff will be encouraged to wipe down work spaces using disinfectant

o Virtual meetings will be encouraged

o Managers will be provided with break room management strategies

o Develop signs for hallways, queuing areas, lobbies, and restrooms

o Elevators will be handicap only

o Track COVID-19 tracking of employees

o Manage telework options

o Manage COVID-19 related illness leave options

o Provide training to community regarding mitigating strategies

• Employees to complete by August 1, 2020
• Managers to complete by July 17, 2020

o Phased return timeline developed by cabinet in conjunction with Human Resources

o Develop strategies with managers for employees requiring flexibility or accommodations

• Safety

o Coordinate VDH resources

o Develop enhanced COOP for pandemic

o Develop policy:

• Prophylactic

o Mask

o Testing

o Building cleaning

o Access control

• Symptom

o Temperature checks

o Symptomatic people protocol

• Testing and Tracking

o Acquisition

o Contact tracking

o Develop Shut down protocols

• Communications

o Develop social norming campaign

• Utilize signs, posters, video, social media to market the need and use of PPE
• Educate community through visual reminders

Conclusion

Although it is not the mission of this Team to develop specific plans but to assess the feasibility to reopen in the fall, much work has already been undertaken to mitigate COVID-19 risks on campus.

• VDH has agreed to perform COVID-19 testing on campus or at the Crater Districts testing sites
• VDH has agreed to perform contact tracing
• Face masks have been located and purchased in large quantities
• Disinfection equipment (foggers) has been purchased and tested
• Negotiations with Patient First and Southside Regional Medical Center are underway for contract doctor/nurse support
• Additional housing for isolation and quarantine has been arranged off campus

The Team has worked vigorously to identify the risks that COVID-19 poses to the campus community and to determine if the mitigation strategies are cost-effective, available and can be achieved prior to the first day of classes. It is clear that there is a spirit of enthusiasm on campus, as presented by the Team, the College staff that were interviewed and the students who responded to the survey. This momentum, combined with the mitigated risk and developed strategies, will make the phased reopening of the campus the best option for Fall 2020.

Click here for pdf version of the report on Campus Reopening Report and Recommendations

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The Cameron Foundation grant provides Richard Bland College with almost 30 mobile hotspots for use by students who do not have reliable access to high-speed internet. Students can request the mobile hotspots through the Statesmen Technical Assistance Center (STAC). Instructions on requesting a mobile hotspot.

“The College is committed to ensuring that every member of the campus community receives a high quality educational experience during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly our most vulnerable students,” says Debbie L. Sydow, President of RBC. “Without access to high-speed internet, staying on track with college coursework is challenging, but thanks to The Cameron Foundation’s generous grant, our students can continue to pursue their academic goals without barriers or disruption.”

Through its COVID-19 Emergency Grant program, The Cameron Foundation awards grants for organizations in the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties that are being impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Grant funding was available for eligible organizations in one of four key areas: Health and Safety, Education, General Operating Support and Technology.

“The Cameron Foundation just launched this new program in April, and we quickly saw that institutions like Richard Bland College have an urgent need for more of this technology. It adds to RBC’s resources to be able to adapt and continue to serve their students in a changed environment,” said Board Chair Pam Martin Comstock. She added, “Through community partnerships such as this, we both are able to answer our respective missions.”

Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary
Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, up to 80{5b2ffe48c25fcf1af74449cb013cf6cb1d7085e045a358d699fdbf39f60480b9} financial assistance for high performing students, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80{5b2ffe48c25fcf1af74449cb013cf6cb1d7085e045a358d699fdbf39f60480b9} of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

The Cameron Foundation
The Cameron Foundation strives to transform the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties into a healthy, vibrant and economically vital region by strategically leveraging resources for community impact. Founded in 2003, The Cameron Foundation is a private foundation that was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg. Since the Foundation began grantmaking in 2004, it has awarded more than $93 million to organizations serving residents of this area. More information about The Cameron Foundation is available at www.camfound.org or by phone at 804-732-8900.

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Mr. Branch, a former member of the RBC Foundation Board of Directors and current member of the W&M Board of Visitors, delivered the 2020 commencement address. Mr. Branch grew up in Dinwiddie, and after graduating from RBC in 1982, he earned a B.A. degree in sociology from William & Mary. He currently is the Richmond Market President for Bank of America.

Branch commended the graduating class for being hard-working, dedicated, determined, flexible, and resilient. “I am, like many of you, a first-generation college graduate,” Branch said. “The encouragement I got at RBC to do more and be more put me on a path towards success. RBC has helped this graduating class to overcome challenges, remove obstacles, and keep pushing to find innovative and creative ways to persevere. Your future is bright, and the best is yet to come.”

Alden Di Dio, Vice President of the Student Assembly, represented the Class of ’20 as the student speaker. He asked his fellow graduates not to forget where they began their academic journey and to remember the memories, friends, and education earned at RBC. “I am proud of you, I will miss you and I love you,” Di Dio said. “RBC is a home away from home that respects you, guides you, and cares about you.” Di Dio will attend William & Mary in the fall.

RBC’s virtual commencement ceremony can be at https://www.rbc.edu/commencement-2020/

DECEMBER 2019 & MAY 2020 GRADUATES (*denotes December graduate)

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Alexus Andrea Charity (Hopewell), *Jean Paul De Villena Flores (Lima, Peru), Georganna Maree Dowdy (Prince George), *Brianna Robinson Gettier (Waverly),*Grace Anne Gouyer (Chester), Sierra J. Johnson (Newport News, VA), Rahul Kumar (Colonial Heights), Curtis J. Norman, Jr. (Chester), Kaitlyn Christine Rainey (Colonial Heights), Catherine Athena Raneses (Alexandria, VA), *Tyler Charles Richards (Chesterfield),*Asa Franchesca-Elizabeth Sanderson (Colonial Heights), Shakeeah La’nay Staton (Petersburg), Samantha Leigh Taylor (Henrico)

