Board of Visitors

RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE

PRESIDENT Sydow WEBSITE High Res Head Shot copy

Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College, relentlessly championed the legislative change that in 2025 transitioned Bland from a “branch campus” governed by the William & Mary Board of Visitors to a stand-alone institution governed by its own dedicated Board of Visitors. Having worked with boards for the majority of her 40-year career in higher education, Sydow believes that effective board governance is essential for an institution to thrive. Sydow says, “When the board, the president, and the faculty embrace a shared governance model in which each entity is fully committed to its distinct role in service to the educational mission, the college thrives.” The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors assumed its governance role on July 1, 2025, and Sydow has enthusiastically welcomed inaugural members of the Board. Over the past decade, Bland has grown in academic distinction, enrollment, and community and economic impact. She looks forward to working with the new Board to accelerate innovation, streamline career pathways, and strengthen Bland’s capacity to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.

GOVERNANCE OF RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE

The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors is composed of nine members who are appointed by the Governor of Virginia and confirmed by the General Assembly. The qualifications, terms, and powers of the Board are established by Virginia law. The Board is responsible for general oversight, strategic direction, and the fiduciary soundness of the College. As stewards of Bland’s mission, the Board plays a vital role in shaping policies that support financial sustainability, academic excellence, and student success. Specific duties include approving budgets, appointing the president, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

BOARD OF VISITORS MEMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONTACT BOARD OF VISITORS

Gerrit Smith – Senior Executive Administrator& Clerk to the Board

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

Mailing Address: Richard Bland College Board of Visitors

Maze Hall 11301 Johnson Road South Prince George, VA 23805

BOV Email: bov@rbc.edu

RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE WINS ITS INDEPENDENCE

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

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE

Code of Virginia, Title 23.1, outlines membership, terms, powers, duties, and removal procedures.

📘 1. Membership, Terms & Removal

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

📘 2. Powers & Duties

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

📘 How to Review & Access the Law

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