Richard Bland College: A Legacy of Accessible Education and Innovation in Virginia

Richard Bland College (RBC), located in Prince George, Virginia, stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of higher education in the Commonwealth. Established in 1960, RBC has a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a vibrant campus life. Named after Richard Bland, a Virginia statesman and champion of public rights, the college has grown from its humble beginnings as a branch of the College of William & Mary to become a unique institution offering accessible and affordable education.

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years

Richard Bland College was established in 1960 by the Virginia General Assembly as a branch of the College of William & Mary. This initiative was part of a broader effort to expand higher education opportunities in Virginia. Even though William and Mary was not the first four-year institution approached by interested citizens in the Petersburg area, it was the one that agreed to support a local branch college. The establishment of Richard Bland by William and Mary would serve as a base for William and Mary exerting an influence on the direction of higher education in Virginia, reaching from south of Richmond to the North Carolina line and east to the Atlantic Seaboard. This political goal of William and Mary coincided with the desire of certain citizens in the Petersburg area to make available to high school graduates an inexpensive, state-supported, commuter institution near their homes. Frank Ernst - a Gateway region native, entrepreneur, and retired executive of Hopewell’s Allied Chemical Plant - proposed the creation of an institution grounded in the liberal arts tradition with opportunities for specialized training in in-demand fields such as engineering to the State Council of Higher Education. After discussions with Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, Ernst found a willing partner in the College of William & Mary, the second-oldest university in the United States, who founded Richard Bland College in 1960.

Initially, the college aimed to provide a two-year curriculum that would prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The early focus was on offering quality, affordable education to local students, giving them a solid foundation for their future academic pursuits.

Campus Evolution and Development

The land on which Richard Bland College is situated has a storied past. Before the Civil War, it was a plantation owned by the Gurley family and became an important part of the Union-occupied territory during the 1864-1865 Siege of Petersburg. Shortly before the turn of the century, the Hatcher-Seward family established a dairy and cattle farm on the former Gurley property and constructed two farmhouses. In the early 1900s, the grove of pecan trees, which remains a signature feature of the campus, was planted. The farm was used as a work camp for about twenty conscientious objectors during World War I.

In 1932, the Commonwealth of Virginia authorized Central State Hospital to purchase the land for use as the Petersburg Training School and Hospital for African-American Youth. Under the guidance of Colonel (Ret.) James M. Carson, the former hospital and training facility was transformed into Richard Bland College, and classes were held beginning in 1961. In the late 1960s, Ernst Hall (named for a local business leader influential in the establishment of the College) was added to the original campus. In addition, a Student Center Library building and a gymnasium also were constructed in the early 1970s.

Leadership and Milestones

Richard Bland College has been shaped by several key leaders throughout its history:

Colonel (Ret.) James M. Carson: As the first president, Carson oversaw the transformation of the former hospital into a college, setting the foundation for its academic mission. Classes were held beginning in 1961.
Dr. Clarence Maze: Succeeding Carson in 1975, Dr. Maze expanded the college’s academic programs and added the Asian Water Garden, inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny. During his tenure, Richard Bland College expanded its academic programs, added an Asian water garden that was designed by Dr. Maze and expanded international programs and travel.
Dr. James B. McNeer: Taking office in 1996, Dr. McNeer introduced a residential life program. The Residential Village completed in 2008 is comprised of two dormitories, Freedom Hall and Patriot Hall, which together originally housed 250 students. A new Science and Technology Building was added in 2010, and in recognition of his service to the College, this building was named James B. McNeer Hall.
Dr. Debbie L. Sydow: Appointed in 2012, Dr. Sydow expanded the reach, range and diversity of students attending Richard Bland College. She oversaw a physical campus transformation through extensive building renovation and new construction, creation of a Business Innovation Park, and conservation of the iconic pecan grove and water garden. President Sydow reinstituted intercollegiate athletics in 2013 and has since hailed three NJCAA national championship teams. She supported the Foundation’s emergence as a vibrant, entrepreneurial organization led by a Board of Directors composed largely of alumni, and she secured the largest private gift in College history to launch the W&M Promise Scholars program.
Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D.: Following a national search, the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors announced the appointment of Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Ph.D., as Interim President, effective May 11.

Academics and Curriculum

Richard Bland College offers a range of academic departments designed to prepare students for further education or entry into the workforce. The college is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable higher education with a strong emphasis on student academic success and personal growth. The college promotes an inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.

Divisions and Departments

Humanities and Social Sciences: This division includes departments such as English, History, and Psychology, providing foundational courses in communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
Natural and Physical Sciences: Students can pursue studies in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Business and Technology: This division offers programs focusing on business fundamentals, information technology, and computer sciences.