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
Isabel Noriko Adkin (Moseley), Kwang Sub Ahn (Seoul, Republic of Korea), Teresita Ann Allison (Prince George), *Michelle Lynn Apodaca (Colonial Heights), Solomon Asare (Virginia Beach), Jerrica Nicole Ash (Fort Lee), Cierra Lynn Scofield Ashley (Prince George), Joshua Ayala (Disputanta), Fabian I. Banks (Dinwiddie), Hailee Shania Banks (Dinwiddie), Sydney Bartlett (Prince George), Taylar Bauschatz (Prince George), Logan Anne Beasley (Carson), *Jessica Nicole Berger (Chester), *Michelle Sharon Berrios (Petersburg), *Victoria J. Biermann (Colonial Heights), Sabrina Marie Bishop (Petersburg), *Kyle E. Blanchard (Disputanta), Tyler Blanchard (Disputanta), Colleen Amber Boone (Prince George), Benjamin Clark Bowles (Waverly), Melissa Goad Bradley (Blackstone), Victoria Ann Bradley (Chester, VA), Kathleen Natasha Rhue Brakefield (Colonial Heights),    *Dakari Marvin Branch (Chesterfield), Madison Broga (Colonial Heights), *Dylan F. Bryant (Chesterfield), Muhammad Ibrahim Bucha (Lahore, Pakistan), Enoch Hananiah Bullock (Richmond), Addison E. Caldwell (Chesterfield), *Chanler Jade Callaham (Chesterfield), Caleb M. Carpenter (Chesterfield), Kyarra Marie Carpenter (Prince George), Micah Isaac Carpenter (Dinwiddie), *Kaylah Y. Carter (Prince George), Kendra Marie Cattanach (Palmyra), Brianna Michele Ceren (Houston, TX), Kyaw Nyein Chan (Yangon, Burma), *Zi Chen (Haikou,Hainan Province, China), *Christopher Taylor Cicoria (Chester), Alyssa Cirigliano (Dinwiddie), Brittany Marie Cobb (Newsoms), *Shawn Christian Collins (Carson), Tabatha Colvin (Dinwiddie), *David Alfredo Comayagua (Richmond), Samantha Marie Conley (Mechanicsville), Sariah-anne Conquest (Mechanicsville, VA), *Aliyah Kayelee Craft (Prince George), *Danielle Creech  (Petersburg), Jac’Eisha Lashae Crockett (Sussex County), *Abby Elizabeth Crosier (Prince George), *Mallory Nicole Cunningham (Fredericksburg), Kathryn Mae Davis (Colonial Heights), TaLia S. Davis (Colonial Heights), *Walter T. Davis (Colonial Heights), *Gorka Delgado Alonso  (Zamudio, Spain), *Cynthia Rose DeVane (Dinwiddie), Patrice Titiana Dewalt (Chesterfield), Alden G. Di Dio (Stafford), Lauren Nicole Dollins (Gordonsville), Nicholas Scott Duncan (Colonial Heights), Michael Buckley Dunn (Richmond), Donald Kenneth Edgerton, Jr. (Honolulu, HI), Ethan Warren English (Chester), Geniyah NaDeira Everette (Franklin), *Liam Wyatt Fahy (Chesterfield), Lindsay Danielle Faucette (Dinwiddie), Antonio Ferreira de Carvalho Ferreira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Kirsten Arline Fields (Baltimore, MD), Monasia Hydia Finnell (Lawrenceville, VA), Guillermo Fontes Salazar (Hermosillo, Mexico), Chase Turner Fortner (Prince George), Tyler Paul Fournia (Chester), Charles Herbert Funk, IV (Chester), Mariya Georgieva (Winchester), *Darrius Giles (Petersburg), *Abby E. Gill (Disputanta), Sage Ginther (Prince George), *Peyton Glazier (Prince George), Mikhele William Glenn (Chester), George Anthony Gouyer (Chester), Shannon Kay Greenspon (Fork Union), Morgan Nicole Grissom (Prince George), Emily Kate Guess (Disputanta), Alexandra Love Hagans (Chesterfield), *Damion Hailey (Fort Hood, TX), *Hannah E. Hale  (Petersburg), Rhea Precious Hanks (Petersburg), Shelby Mustang Hanscom (Disputanta), Joshua Michael Hanzlik (Prince George), Caleb Albert Harris (Suffolk), *James Robert Harris (Prince George), Sean Donell Harris (Chesterfield), Alexander Hemstock (Midlothian), Matthew Hemstock (Midlothian), Jacori T. Hewitt (Sandston), Darrian Marissa Hill (Petersburg), Jessica Earlene Hill (Prince George), Tahjae Hillard (Chester), Bradli Bryce Hios (Hopewell), *Geneva Ti’Jai Hodge (Chester), Marvin Howell (Woodbridge), Nicole Hu (Ashburn), Hannah Nicole Hudson (Chesterfield), Thomas Bradley Hunter (Petersburg), Teri S. Jackson (Powhatan), Brianne Chris-Lee Johnson (Disputanta), Geordan De’Qwan Johnson (Richmond), Kevina Cordasia Johnson (Petersburg), Taylor Nicole Johnson (Dinwiddie), Aerial Ziaire Jones (Petersburg), Graham Tyler Jones (Prince George), Kameron Jones (Petersburg), *Samantha Mae Kaiser (Prince George), Madison Reanna Kelley (Mount Crawford), *Maryia Shayne Kienzler (Prince George), Joseph King (Richmond), *Alyssa A. Kozen (Disputanta), Junghoon Lee (Seoul, Republic of Korea), Mullaney C. Lee (Waynesboro), Amanda Lee Lipford (Dinwiddie), *Steve Kersee Lucess, Jr. (Dinwiddie), Jingya Luo (Shenzhen, Guangdong, China),  Lyndsie Nicole Lee Maile (Prince George), Travis Alan Marston (Chester), Seth J. McCoun (Dewitt), Ethan R. McNew (Prince George), Juan Menjivar (Chesterfield), *Taylor Nicole Mingloski (Chesterfield), Courtney Nicole Minor (Chester), Zalak S. Mistry (Colonial Heights),*Harrison Mitchell (Hampton), Seth Edward Moore (Dinwiddie), *Cierra Love Morman (Petersburg), Olivia Rae Moyer (Prince George), Lena Nieto (Prince George), Rebecca Nolan Padgett (Chesterfield), Eric Padinjarekuttu (Chesterfield), Hanna Michele Paige  (Chesterfield), Alyssa Anne Palmer (Disputanta), *Jordan Baxter Parker (Colonial Heights), Jessica Erin Parrish (Colonial Heights), Diamon Moná Patterson (Petersburg), Lauren Elizabeth Peade (Prince George), *Seth Perez (The Villages, FL), *Amanda Dawne Perkinson (Dinwiddie), Quoc Cuong Pham (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), Alyssa Pitts (Virginia Beach), Rachel Kristine Rego (Jarratt), Charkia Formeka Riddick (Ettrick), Matthew Paul Ridley (Hartlepool, England), *Dianitzmarie Rivera Pere (Chester), Jakayla Lachelle Rives (Dinwiddie), Keshawna Camille Rogers (Newport News), *Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz Gomez (Vitoria, Spain), Maximilian Michael Schoebel (Meiningen, Germany), Keil M. Scott, II (Spring Grove), Christopher G. Shapiro (Colonial Heights), William Dalton Sharpe (Hopewell), *Patrick E. Shott (Richmond), Keonté Juandrell Singletary (Chesterfield), *Jalen S. Smith (Richmond), Kenneth Avent Southerland, Jr. (Richmond), *Shannon Desireé Starks (Prince George), Quatavia Stokes (Richmond), *Ti Su (Taichung, Taiwan), Yuchen Sun (Chengdu, Sichuan, China), Randy Sykes  (Petersburg), Alexandrea M. Talley (Henrico), Frederick Delando Taylor (Petersburg), *Tiana Terry (Richmond), Tré Jordan Tillman (Chester, VA), *Breonna Thomas (Hopewell), Kiara Toler (Fredericksburg), *Vu Thuy Linh Tran (Nam, Dinh, Vietnam), Carter Tuck (Petersburg), *Barry A. Tudor (Colonial Heights), Hannah Omana Veghese (Chester), Cameron E. Vohun (Disputanta), Jessica Marie Walker (Petersburg), *Jordan Nia Walter (Stafford), Hongmei Wang (Nanning, Guangxi, China), Destiny Hope Watson (Colonial Heights), Gregory Lee Williams, Jr. (Chester), Rylan Williams (Fredericksburg), Hanyang Zhang (Richmond), Wenxin Zhu (Jinan, Shandong, China), Rebecca E. Ziegenfuss (Disputanta).

AUGUST 2020 DEGREE CANDIDATES

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Grace Ann Beverly (Amelia), Jeremiah Jeffrey Foltz (Winchester), Amanda N. Johnson (Prince George), Nathan Valentine (Petersburg), Jordan A. Walker (Dinwiddie).

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
Austin G. Aaron (Prince George), Jayda Alexis Sheryl Ann Alexander (Alexandria), Makaylah Cyann Allen (Richmond), Laquinta T. Bailey (Chesterfield), Rachel Morgan Beasley (Carson), Camren Bourgeois (Henrico), Daisia Nicole Branch-Atkins (Richmond), Kate M. Bridgman (Petersburg), Sierra Marie Taylor Broaddus (Dinwiddie), Tessa Nichole Carroll (Prince George), Ilana Carter (Norfolk), Christoffer David (Virginia Beach), Kamryn Desireé Edmond (Surry), Keion N. Evans (Petersburg), Noah C. George (Prince George), Haley Page Godfrey (Prince George), Waltesha Briana Green (Petersburg), Madison Nicole Huffman (Prince George), Jarvonya Lynquel Humphries (Richmond), Cierra La’Chelle Jackson (Richmond), Aliah Makayla Jones (Prince George), Jarie Alnique-Kha’Shee Jones (Chesterfield), Tatyana Moné Jones (Waverly), Zachery Tyler Jones (Richmond), Danielle P. Keeve (Montross), Ti’Neilya Moneá Lee (Freeman), Christopher Jordan Lowe (Prince George), Brandee Christyn Manley (Richmond), Jose David Martinez (Chester), Lemuel Omar McDaniel (Chesterfield), Christopher M. Mills (Ruckersville), Brené Ashanti Osbourne (Gloucester, VA), Divya Kiritkumar Patel (Prince George), Alexis Sherrell Patterson (Hopewell), Dwan Bernice Perez-Lopez (Hopewell), Derrick Khalil Lavar Redmon (Richmond), Elexia Malayia Robinson (Petersburg), Ayanna K. Swan (Richmond), Jacob J. Thomas (Prince George), Coleman Vaughn (Hopewell), Michelle Angeline Waire (Prince George), Olivia Lynsey Webster (Chesterfield), Emily Rose Whitehead (Prince George), Sarah Mackensie Wyatt (Waverly), Amal Yagoub (Richmond).

