RBC and VCU Launch NEXT STEP Partnership to Expand Transfer Opportunities
For Immediate Release: March 25, 2026
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.
