Richard Bland College
Interim President

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Richard Bland College in its search for an Interim President.

For full consideration, please apply by November 12, 2025.

Richard Bland College (RBC), Virginia’s only selective, public, residential two-year college, seeks a seasoned and visionary leader to serve as Interim President during a pivotal period of transition. This appointment follows the distinguished tenure of Dr. Debbie L. Sydow who has led the institution since 2012 through transformational change and a renewed strategic direction, leading the campaign for independent board governance, expanding guaranteed transfer pathways with more than 35 four-year institutions, and bolstering student success through its nationally recognized Guided Pathways for Success (GPS) program.

Reporting directly to the Board of Visitors, the Interim President will serve as chief executive officer, responsible for maintaining institutional momentum and financial stability; engaging key local and state legislators; stewarding strategic priorities; and preparing the College for a successful transition to permanent leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in higher education leadership, proven ability to productively engage with state government stakeholders, a commitment to student success, and the ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and decisiveness.

Today, RBC is experiencing strong momentum, with year-over-year enrollment growth, including significant gains in part-time students. The College has secured more than $5 million in grants in FY2025 to advance priority initiatives, including a transformative $3.9 million Impact Grant from SCHEV, aimed at increasing paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for RBC students. The College has also launched innovative workforce partnerships such as the RBC Dealer Institute with Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, expanding its role in regional economic development. With a thriving residential community and a bold Strategic Plan focused on academic excellence, student experience, and operational sustainability, RBC is well-positioned for the next phase. 

This is a 12-month appointment which includes Presidential housing, a benefits package, and the opportunity to apply for the permanent role. (RBC Benefits) 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Governance and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the chief executive and administrative officer of the College and ensure alignment of operations with the College’s mission and strategic plan.
• Implement Board policies and directives and ensure alignment with the College’s mission and strategic plan.
• Lead the College through a presidential transition with transparency and stability.
• Prepare and submit the annual budget, tuition and fee schedule, and six-year plan for Board approval.

Academic and Student Success

• Champion academic excellence and student-centered learning.
• Support the continued implementation of Guided Pathways for Success (GPS).
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.

Financial and Operational Management

• Oversee fiscal operations, including budget planning, financial reporting, and resource allocation, ensuring transparency and sustainability.

Institutional Advancement and External Relations

• Represent the College externally in government, community, and partnership relations and engagements.
• Support fundraising efforts and serve as liaison to the Richard Bland College Foundation.

Organizational Culture and Capacity Building

• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and shared governance.
• Provide mentorship and continuity to senior leadership and staff and prepare the institution for a successful presidential search and onboarding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal degree (e.g. Ed.D., Ph.D., J.D.)
• Proven executive leadership experience in higher education, preferably at the presidential or senior cabinet level.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and institutional advancement.
• Deep understanding of the mission and challenges of associate-degree-granting institutions.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with state legislatures or other governmental bodies on matters affecting higher education, including budget advocacy, policy influence, or regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with the political and funding landscape of public higher education, especially within a state system.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to shared governance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge of Virginia higher education governance and regulatory environment. 
• Knowledge of higher education trends and strategies for remaining competitive.
• Commitment to innovation in higher education, particularly with a focus on partnerships and collaboration to drive student success and community development.
• Ability to assess institutional strengths and challenges and provide strategic recommendations to the Board.

About the Institution

Founded in 1960 as a branch of the College of William & Mary, Richard Bland College (RBC) was named in honor of the “Father of the Revolution” and Virginia statesman Richard Bland. Over the decades, RBC has grown into Virginia’s only selective, public, residential two-year college, offering students a distinctive bridge between high school and a four-year degree. The College maintains guaranteed transfer agreements with more than 35 four-year colleges and universities, ensuring affordable and streamlined pathways to bachelor’s degree completion. With a mission to provide high-value education, foster student success, and serve as an engine of regional development, RBC combines the intimate learning environment of a small college with the resources and connections of the Commonwealth’s higher education system.

Living in the Area

Situated just south of Richmond in a region often described as a hidden gem for its accessibility and quality of life, Richard Bland College is located in Prince George County. A region that blends historic charm with modern growth, the area offers a lower cost of living than many metropolitan regions, while still providing easy access to cultural, educational, and economic opportunities. Families benefit from a variety of strong public and private school options in the Tri-Cities region (Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell), as well as in the broader Richmond metropolitan area. 

Residents enjoy a vibrant quality of life, with proximity to Richmond’s thriving arts and culinary scene, access to outdoor recreation along the James and Appomattox Rivers, and convenient travel to Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region hosts major employers across education, healthcare, government, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, including Fort Lee (formerly Fort Gregg-Adams), as well as numerous higher education institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and Virginia State University.

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by November 12, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to RBCInterimPresident@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information 
Richard Bland College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. In keeping with this policy, the College does not discriminate and makes no distinction in the admission of students, nor in any other of its official activities, based on race, color, national origin (ancestry), religion (creed), age, military service or veteran status, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, family medical history or genetic information, disability, any other status protected by law, or any other non-merit based factors. The college also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. All standards and policies governing college employment and student employment, recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and support programs are applied accordingly.