The post RBC Celebrates Class of 2020 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

In-state commuter students enrolled in 15 credits per semester will pay $8,100 for the 2020-21 academic year in tuition and mandatory fees. Out-of-state (domestic) tuition and fees are $13,890 annually. Out-of-state (international) tuition and fees, plus housing, will remain level at $31,849. Additionally, the Board has approved a lower online-only rate of just $199 per credit.

President Debbie L. Sydow says, “As students and families grow increasingly concerned about the high price of a college degree, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, RBC is committed to maintaining its long-standing mission of offering a top-notch education without undue financial burden.”

Richard Bland College has received $410,367 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for students suffering hardships during the pandemic. Students with financial aid questions can call 804-862-6260.

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Ten students earned Academic Excellence Awards. Selected by faculty members in each discipline of study, Academic Award recipients are students who have excelled and demonstrated academic promise in each subject area.

Academic Award recipients included: Kathleen Rhue Brakefield (Life Science), Joseph S. King (Physical Science), Sage Ginter (Math & Computer Science), Barry Ashton Tudor (Business & Economics), Sierra Johson (Psychology & Sociology / Communications), Grace Beverly (History & Government), Ibrahim Bucha (Philosophy & Religion), Jason Kellerhalls (Foreign Language), and JahLisa Brown (English).

The 2020 Faculty Excellence Award, based on nominations received from students, was presented to Dr. Timothy Rohrbach, Assistant Professor of Biology.

“Scholarship is the heart and soul of the College’s mission,” said Richard Bland College President Debbie Sydow. “We are immensely proud of each award recipient and enthusiastic about where their academic pursuits will lead them in the future.”

Students who earn a 3.5 grade point average or higher during the academic year are eligible for induction into the Alpha Beta Omicron Chapter of PTK, which specifically honors Richard Bland students. The College now boasts 117 PTK members.

The newest PTK inductees are: Kathleen Rhue Brakefield (Colonial Heights HS), James Corrigan (Prince George HS), Tailor Duhart (Harker Heights H.S./Harker Heights, Texas), Peter Gerges (Colonial Heights HS), Grace Gouyer (Midlothian H.S.), Seungho Han (Peniel HS/Republic of Korea), Madison Kelley (Turner Ashby HS/Mount Crawford), Hyun Soo Kim (Chang-Hyun High School/Republic of Korea), Brooke Loving (Prince George HS), Seth McCoun (Dinwiddie HS), Jenna Miles (Prince George), Seth Moore (Dinwiddie HS), Divya Patel (Thomas Dale HS), Mackenzie Somerville (Beaverton HS/Beaverton, Oregon), Ti Su (LeiChuan Waldorf School/Taiwan), Samantha Taylor (Mills E. Godwin HS), Rylan Williams (Colonial Forge HS).

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The ceremony can be viewed on the college website, YouTube andVimeo channels listed below:

www.rbc.edu

https://vimeo.com/user61876937

YouTube

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of RBC’s commencement ceremony.

President Debbie L. Sydow will preside over the 57^th ceremony that will be available on the RBC website, Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube Channels.

“The Class of 2020 has been remarkably resilient in completing a portion of their final semester online during a pandemic,” says Sydow. “Even though this year’s format will not allow for the traditional handshakes, awarding of diplomas and turning of tassels on graduation caps, it will honor and celebrate an absolutely extraordinary graduating class.“

The virtual ceremony will provide traditional commencement customs, including a Faculty declaration by Associate Professor of Mathematics Dannie Hudson and the national anthem performed by the Musical Statesmen. Remarks will be made by John Littlel, Rector of the William & Mary Board of Visitors.

The virtual ceremony will conclude with the conferring of associate degrees to 252 students.

Mr. Branch, a longtime supporter of RBC, will deliver the commencement address. After graduating from RBC in 1982, he earned a B.A. degree in sociology from William & Mary. He currently is the Richmond Market President for Bank of America and was a director on the Richard Bland College Foundation from 1987-1991 and 2009-2015. Branch chairs the Virginia Gateway Economic Development Alliance and serves as a trustee of the Center Stage Alliance.

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For Immediate Release: March 15, 2024
Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu

Richard Bland College Announces Public Hearing on Budget

The William & Mary Board of Visitors, governing body of Richard Bland College (RBC), will host a public hearing April 24, 2024 on the proposed tuition and mandatory fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state Richard Bland students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The public hearing will take place in room 107 of Ernst Hall, located at 11301 Johnson Road, S. Prince George, VA 23805 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It will include a presentation by the administration, and time for comments from the general public. In addition to participating in the public hearing, members of the public can comment on the proposed fee increase via an online form.

Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia requires that 30 days prior to approving an increase in undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, the boards of visitors of Virginia’s higher education institutions announce the range of increase under consideration, the proposed use of any incremental revenue and allow for public comment.

  The Board will set tuition and fees for continuing and incoming in-state, out-of-state and transfer students admitted to the college for the 2024-2025 academic year during its April 24-26 meeting.  As part of those actions, the Board will consider tuition and mandatory educational and general fee increases for RBC ranging from 0% to 5% and mandatory auxiliary fee increases ranging from 0% to 3% to offset direct costs.

Revenue generated from tuition and fees, in combination with other revenues will likely be used to address personnel costs, including the Richard Bland’s share of any state-mandated salary increases for employees or university commitments related to salaries, fringe and health benefit changes, strategic institutional initiatives, and contractually obligated cost escalations for college services. The exact uses will be determined in part by budget actions yet to be finalized by the Governor and General Assembly.

 Richard Bland College – Building on its Proud History as a Branch of William & Mary

Richard Bland College is a selective, residential two-year college offering academically rigorous programs, financial assistance, and intercollegiate athletics. The College’s Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program provides each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor who uses real-time information to keep students on course to graduation. Richard Bland College professors are ranked among the best in the region, with over 80% of instruction delivered by full-time faculty. The College boasts a small and diverse student population of 2,200 on a picturesque 750+ acre campus located just south of Richmond, Virginia.  www.rbc.edu

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“We understand that every home may not have dependable Internet access, and RBC wants to ensure that all of our students, and the community, can complete studies or other important daily tasks that require reliable service,” says Lashrecse Aird, Chief of Staff.

Details of RBC’s WiFi access are as follows:

• WiFi use is available for Richard Bland College students and the community.
• A limited number of tables are available on the perimeter of the Maze parking lot for outside WiFi access.
• Visitors are encouraged to remain in their vehicles while accessing WiFi. Those who choose to use outside space must follow CDC guidelines on social distancing.
• Speed of WiFi is affected by the number of connections at any given time. Each session is limited to one hour.
• Users accessing RBC’s WiFI are responsible for their own devices. The College is unable to provide technical support.
• Power for charging devices is not available.
• Public restrooms are not available.
• The College Police Department provides continuous patrol and video surveillance to provide a safe environment. To contact Campus Police, call 804-862-6111.

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An emergency meeting is permitted when the Governor has declared a state of emergency in accordance with Va. Code § 44-147.17, provided that (i) the catastrophic nature of the declared emergency makes it impracticable or unsafe to assemble a quorum in a single location and (ii) the purpose of the meeting is to address the emergency.

The Chair of the Richard Bland College Committee, in consultation with the President, has determined that it would be both impracticable and unsafe to assemble a quorum in a single location for this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to address the emergency declared by Governor Northam on March 12, 2020.

The meeting will be held via online Zoom stream at the link and phone number below:

Zoom link: https://cwm.zoom.us/j/2804529875

Zoom Call-in: (646) 558-8656, Meeting ID: 280 452 9875#

In the event there is an interruption in the broadcast of the meeting, please contact the following number for assistance: 804-862-6221

The meeting end time is approximate; the committee cannot always anticipate changes in the length of its meetings. There will be no opportunity for comments from the public during this meeting.

The post Richard Bland College Committee Meeting Announcement for April 2020 appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The College had previously extended spring break by one week (through March 20) to review options and allow its faculty and academic support teams to prepare for a possible transition to remote instruction. With the decision now made to move academic courses and programs online, students will be able to complete their spring semester coursework on schedule.

The College has re-opened residence halls and will provide dining and other services for students who choose to remain on campus.

“Richard Bland College is committed to the health and safety of our campus community, and to the ongoing education of our students,” says President Debbie Sydow. “Our dedicated faculty and academic support staff are going to great lengths to ensure that student learning outcomes are achieved, even in this topsy-turvy environment.”

Effective Monday, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), canceled all spring competition, practices, postseason and championship play, which ends the RBC softball and women’s beach volleyball seasons.

Richard Bland College remains open, and operations will continue with appropriate measures taken to protect the health of its community.

