Richard Bland College

Established in 1960 by the General Assembly of Virginia, Richard Bland College serves as the Commonwealth's public junior college and a branch campus of the prestigious College of William & Mary. Its primary mission is to provide accessible higher education opportunities, particularly for students residing in communities away from William & Mary's main campus. Named after Richard Bland, a distinguished Virginia statesman and advocate for public rights, the college carries a legacy of intellectual inquiry and public service, preparing its students for successful transfers to four-year institutions or direct entry into rewarding careers.

The college's picturesque 750-acre rural campus near Petersburg is steeped in history. Once the Gurley family plantation, the property witnessed two significant Civil War battles—the Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road and the Battle of Globe Tavern—and even hosted Abraham Lincoln in a nearby tavern. The land later transformed into a dairy farm with a beautiful pecan grove, a World War I work camp, and various state institutions, ultimately becoming Richard Bland College in 1961. Today, students enjoy a campus that thoughtfully preserves its past, featuring restored turn-of-the-century farmhouses and a unique converted dairy barn theater, creating an inspiring and engaging learning environment.

Richard Bland College is dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching student experience. As the only two-year college in Virginia to offer campus housing, a feature added in 2008, it provides a vibrant residential life alongside its academic programs. Under the leadership of its fourth president, Debbie L. Sydow (the first woman to hold the role), the college continues to champion student success. With a diverse global alumni network exceeding 18,000 individuals, Richard Bland College empowers its students to become integral parts of their communities and beyond, while also playing a vital role in bolstering the economy of Petersburg and the surrounding regions.