Unique Programs and Initiatives

Richard Bland College has distinguished itself through innovative programs and initiatives, including:

Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME): Establishing the first FAME chapter in Virginia, linking regional manufacturing companies with student apprentices who “earn and learn.”
W&M Promise Scholars program: Supported by private gifts, this program aims to provide opportunities for talented students.
Research & Innovation unit: Securing significant grants to promote research and innovation, with a focus on technology in teaching and learning.

Guaranteed Transfer Agreements

Richard Bland College has guaranteed transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities across the Commonwealth that will enhance your educational opportunities. This ensures that students can seamlessly continue their education after completing their two-year program at RBC. Many students transfer to the College of William & Mary after studying here.

Campus Life and Environment

Richard Bland College offers a welcoming and engaging environment for students. With a picturesque campus and a range of activities, students have ample opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Campus Features

The college's campus spans over 700 acres in South Prince George, Virginia, at 11301 Johnson Road, ZIP code 23805. It is located in both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties, near Petersburg. The campus feels like a park, with green spaces and a mix of old and new buildings. Key features include:

East Campus: Located in Prince George County, notable for its signature pecan groves and the historic, white-washed buildings that supported a dairy farm until the early 1900s, and later a state hospital. Today, in addition to the Asian Water Garden and Barn Theatre, campus services and administration occupy the East Campus.
West Campus: Located in Dinwiddie County, the center of student and academic life.
Barn Theatre: A vestige of the dairy farm that previously operated on the site, the Barn Theatre is a multipurpose facility that provides a unique backdrop for lectures, live performances, and events.
President’s House: Before the establishment of Richard Bland College in 1960, the President’s House was one of two farmhouses built by the Hatcher-Seward Family, who operated a dairy and cattle farm in the early 1900s. The house is nestled amongst the College’s pecan groves and Asian Water Garden. The two-story house was remodeled in the 1960s, and a distinct room for entertaining was added to the house in 2009. The room’s large glass windows give presidential guests an expansive, breathtaking view of the Asian Water Garden.
Asian Water Garden: Initiated by former President Clarence Maze Jr. in 1988, the College’s Asian Water Garden was inspired by Claude Monet’s Gardens in France. The garden was fully developed five years later in 1993 and is open to the public throughout the year. A quarter of the one-acre garden is underwater. There are two waterfalls, two Japanese-style bridges, a pier, a garden path, benches, and a cupola. Lotus, Iris, Cattails, Clover, Papyrus, Plantain, and Thalia are just a few of the water plants. Shrubs, bog plants, and beds of Daylilies, Peonies, Irises, and numerous other plants surround the pond.
Maze Hall: The main administration building.
Statesman Hall: This building houses the gym, locker rooms, a weight room, and racquetball courts.
Commerce, Freedom, and Patriot Halls: These are the residence halls on campus. Commerce Hall used to have classrooms but was changed into a student dorm after 2008. Freedom and Patriot Halls offer apartment-style living.
Richard Bland College Library: A comfortable, welcoming facility with a designated a quiet study area.

Student Life and Activities

Richard Bland College offers a variety of student organizations where students can meet other like-minded individuals. Joining these organizations helps enhance the student experience and develops leadership skills. RBC residence halls are designed to promote a sense of community and foster personal growth. Apartment-style living includes shared rooms with common areas where students can socialize, study, and build relationships with peers. Resident Assistants are assigned to each hall to provide peer support, organize events, and enforce policies that ensure a positive living environment. Living on campus at RBC provides students with easy access to academic resources and faculty, making it easier to engage in their studies.

Athletics

The official mascot of Richard Bland College is the Statesman Eagle. The college's sports teams are called the Statesmen. This name connects to the college's parent university, William & Mary. The Statesmen compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) at the Division I level. President Sydow reinstituted intercollegiate athletics in 2013 and has since hailed three NJCAA national championship teams.

Resources and Support

Richard Bland College provides numerous resources to support students:

RBC One Stop: Assists with enrollment services, registration, financial aid, and available scholarships.
Counseling Services: Offers confidential counseling for students facing personal concerns.
Department of Campus Safety & Police: Ensures a safe and secure environment for the college community.

Richard Bland's Identity

Richard Bland College (RBC) is a public college in Prince George, Virginia. It's a special kind of college called a "junior college." This means it offers two-year programs. The college was started in 1960 by the Virginia General Assembly. It was first a branch of the College of William & Mary. The College of William and Mary's Board of Visitors looks after Richard Bland College. The Governor of Virginia chooses the members of this board. The college is named after Richard Bland, a very important person in Virginia's history. He was a strong supporter of people's rights. He studied at the College of William and Mary. Richard Bland was known for defending Virginia's rights against unfair taxes. He wrote a famous paper called An Inquiry into the Rights of the British Colonies. This paper was one of the first to explain why the colonies were against certain taxes. He also served in the Continental Congress.

Read also: The Career of Richard Hendrix

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