The post RBC Resumes Spring Semester Through Remote Instruction appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Under the direction of Chief of Police Jeffrey S. Brown, RBC has installed new sanitizer stations in each administrative, academic and residential building across campus. Through the use of  multi-modal communications, RBC’s Emergency Management Team has deployed a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote good hygiene.

“Richard Bland College is actively educating and preparing for the potential risks and disruptions that the flu and COVID-19 could bring to the Commonwealth and the campus community,” says Brown. “The College wants to promote and encourage a culture of cleanliness and good health.”

Posters around the RBC campus support time-honored hygiene messages: “Cover Your Cough,” “Wash Your Hands,” and “Stay Home If You’re Sick.” According to Brown, “the techniques to prevent the flu are the same techniques that would be used to protect individuals from a COVID-19 incident.”

Richard Bland’s messaging throughout campus reinforce tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. national public health institute, to help stay healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds, using soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hand).
• Use a hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to running water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Monitor yourself for fever, cough, and shortness of breath (symptoms of COVID-19). Seek medical attention immediately if you may have been exposed.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The post COVID-19 Prevention at RBC appeared first on Richard Bland College.

Addressing a standing-room only group of students, faculty and staff, Governor Northam said, “This project aligns with my priorities for higher education in the Commonwealth.”

Northam told RBC students that they are in college at a wonderful time. “The economy in Virginia is doing extremely well, and the unemployment rate of 2.6 percent is at an all-time low,” Northam said. “What that means is that companies and businesses are literally craving your talent. It is a great time to pursue innovative and exciting career paths.”

Governor Northam visited with RBC students, observed a math class, and participated in an informative Q&A with students and staff on a wide variety of topics involving access to higher education and job opportunities in Virginia.

“At Richard Bland College, we live and breathe the Governor’s priorities for higher education: affordability, accessibility and innovation,” said President Debbie L. Sydow. “Governor Northam’s support of what will become a high-tech learning space to prepare students for jobs demonstrates his commitment to expanding workforce readiness in Petersburg and throughout the Commonwealth.”

The post Governor Northam Tours Future Site of Academic Innovation Center appeared first on Richard Bland College.

“The faculty and staff at Richard Bland College are extremely proud of our students, especially those who achieve the highest levels of academic success. Each year, more and more RBC students are transferring to top colleges and excelling. That speaks to the quality of a Richard Bland education,” said President Debbie L. Sydow.

President’s List – 3.80 to 4.00:

Virginia:

Alexandria: Mahmoud Elhag (T C Williams HS)
Chesterfield: Solomon Asare (Clover Hill HS), Chanler Callaham (Thomas Dale HS), Juan-Pablo Camacho (James River HS), Trevor Davis (Matoaca HS), Patrice Dewalt (Cosby High School), Ethan English (Thomas Dale HS), Jean Paul De Villena Flores (Santa Felicia), Tyler Fournia (Thomas Dale HS), Kaitlyn Goodwin (Millwood School), Grace Gouyer (Midlothian HS), Zachery Jones (James River HS)Courtney Minor (Thomas Dale HS), Kayla Minor (Thomas Dale HS), Divya Patel (Thomas Dale HS), Dianitzmarie Rivera Perez (Thomas Dale HS)
Colonial Heights: Chloe Cox (Colonial Heights HS), Kathryn Davis (Colonial Heights HS), Peter Gerges (Colonial Heights HS), Evander Gonzalez (Colonial Heights HS), Jordan Parker (Colonial Heights HS), Barry Tudor (Colonial Heights HS)
Dinwiddie: Mandie Cox (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Noah Muskett (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Jacob Rowland (Dinwiddie Senior HS)
Fredericksburg: Mallory Cunningham (Massaponax HS)
Hampton: Sierra Johnson (Hampton HS)
Hanover: Samantha Conley (Atlee HS)
Henrico: Eric Padinjarekuttu (Deep Run High School), Juan Sazo (George Wythe HS), Ethan Vaughan (Governors Sch Govt Intl. Stds)
Hopewell: Bradli Hios (Hopewell HS), Bryant Johnson (Hopewell HS)
Petersburg: Harmoni Bolling (Petersburg HS), Rhea Hanks (Petersburg HS), Diamon Patterson (Petersburg HS), Faith Simms (Petersburg HS), Randy Sykes (Petersburg HS)
Loudoun County: Nicole Hu (Rock Ridge High School)
Powhatan County: Grace Beverly (Powhatan HS)
Prince George: Joshua Ayala (Prince George HS), Ryan Carden (Prince George HS), Tessa Carroll (Prince George HS), James Corrigan (Homeschooled), Aliyah Craft (Prince George HS), Abby Crosier (Prince George HS), Brianna Gettier (Prince George HS), Sage Ginther (Prince George HS), Christopher Grimes (Prince George HS), Emily Guess (Prince George HS), Sudie Halder (Prince George HS), James Harris (Prince George HS), Lester Jungbluth (Prince George HS), Emma Laubengayer (Prince George HS), Malcolm Merhout (Prince George HS), Olivia Moyer (Prince George HS), Alexis Santella (Prince George HS), Lauren Taylor (Prince George HS), Emily Whitehead (Prince George HS)
Smithfield: Alexander Maury (Smithfield HS)
Spotsylvania: Kiara Toler (Spotsylvania HS)
Stafford: Sarah Moncure (Brooke Point HS)
Sussex County: Treasure Harris (Sussex Central HS), Rachel Rego (Sussex Central HS)
Virginia Beach: Cassidy Richardson (Princess Anne HS)
Waverly: Benjamin Bowles (Homeschooled)
Waynesboro: Mullaney Lee (Waynesboro HS)
Winchester: Mariya Georgieva (John Handley HS)

Hawaii:
Honolulu: Donald Edgerton (Iolani School)

International:

Brazil:
Rio de Janeiro: Antonio Ferreira de Carvalho Ferreira (The British School)

China:
Chengdu: Difan Xiong (Chengdu Shude Middle School)
Sichuan Province: Yuchen Sun (Jiaxiang Foreign Languages)

Germany:
Reichenberg: Maximilian Schoebel (Johann-Gottfried-Herer)

Republic of Korea:
Gyeonggi-do: Hyun Soo Kim (Chang-Hyun High School), Junghoon Lee (Neulpureun High School), Gayoung Nam (Gunpo Jungang High School)
Seoul: Hyeonmin Kim (Gwangmun High School)
Shanghai: Kwangsub Ahn (Shanghai HS Intl Div)

Luxembourg:
Goeblange: Anna Ney (Athenee de Luxembourg)

Pakistan:
Lahore 54000: Muhammad Ibrahim Bucha (Lahore American School)

Portugal:
Lisbon: Domingos Borges de Sousa Fezas Vital (Sao Joao School Group)

Spain:
Zamudio Bizkaia 6: Gorka Delgado Alonso (Colegio Vizcaya)

Taiwan:
Taichung City 406: Ti Su (LeiChuan Waldorf School)

Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City: Thi Phuong Ngoc Le (Mac Dinh Chi High School), Quoc Cuong Pham (Le Hong Phong High School)

