A Mission With Heart
Randolph-Macon’s mission statement embodies the College’s commitment to educating the whole student:
Mission, Values, and Strategy
Our Mission in Action
RMC’s mission underlies the college’s ultimate purpose: to prepare students for successful lives. That commitment to students’ futures is tightly woven in nearly every part of the educational experience, as articulated in the pillars of our mission statement (also articulated in our Academic Catalog).
ACADeMIC EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1830, Randolph-Macon College is a residential, undergraduate, liberal arts college committed to academic excellence and devoted to the development of its students as lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and citizens of the world. Randolph-Macon emphasizes character development, ethical responsibility, and personal accountability.
vibrant and diverse community
Randolph-Macon students become part of a community comprised of peers, faculty, staff, and alumni from various backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths, traditions, and cultures. The College’s historical relationship with the Methodist church laid the foundation for a community that embraces the vibrant exchange of diverse ideas and also celebrates and fosters compassion, cooperation, and understanding.
SKILLS FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE
Guided by a faculty of teacher-scholars, Randolph-Macon students acquire and practice the skills and knowledge necessary to solve problems creatively and analytically, communicate effectively, and understand the historical, cultural, and philosophical complexities of the issues they address. A strong focus on individualized advising and mentorship ensures students’ academic success.
ACTIVE LEARNING
A Randolph-Macon education strongly emphasizes experiential learning through faculty-guided student research opportunities, international study and travel, service learning, and internships. The College’s proximity to Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia enrich these curricular and co-curricular opportunities to gain practical experience.
the whole “YOU”
A Randolph-Macon education extends beyond the classroom to include participation in athletics, leadership experiences, community service, and diverse student activities and organizations. Mentorship by coaches, staff, and faculty reinforces the College’s values and lessons.
a career pathway
Randolph-Macon prepares students for life after college and professional success by helping them to set career goals, make plans to achieve those goals, and develop the character, leadership, knowledge, and skills necessary to work in diverse settings.
Charting a Course What’s next for RMC?
Our third century begins in 2030, and we’re planning for the best one yet.
Building Our Next Strategic PLan
RMC’s leadership is engaged in the work of our next strategic plan: a vision to take us into our next century. Under the leadership of President Michael Hill, Randolph-Macon is articulating a bold vision that’s rooted in its memorable mission: developing mind and character.
The process so far included surveys are our stakeholder groups, focus groups to test ideas, and an August 2026 convocation of the faculty and staff.
Strategic Initiatives
Humanities Initiatives
Humanistic study for the futurePresident Hill appointed Dr. Bob Volpicelli as director of an effort born from a central idea: the humanities are more relevant than ever. Discover how Volpicelli and his many collaborators on campus are bringing the humanities to life.
A Hub for Student Success
How students are getting an EDGERMC doubled down to enhance our future-focused advising for students with a Center for Student Success that supercharges our approach. This work was born from our previous strategic plan, and continues to evolve today.
the PUsh for Pluralism
Educating citizens of characterDr. Lauren Bell is helping give shape to a bold effort to establish Randolph-Macon as a national leader in pluralism, civil discourse, and educating citizens of character, as Founding Director of the RMC Pluralism Project.
