Richard Bland College

Richard Bland College is a public junior college located in South Prince George, Virginia, and is a unique branch of The College of William & Mary. Situated on a sprawling 800-acre campus characterized by iconic pecan groves and historic architecture, RBC serves primarily as a residential transfer institution. It is the only two-year public college in Virginia with on-campus housing, offering students a traditional university experience at a junior college price point. The college's mission is centered on "preparing students for a lifetime of endless potential" by providing academically rigorous programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition.

The college was established in 1960 by the General Assembly of Virginia as a branch of William & Mary under a short-lived "Colleges of William & Mary" system. While other branches like Christopher Newport eventually became independent universities, Richard Bland has remained a specialized junior college under the oversight of the William & Mary Board of Visitors. The institution is named after Richard Bland, a 18th-century Virginia statesman and alumnus of William & Mary who was a key figure in the American Revolution. The campus itself holds deep historical roots; it was once a plantation that witnessed significant battles during the Siege of Petersburg in the Civil War. Later, it served as a dairy farm and a state hospital facility before being transformed into a college in 1961 under the leadership of its founding president, Colonel James M. Carson.

Richard Bland College stands as a vital bridge in Virginia's higher education system, offering a unique blend of junior college accessibility and elite university prestige. By maintaining its close ties to William & Mary while pioneering new models for workforce development and student success, the college provides a transformative pathway for its students. Its evolution from a historic plantation and hospital site into a modern, tech-forward residential campus reflects a commitment to resilience and growth. For students seeking a high-quality, affordable start to their baccalaureate journey, RBC remains a premier choice that honors the past while building the future.