Dean’s List 3.25 to 3.79

Virginia:
Alexandria: Catherine Raneses (West Potomac HS)
Amelia Court House: Calvin Jester (Amelia County HS)
Bridgewater: Madison Kelley (Turner Ashby HS)
Carson: Shawn Collins (General Equivalency Degree)
Chesterfield: Isabel Adkins (Midlothian HS), Natalie Alder (Thomas Dale HS), Addison Caldwell (Thomas Dale HS), Malina Campbell (Thomas Dale HS), Alissa Frazier (Thomas Dale HS), Kayla Haskins (Thomas Dale HS), Emily Helton (Thomas Dale HS), Alaina Jencik (Clover Hill HS), Anthony Johnson (Manchester HS),Julia De la Pena Juarez (Lloyd C Bird HS), Brianne Keene (Thomas Dale HS), Taylor Hanna Paige (Thomas Dale HS) Taylor Mingloski (Matoaca HS), Rebecca Padgett (Matoaca HS), Jeremy Rhem (Lloyd C Bird HS), Skie Rice (Lloyd C Bird HS), Tyler Richards (Lloyd C Bird HS), Ariel Stith (Matoaca HS), McKenzie Violet (Manchester HS)
Colonial Heights: Keeley Allen (Colonial Heights HS), Kathleen Brakefield (Colonial Heights HS), Grace Grubb (Life Christian Academy), Savannah Haley (Colonial Heights HS), Karly Kirchoff (Colonial Heights HS), Zalak Mistry (Colonial Heights HS), Tess Shortell (Colonial Heights HS), Jacob Spaine (Colonial Heights HS), John Temu (Colonial Heights HS), Destiny Watson (Colonial Heights HS)
Courtland: Brittany Cobb (Southampton HS)
Dinwiddie: Sofia Bowles (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Micah Carpenter (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Drummer Daniel (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Taylor Johnson (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Seth McCoun (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Benton McFadden (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Seth Moore (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Katherine Oakley (Dinwiddie Senior HS), Kaitlyn Reiter (Dinwiddie Senior HS)
Franklin: Geniyah Everette (Franklin HS)
Hanover: Michael Dunn (Patrick Henry HS)
Henrico: Jenaka Derksen (Meadowbrook HS), Danielle Friend (Varina HS), Geordan Johnson (Henrico HS),Jason Kellerhalls (Hermitage HS), Micah Peters (Veritas School), Sasha Prue (Henrico HS), Quatavia Stokes (Thomas Jefferson HS), Samantha Taylor (Mills E Godwin HS), Tiana Terry (Varina HS)
Hopewell: Blair Beebe (General Equivalency Degree), Tamia Douglas (Hopewell HS), Dalton Ellis (West End Christian School), Kara Ellison (Hopewell HS), Dwan Perez-Lopez (Hopewell HS)
New Kent: Nia Darrisaw (New Kent HS)
Newport News: Amaia Moxon (Woodside HS), Keshawna Rogers (Heritage HS), Corlis Walker (Woodside HS)
Norfolk: Jamaica Jones (Matthew F. Maury HS)
Orange: Lauren Dollins (Orange County HS)
Petersburg: Alfonso Gonzalez (Petersburg HS), Waltesha Green (Petersburg HS), Ebony Henderson (Petersburg HS), David Robinson (Appomattox Reg Gov Arts & Tech), Meziah Scott (Petersburg HS)
Prince George: Teresita Allison (Prince George HS), Tyler Brock (Prince George HS), Trevor Brunson (Prince George HS), Savannah Ciavarella (Prince George HS), Abby Gill (Prince George HS), Jenna Graham (Prince George HS), Morgan Grissom (Prince George HS), Annette Hicks (Prince George HS), Samantha Kaiser (Prince George HS), Maryia Kienzler (Prince George HS), Kyler Mahaney (Prince George HS), Jacob Martin (Prince George HS), Christian McCamish (Prince George HS), Jenna Miles (Prince George HS), Lauren Peade (Prince George HS), Alexander Renfroe (Prince George HS), Harley Rosier (Prince George HS), Cameron Ruiz (Prince George HS), Hannah Seymour (Prince George HS), William Sharpe (Prince George HS), Carter Tuck (Prince George HS), Michelle Waire (Prince George HS), Jessica Walker (Prince George HS), Kelsey Watts (Prince George HS)
Stafford: Damion Hailey (Mountain View High School), Emma Lazerson (Colonial Forge HS), Kathleen Wheeler (Brooke Point HS)
Suffolk: Caleb Harris (King’s Fork High School)
Sussex County: Julia Birchett (Sussex Central HS)
Williamsburg: Alexis Belemu (Warhill High School)

Arizona:
Chandler: Caitlynn Quigley (Chandler HS)

Colorado:
Highlands Ranch: Alexander Keating (Thunderridge HS)

Georgia:
Cumming: Zachary Bohatec-Velez (Forsyth Central HS)

New Jersey:
Wayne: Jacquelyn Powell (Wayne Valley Senior HS)

New York:
Medina: Deborah Wright (Medina HS)

Oregon:
Beaverton: Mackenzie Somerville (Beaverton HS)

Texas:
Harker Heights: Tailor DuHart (Harker Heights HS)

International:

China:
Chongqing: Haiyi Xiang (Chongqing No. 1 International)
IIainan: Zi Chen (Haikou Middle School)
Jinan Shandong Pr 7: Wenxin Zhu (Shandong Intl Academy Jinan)
Nanning: Hongmei Wang (No.3 High School of Nanning)
Shanghai: Mingrui Cao (Shanghai Yan’an High School)

Republic of Korea:
Busan: Seungho Han (Peniel High School)
Coimbatore: Chankyung Jun (The Indian Public School)
Gyeonggi-do: Jaeweon Jeong (Daeji High School)
Gyeongsangbuk-do: Jaeyoo Park (Gyeongju High School)
Seoul: Juyeon Nam (Jamil High School)

Mexico:
Monterey: Guillermo Fontes Salazar (Instituto Technologico)

Nigeria:
Ikeja Lagos: Temiloluwa Ashilokun (Dansol High School)

Spain:
Vitoria-Gaseiz ALAVA: Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz Gomez (IES Koldo Mitxelena BHI)

United Kingdom:
Hartlepool: Matthew Ridley (Hartlepool Sixth Form College)

Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City: Linh Tran (Le Hong Phong High School)

The post Richard Bland College Announces President & Dean’s List Students appeared first on Richard Bland College.

The Academy will train students pursuing careers in the high-demand fields of Robotics and Automation. Programming will complement the Commonwealth of Virginia’s tech talent pipeline by preparing graduates for high-paying technology-related jobs in fields that align with traded-sector growth opportunities.

“The partnership between Richard Bland College and Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing is a forward-focused initiative that addresses workforce and economic needs throughout our region and the Commonwealth,” says Richard Bland College President Debbie Sydow. “This is a new pathway for students to earn certificates and degrees that lead to high-paying jobs.”

“We are confident that our partnership with Richard Bland College will create an Advanced Manufacturing Academy that Central Virginia needs not just for today but for the future of the Advanced Manufacturing industry as a whole,” says CCAM President and CEO William T. Powers.

Students will gain access to cutting-edge, industry-driven curricula, which will collectively enhance the advanced manufacturing ecosystem. This innovative experiential learning program allows students to gain credentials and training in high-tech occupations through an earn-while-you-learn model that combines structured classroom and virtual instruction. Program development will offer stackable credentials from dual enrollment to industry certificates, career studies certification, associate degrees, and partnerships with 4-year universities for advanced degrees.

The curriculum incorporates apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and courses that will bridge the gap in soft-skill development. The RBC/CCAM Academy will be open to students, incumbent workers, and transitioning military personnel.

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The RBC Department of Campus Safety and Police is one of only a few Virginia colleges awarded this prestigious certification. To earn certification, the College had to detail and document crime prevention goals, accomplishments and programming for an 18-month period. There were 11 core safety elements and four electives required for certification.

Core safety elements included having a crime prevention specialist on staff, maintaining mutual aid agreements with outside agencies and departments, compliance with the federal Clery Act, and developing and implementing a crisis management plan.

“The CJSB’s certification of RBC’s community safety plan comes as a reminder of the utmost dedication that the College’s police force has for the safety and security of students and community,” said RBC Police Chief Jeffrey Brown. “The members of the Department worked tirelessly to accomplish this certification.”

The Crime Prevention Campus certification program is administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to develop and set standards for community safety initiatives.

Richard Bland College Department of Campus Safety and Police
First row (L-R): Ofc. Chris Smith, Lt. Thomas Travis, Chief Jeffrey S. Brown, Ofc. Steven Nalepka, John Woyansky; Second row (L-R): Ofc. Justin Wargofcak, Ofc. Robert Wilson, Sgt. Alefunzo Uzzle, Ofc. Derek Pattison, Ofc. Chris Lester.

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 William Talley Family
The Richard Bland Award recognizes a member of the Richard Bland family who has demonstrated exemplary service to the College. The Talley family has a long history of financially supporting education in the Tri-Cities and has two scholarships with the Richard Bland College Foundation: the Talley Family Scholarship and the newly-established William H. Talley IV Scholarship. Bill Talley IV has been active on the Richard Bland College Foundation Board since July 2013, serving as chair from 2014-18. Under his leadership, annual giving to the Foundation tripled, a $300,000 grant was received to renovate Parsons Café, and the RBC endowment grew by $1.46 million, representing a 25% increase to the corpus.

Jennifer McGrew ’00
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a Richard Bland College alumnae. This award recognizes leadership, outstanding professional accomplishments and distinguished service to the community. Jennifer McGrew earned an associate of science degree from RBC in 2011. She received her bachelor of science degree in business from the University of Richmond, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. McGrew currently serves as CFO of Global Alternatives at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a leading asset manager for individuals, advisors, and institutions. She is executive director, CFO, and head of business management of North America Institutional at J.P. Morgan Asset Management where she leads the strategic and financial objectives of North America Institutional. McGrew also serves as co-chair of J.P. Morgan Asset and Wealth Management Women’s Network.

