Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon College, founded in 1830, stands as a beacon of private liberal arts education, guided by its inspiring motto: "Building Extraordinary Futures." This historic institution offers a vibrant and engaging academic environment for students eager to embark on a journey of intellectual discovery and personal growth.

With roots tracing back to Boydton, Virginia, Randolph-Macon College’s journey reflects resilience and adaptation. Named after prominent Virginia and North Carolina statesmen John Randolph and Nathaniel Macon, the college relocated to its current Ashland home in 1868 after the Civil War. It also shares a rich historical connection with Randolph College (formerly Randolph-Macon Woman's College), founded under its original charter, before Randolph-Macon itself proudly became co-educational in 1971, welcoming 50 women and its first full-time female faculty member.

Randolph-Macon has consistently been a trailblazer in higher education. It was the first college south of the Mason-Dixon line to mandate physical education coursework, boasting the South's first dedicated gymnasium. Furthermore, it pioneered the study of English as a full academic discipline and developed biology as a distinct field in the South. Its foresight extended to technology, establishing one of the country's earliest computer science departments associated with a liberal arts school in the 1960s. This commitment to academic excellence is further recognized by its long-standing Phi Beta Kappa chapter, established in 1923, and being the founding site of Chi Beta Phi, the national science honorary society.

For prospective students and families, Randolph-Macon offers a comprehensive and historically rich educational experience, blending a strong liberal arts foundation with a forward-thinking approach to academic disciplines. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, preparing students not just for careers, but for extraordinary lives.