Felicity V. Morris, ’08
The Young Alumni Award acknowledges exceptional service to the community and the College. Felicity Morris earned an associate of science degree from Richard Bland College in 2008 and received her bachelor of science degree in finance from William & Mary in 2010. In her last year of graduate school at Liberty University, Morris began working at the public accounting firm KPMG as a tax associate. After four years of public accounting, she transitioned to work for Dominion Payroll as a tax specialist. Ms. Morris serves on the Board of the Richard Bland College Foundation and promotes financial literacy through several community organizations.

*photo (L-R): RBC President Debbie Sydow, RBC Foundation Chairman Chuck Patton, Felicity V. Morris, William Talley III, William Talley IV, RBC Chief Development Officer J. Tyler Hart.

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“Partnerships that create pathways to high-demand baccalaureate degrees are central to fulfilling Richard Bland’s mission,” said Richard Bland President Debbie Sydow. “RBC is pleased to work with VSU in providing deserving students with affordable options to college completion.”

The Statesman-Trojan Alliance is designed as a viable option for lowering the cost of a four-year degree and to help in reducing a student’s debt by offering specific scholarships.  It also provides a shorter “time-to-degree process” that guides students to degree completion by offering customized VSU advising and access to some of VSU’s student services. In addition, students may be allowed to take some coursework within their major at VSU while enrolled at RBC.

“Our program is purposefully created with the total student in mind,” VSU President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. said. “It focuses on increasing student opportunity and access to a college education as well as provides a holistic experience for our students. This innovative program will continue to fulfill our commitment to a transformative education by opening doors to Virginians who may otherwise not have an opportunity to attend a four-year university.”

The announcement of the new program comes as VSU unveils its new Strategic Plan, “Preeminence with Purpose.” The 2020-2025 plan for VSU centers on sustained excellence. It sets forth the next chapter in the University’s continued growth, focusing on six areas: Student Opportunity and Access, Academic Excellence, the Holistic Experience for Students, Enhancing the Land Grant Mission of the University, the VSU Brand, and Financial/Operational Effectiveness.

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Home to the largest and oldest pecan grove in Virginia, with nearly 1,000 pecan trees, the College began harvesting pecans in 2013. Proceeds from sales are used to maintain the health and productivity of the trees and to support student success. “The College is committed to protecting and preserving this natural treasure, which is a signature feature of the RBC campus,” says President Debbie Sydow.

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RBC’s Trail of Terror runs October 18-19 from 7pm to 10pm.

“The Trail of Terror is an immersive and theatrical experience for the entire region to enjoy. It will transform Richard Bland College into a fantastic entertainment venue befitting of the Halloween season,” says Jamie Camp, Event Manager.

The Trail of Terror is located on the recently renovated nature trail on the west campus adjacent to the academic buildings. Visitors will experience thrills as they venture through the woods and unknown territory where zombies, goblins and ghouls await. Terror lurks around every corner, including a hidden ghost town where creatures of the night will keep visitors wondering what awaits next.

Admission is $5 per person. Cash is accepted at the gate or through Eventbrite.

No one under 10 will be admitted.

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Each year, the partnership will give priority status to eight Richard Bland students to transfer to Shenandoah’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing. The BSN degree leads to a career in the nursing field and provides students with the opportunity to pursue graduate-level work as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a Doctor of Nursing Practitioner.

“Nursing is a highly competitive field, and Richard Bland College is excited to offer this pathway for its nursing students,” said Provost Maria Dezenberg. “Shenandoah University has an excellent nursing program that will prepare RBC students for many different jobs in the field. The College is proud to build on its existing partnerships with Shenandoah.”

“We are delighted to join Richard Bland College in developing a streamlined pathway for RBC students to join the School of Nursing at Shenandoah University. Nursing is a competitive, high-demand field, and RBC’s outstanding programs will provide excellent preparation for their students” said SU Provost Adrienne Bloss.

View agreement here.

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“New programming headed by RBC’s Student Success team, the addition of new NJCAA teams and an increase in international students adds to the College’s vibrant campus environment,” says President Debbie Sydow. “Richard Bland also continues to grow its hallmark Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program, providing personalized support designed to keep students on track to graduation. This one-size-fit- one learning environment is a magnet for many students.”

Forty-seven percent of RBC’s honor students are members of the Promise Scholars program, a joint initiative between Richard Bland College and William & Mary. The Promise Scholars program is designed to provide high-ability, Pell-eligible, Virginia students the opportunity to earn an associate degree at RBC and then transfer to William & Mary to complete a baccalaureate degree with little to no debt. This is the second year for this innovative program.

Along with adding NJCAA Division I women’s soccer this fall, athletics has added a junior varsity basketball team and Virginia’s only intercollegiate beach volleyball team.

Residential students move in today for the start of the fall semester beginning on Monday, August 26.

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The continued growth in academic success of RBC students is attributed to the College’s onging Exceptional Student Experience (ESE@RBC) program. “Richard Bland College provides wrap-around support, actively keeping students on track to graduate on time and transfer to top colleges,” said President Debbie L. Sydow.

President’s List – 3.80 to 4.00:

Virginia:

Alexandria: Catherine Raneses (West Potomac HS)                                       \
Chesterfield: Solomon Asare (Clover Hill HS), Matthew Dirr (Thomas Dale HS), Tyler Fournia (Thomas Dale HS), Brooke Gilbert (Clover Hill HS), Taylor Mingloski (Matoaca HS), Divya Patel (Thomas Dale HS), Alexis Pedrick (Matoaca HS), James Pond (Matoaca HS), Dianitzmarie Rivera Perez (Thomas Dale HS), Gursharnpreet Singh (Thomas Dale HS), Savannah Walker (Thomas Dale HS), Darleen Ziege (James River HS)
Colonial Heights: Kate Barnes (Colonial Heights HS), Kathleen Brakefield (Colonial Heights HS), Madison Broga (Colonial Heights HS), Jade Browder (Austin E Lathrop HS), Heather Danet (Colonial Heights HS), Jordan Parker (Colonial Heights HS), Barry Tudor (Colonial Heights HS)
Culpeper County: Taylor Bilyard (Culpeper County HS)
Dinwiddie: Jordan Hines (Life Christian Academy), Morgan Hood (Appomattox Regional Government School for the Arts and Technology), Ashley Kirk (Dinwiddie HS), Alexis Lasher (Dinwiddie HS), Seth McCoun (Dinwiddie HS), Kelly Hamilton (Dinwiddie HS), Makenzie Burr (Dinwiddie HS), Luke Costley (Dinwiddie HS)
Fredericksburg: Kiara Toler (Massaponax HS)
Hampton: Sierra Johnson (Hampton HS)
Hanover County: Samantha Conley (Atlee HS)
Henrico: Jalen Harris (Varina HS), Geordan Johnson (Henrico HS), Samantha Taylor (Mills E. Godwin HS)
Hopewell: Chenora Jones (Hopewell HS)
Loudoun County: Nicole Hu (Rock Ridge HS)
Montpelier: Paige Condrey (Grove Avenue Christian School)
Powhatan County: Grace Beverly (Powhatan HS)
Prince George: Taylor Aldridge (Prince George HS), Casey Arbogast (West End Christian School), Emilee Bowles (Prince George HS), Shawn Collins (General Equivalency Degree), Brianna Gettier (Prince George HS), Morgan Grissom (Prince George HS), Maryia Kienzler (Prince George HS), Victor Mora-Placencio (Prince George HS), Shannon Starks (Prince George HS), Meredith Topian (Prince George HS), David Roane (Prince George HS), Nia Bowman-Thomas (Prince George HS)
Stafford: Jezreel Chitty (Brooke Point HS), Alden Di Dio (North Stafford HS)
Suffolk: Caleb Harris (King’s Fork HS)
Sussex County: Martika Hill (Sussex Central HS), Benjamin Bowles (Homeschooled), Armani Cheilchani (Sussex Central HS), Samantha Green (Homeschooled), Zhane’ Vaughan (Sussex Central HS)
Unionville: Mary Simms (St Margaret’s School)
Waynesboro: Mullaney Lee (Waynesboro HS)
Winchester: Mariya Georgieva (John Handley HS)

New Jersey:
Palisades Park: Andrew Mun (Tenafly HS), William Mun (Tenafly HS)

New York:
Islip: Shao Chien Wang (National Experimental HS)

International:
Myanmar: Kyaw Nyein Chan (International Language and Bus), Aung Khant Min (International Language and Bus)

China:
Chengdu: Difan Xiong (Chengdu Shude Middle School), Yuchen Sun (Jiaxiang Foreign Languages)
DongGuan: Sucheng Shen (Futian Foreign Languages High)
Guangxi: Hongmei Wang (No.3 HS of Nanning)
Jinan Shandong: Wenxin Zhu (Shandong International Academy Jinan)

Germany:
Hamburg: Leon Boltz (Gymnasium Rissen)
Thuringia: Maximilian Schoebel (Johann-Gottfried-Herer)

Republic of Korea:
Busan: Seungho Han (Peniel HS)
Gyeonggi-do: Junghoon Lee (Neulpureun HS, Kwangsub Ahn (Shanghai HS International Division)

Pakistan:
Punjab: Muhammad Ibrahim Bucha (Lahore American School)

Serbia:
Belgrade: Alek Kulundzic (Calusa Preparatory School)

Spain:
Vitoria-Gasteiz: Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz Gomez (IES Koldo Mitxelena BHI)

Taiwan:
Taichung City: Ti Su (LeiChuan Waldorf School)

Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City: Thi Phuong Ngoc Le (Mac Dinh Chi HS), Quoc Cuong Pham (Le Hong Phong HS)
Nam Dinh: Vu Thuy Tran (Le Hong Phong HS)

Dean’s List – 3.25 to 3.79:

Virginia:
Boykins: Aislinn Gadsby (Southampton Academy), Megan Vincent (Southampton Academy)
Burkeville: Katherine Haney (Fuqua School)
Bridgewater: Madison Kelley (Turner Ashby HS)Chesapeake: Kayla Hand (Hickory HS), Quatavia Stokes (Thomas Jefferson HS)
Chesterfield: Isabel Adkins (Midlothian HS), Natalie Alder (Thomas Dale HS), Lauryn Basl (Midlothian HS), Simone Basso (Manchester HS), Jessica Berger (Thomas Dale HS), Austin Booth (Thomas Dale HS), Victoria Bradley (Matoaca HS), Emory Burkhalter (Matoaca HS), Chanler Callaham (Thomas Dale HS), Christopher Cicoria (Homeschooled), David Comayagua (Lloyd C. Bird HS), Erin Doyle (Cosby HS), Ethan English (Thomas Dale HS), George Gouyer (Thomas Dale HS), Grace Gouyer (Midlothian HS), Hannah Hudson (Carver College/Chest. Com HS), Cassandra Jencik (Clover Hill HS), Jordan Mansini (Cosby HS), Cindy Martinez (Thomas Dale HS), Jose Martinez (Thomas Dale HS), Zachery Jones (James River HS), Hanna Paige (Thomas Dale HS), Adam Raines (Thomas Dale HS), Ashton Rathje (Matoaca HS), Tyler Richards (Lloyd C. Bird HS), Amber Taylor (Lloyd C. Bird HS), Cullen True (Thomas Dale HS), Madison Tuck (Thomas Dale HS), Hannah Verghese (Thomas Dale HS), Zachary Williams (Thomas Dale HS)
Colonial Heights: Greyson Bartlett (Colonial Heights HS), Alexis Camp (Colonial Heights HS), Roy Chini (Colonial Heights HS), Makenzie Cloninger (Colonial Heights HS), Kathryn Davis (Colonial Heights HS), Alyssa Parrish (Colonial Heights HS), Destiny Watson (Colonial Heights HS)
Dendron: Olivia Neville (Tidewater Academy)
Dinwiddie: Hailee Banks (Dinwiddie HS), Sierra Broaddus (Dinwiddie HS), Kayla Brown (Dinwiddie HS), Gabriel Butts (Dinwiddie HS), Micah Carpenter (Dinwiddie HS), Tabatha Colvin (Dinwiddie HS), Rachel Freeman (Dinwiddie HS), Shania Gupton (Dinwiddie HS), Zachary Hoffman (Dinwiddie HS), Kurstin Lail (Dinwiddie HS), Nena Laplante (Dinwiddie HS), Amanda Lipford (Dinwiddie HS), Duilio Moreno (Dinwiddie HS), Zachary Staton (Dinwiddie HS)
Emporia: Emily Dunn (Southampton Academy), Kristen Swenson (Southampton Academy)
Fork Union: Shannon Greenspon (St Margaret’s School)
Fort Lee: Alexis Blyberg (Chapin HS)
Fluvanna County: Kendra Cattanach (Fluvanna County HS)
Franklin: Geniyah Everette (Franklin HS)
Fredericksburg: Mallory Cunningham (Massaponax HS)
Hampton: Oshyn Barnes (Bethel HS)
Hanover: Mitchell Frank (Patrick Henry HS)
Henrico: Joseph King (Varina HS), Eric Padinjarekuttu (Deep Run HS)
Hopewell: Lindsey Sylvester (Hopewell HS)
Meherrin: Umar Mujahid (Homeschooled)
Middlesex County: Brooklin Horsley (Middlesex HS)
Newport News: Javion Veal (Woodside HS)
Orange: Lauren Dollins (Orange County HS)
Petersburg: Cynthia DeVane (General Equivalency Degree), Shakeeah Staton (Petersburg HS), Ebony Wiggins (Petersburg HS)
Prince George: Sydney Anderson (Prince George HS), Jerrica Ash (Prince George HS), Cierra Ashley (Prince George HS), Chad Balch (Prince George HS), Michelle Britt (West End Christian School), Aliyah Craft (Prince George HS), Abby Crosier (Prince George HS), Taylor Curl (Prince George HS), Georganna Dowdy (Prince George HS), Brenton Figures-Mormon (Prince George HS), Jared Fallin (Prince George HS), Chase Fortner (Prince George HS), Candice Grimm (Prince George HS), Rachel Gulick (Prince George HS), Eric Hardatt (Prince George HS), Jessica Hill (Prince George HS), Jordyn James (Prince George HS), Christopher Lowe (Prince George HS), Lyndsie Maile (Prince George HS), Christian McCamish (Prince George HS), Jennifer McCann (Chapmanville HS), Lena Nieto (Prince George HS), Alyssa Palmer (Prince George HS), Jerry Rogers (Prince George HS), Spencer Rotzoll (Prince George HS), Ryann Rowland (Prince George HS), Abigail Simons (Prince George HS), Anna Watson (Prince George HS), Lauren Wells (Homeschooled), Deborah Wright (Medina HS)
Richmond: Stanley Glover (Benedictine HS), Elah Ra-El (Penn Foster HS)
Southampton County: Brittany Cobb (Southampton HS)
Stafford: Tiffany Davidson (Mountain View HS), Kamyla Gooden (North Stafford HS), Rylan Williams (Colonial Forge HS)
Sutherland: Rebecca Barklow (Homeschooled)
Virginia Beach: Allison Jarrett (Floyd E Kellam HS)
Winchester: Jeremiah Foltz (John Handley HS)
Wright County: Ryan Jones (Smithfield HS)

International:

Brazil:
San Paulo: Henrique Castelhano Eichenberger (Colegio Mater Dei)
Rio de Janeiro: Antonio Ferreira de Carvalho Ferreira (The British School)

China:
GuangDong: Tianyi Zhang (Shenzhen Futian Foreign)
Zhengzhou: Hanyang Zhang (Sagemont School)
Hainan Province: Zi Chen (Haikou Middle School)

Mexico:
Veracruz: Axel Hohenstein Retolaza (Harmony Science Academy)

Pakistan:
Lahore: Sajawal Ali Sohail (The City School Lahore)

Paraguay:
Asuncion: Gonzalo Bazan Ibarra (Colegio Privado de la Asuncion)

Portugal:
Lisbon: Domingos Borges de Sousa Fezas Vital (Sao Joao School Group)

Slovenia:
Zalec: Domen Omladic (Solski Center Velenje)

Spain:
Zamudio: Gorka Delgado Alonso (Colegio Vizcaya)
Benicasim: Miguel Tirado Tomas (IES Violant de Casalduch)

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“Richard Bland College is thrilled to have been selected by the Chesterfield Chamber to offer leadership training designed to help our leaders, businesses, and communities grow and thrive,” said President Debbie L. Sydow. “Education is at the heart of a healthy business community, and Leadership Chesterfield proves that the Chesterfield Chamber is once again ahead of the curve.”

“The Chesterfield Chamber is not only about building businesses in Chesterfield, but also building leaders,” said Danielle MW Fitz-Hugh, President & CEO. “Leadership Chesterfield is excited to partner with Richard Bland College to help the Chamber accomplish goals to move our communities forward.”

Leadership Chesterfield consists of nine workshops from September 2019 through May 2020. The sessions will be held from 8:00am to 1:00pm on the third Tuesday of each month at various locations throughout Chesterfield County chosen to enrich learning in a business environment.  Guest speakers and educators will be facilitating the workshops.

To learn more and apply for Leadership Chesterfield, go to www.chesterfieldchamber.com.

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As per the agreement that begins this fall, UMW will admit RBC Honors Program students who have successfully completed RBC’s Honors Program into UMW’s Honors Program. UMW will give credit for Honors courses completed by RBC students prior to transfer, which will alleviate some UMW requirements. Typically, the UMW requirements take four years to complete, but RBC students who begin their Honors courses at RBC can complete the UMW program in two years.

“Richard Bland College is excited to offer this opportunity for RBC students to become University of Mary Washington Honors students immediately upon transfer,” said Provost Maria Dezenberg. “UMW builds on the leadership skills that RBC Honors students obtain, and the partnership offers great opportunities for research and mentoring.”

To be eligible for admission into UMW’s Honors Program as a Track B Honors Scholar, RBC students must:

• Complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at RBC
• Successfully complete the RBC Honors Program Requirements and graduate with “RBC Honors Distinction” on the transcript
• Present a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 (4.0 scale) upon application to UMW and upon graduation from RBC
• Be admitted to the UMW Honors Program. Admission to the Honors Program is space-limited (new honors students typically number 75-100 each fall semester and 10-20 each spring semester)
• Submit a letter of intent form, to enter the UMW Honors Program, signed by the RBC Honors Program Coordinator. The letter should be submitted prior to or with the application for admission to UMW

“The UMW Honors Program looks forward to partnering with the RBC Honors Program to provide a pathway for promising, motivated students and high-achieving scholars to find an intellectual home that values diversity, immerses students in applied learning experiences, promotes service and community engagement and delivers all students with rich opportunities for developing their digital and technological skills,” said UMW Provost Nina Mikhalevsky.

Honors Program requirements can be found here.

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Darleen Ziege of Chesterfield is one of ten Promise Scholars who was selected to present remarks on behalf of the Class of ‘19. Ziege reminded her classmates that they have already accumulated life lessons of love, loss, success, and failure with more to come. “Fellow graduates, you are experiencing the real world every single day and I encourage you to live each day like it holds a great and valuable life lesson,” Ziege said.

Justin G. Reid, a cultural preservationist and civil rights public historian, addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker. The Director of African American Programs at Virginia Humanities presented a message of resiliency in overcoming adversity.

Reid challenged the graduating class to use their own life narratives to help them overcome doubt. “No one is born resilient. Researchers say we can become more resilient through the narratives we share, hear and internalize,” said Reid. “We all have narratives of reliance. Hold on to them. Embrace them. Share them.”

President Debbie L. Sydow commended graduates for making the campus an inclusive experience for everyone. “The rich diversity of the Richard Bland community is one of the College’s greatest strengths. The men and women who make up the student body bring with them vastly different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. These differences enrich all of our lives, allowing us to understand and appreciate a little better the magnificent complexity of our modern world. Thank you for allowing Richard Bland College to be a part of your educational journey. The accomplishments we’re celebrating today are only the beginning of many brilliant achievements that will bring pride to you and your alma mater in years to come.”

Reid, along with longtime Delegate Riley E. Ingram were presented with honorary degrees from Richard Bland College President Debbie L. Sydow and William & Mary Rector John Littel.

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Through a partnership with Navitas, a leading global education provider, the pair have become the first Global Student Success Program (GSSP) students to graduate from Richard Bland College, joining 276 classmates who will earn their associate degree at the College’s 56^th Commencement Ceremony on May 11.

Shen, who likes to be called “Sam,” majored in math and computer science. He plans to continue his education at Purdue University where he will major in math. “I am happy I came to Richard Bland and I am honored to be one of the first two GSSP students to graduate. RBC has provided me with a unique experience, one that I will cherish forever.”

Zhang, who is known as “Jack” to fellow students, majored in science and plans to attend William & Mary in the fall. “I was able to get involved in a lot of programs and clubs, and I received a well-rounded education at RBC,” said Jack. “I feel much more prepared for the future.”

“International students add tremendous value to the educational experience of all students. Sam and Jack have added to a vibrant and diverse culture at the College through their global perspectives,” said President Debbie L. Sydow.

There are more than 30 international students attending Richard Bland College, and that number is expected to grow with the incoming freshman class.

“Having a student body that is so diverse helped expose me to so many rewarding experiences and opportunities,” says Ashley Kirk, Class of ‘19. “The environment on campus allows students from different backgrounds to connect easily and lets individual personalities flourish.”

Sam and Jack received their diplomas early so that they could return to China for the summer.

Richard Bland College’s international programs include students from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Pakistan, China, Portugal, Germany, Spain, Brazil and France.

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The students inducted include: Isabel Adkins (Moseley); Sydney Anderson (Prince George); Chad Balch (Prince George); Rebecca Barklow (Sutherland); Oshyn Barnes (Hampton); Benjamin Bowles (Waverly); Nia Bowman-Thomas (Fort Lee); Victoria Bradley (Chester); Michelle Britt (Prince George); Madison Broga (Colonial Heights); Jade Browder (Colonial Heights); Makenzie Burr (Petersburg); Gabriel Butts (Hopewell); Chanler Callaham (Chesterfield); Micah Carpenter (Dinwiddie); Roy Chini (Colonial Heights); Christopher Cicoria (Chester): Shawn Collins (Carson); Samantha Conley (Mechanicsville); Alden Di Dio (Stafford); Lauren Dollins (Gordonsville); Autumn Francis (Hopewell); Jeremiah Foltz (Winchester); Aislinn Gadsby (Boykins); Brooke Gilbert (Chester); Darrius Giles (Petersburg); George Gouyer (Chester); Samantha Green (Waverly); Trisha Hamilton (Petersburg); Kelly Hamilton (Sutherland); Jalen Harris (Mechanicsville);  Jordan Hines (Dinwiddie); Zachary Hoffman (Sutherland); Morgan Hood (Dinwiddie); Cassandra Jencik (Midlothian); Sierra Johnson (Newport News); Ashley Kirk (Dinwiddie); Mullaney Lee (Waynesboro); Junghoon Lee (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea); Jian Li (Beijing, China); Jordan Mansini (Mosley); Jennifer McCann (Prince George); Duilio Moreno (Dinwiddie); Jordan Parker (Colonial Heights); Alyssa Parrish (Colonial Heights); Camryn Quigley (Chesterfield); Catherine Raneses (Alexandria); Ashton Rathje (Chesterfield); David Roane (Disputanta); Ryann Rowland (Disputanta); Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz Gomez (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain); Maximilian Schoebel (Meiningen, Germany); Patrick Shott (Richmond); Jessica Smith (Petersburg); Yuchen Sun (Chengdu, China); Lindsey Sylvester (Hopewell); Amber Taylor (Richmond); Meredith Topian (Prince George); Zhané Vaughan (Waverly); Megan Vincent (Boykins); Homgmei Wang (Guangxi, China); Anna Watson (Colonial Heights); Camryn White (Richmond); Wenxin Zhu (Jinan Shandong, China); Darleen Ziege (Chesterfield).

“RBC is delighted to welcome an impressive number of new members into the fellowship of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Celia Brockway, Assistant Professor of Music and Honors Program Coordinator. “This well-deserved honor recognizes students for the diligent efforts in the classroom.”

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievements of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors leadership and service programming. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.3 million members and 1,200 chapters located in 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada and Germany.

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As director of African American Programs at Virginia Humanities, Reid serves as the manager of the General Assembly’s African-American Cultural Resources Task Force. Prior to joining VH, he served as Director of Education and Public Programs at the Moton Museum & National Historic Landmark in his hometown of Farmville. In his role, Reid helps develop and support cultural heritage initiatives across the state and is leading the continuing development of VH’s African-American Historic Sites Database, an interactive guide to hundreds of African-American historic sites across Virginia.

“Justin Reid’s perspective and message is particularly timely and poignant,” said President Debbie Sydow. “Mr. Reid’s contributions to the preservation of African American culture and history throughout the Commonwealth simply cannot be overstated, and we are honored to have him deliver the 2019 Commencement address.”