Board to launch a search for next president

Robert R. Lindgren has announced his plans to retire as President of Randolph-Macon College at the end of the academic year 2024-2025, concluding nearly 19 years of transformational service to the institution.

“Nearly 19 years ago, my wife, Cheryl, and I brought our young family to Ashland. And in doing so, we also found a family. It has been a profound honor to serve and be part of the Randolph-Macon community,” Lindgren said. “As the world changes rapidly around us, the talented and dedicated people of RMC strive daily to deepen the ways in which we fulfill our mission to develop the mind and character of each of our students.”

Lindgren was inaugurated as Randolph-Macon’s 15^th president in 2006. He and his wife, Cheryl, quickly became fixtures in the community, and President Lindgren became known as “the students’ President” for his accessibility and interest in their well-being.

He led during a period of strategic transformation for this historic institution, during an era of extraordinary change. During his tenure, the College added 13 academic programs and majors, including a BSN and a M.A. in Physician Assistant Studies, and new sports and activities like Men’s Volleyball, Equestrian, Show Choir, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Esports and more. Enrollment has grown by 30 percent.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the College’s alumni and parents and friends, fundraising during Lindgren’s tenure exceeds $233 million and has consistently put Randolph-Macon in the top 22 of all colleges and universities nationwide for percentage of alumni who support the institution. His legacy is perhaps most visibly shaped by the transformation of the physical campus in Ashland, which boasts 17 new or renovated buildings, all paid for with private support of more than $110 million.

“Our alumni and friends remain fantastically supportive of our endeavors,” Lindgren reflected. “Their financial support has been stunning—and very consequential! This worldwide network of Yellow Jackets is our secret sauce and the envy of institutions like ours.”

“President Lindgren’s tenure has been one of the most significant periods of leadership in Randolph-Macon history,” reflected Board of Trustees Chair Sue Schick ‘84. “He has clearly been a transformational leader for RMC, while also deepening its commitment to our mission and to graduate success.”

The Board plans to have a new leader selected and installed for the 2025-2026 academic year.

As such, the Board of Trustees will immediately launch a search committee for RMC’s next President, under the leadership of board members Dave Meleski ’81 as chair and Yvonne Brandon ’76 as vice chair.  The committee will also include members of the College community.

“Choosing our next leader is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and we take this endeavor seriously,” explained Schick. “The Board is committed to both a search grounded in our mission, inclusiveness, and transparency and a seamless transition to our new President when the time comes.”

Prior to joining Randolph-Macon, Lindgren made a significant impact on other institutions of higher education, serving as vice president for development and alumni relations at both The Johns Hopkins Institutions and at the University of Florida, where he organized and led three comprehensive campaigns leading to fund-raising records at the time.

Throughout his career, he has served on the boards of various local and national professional organizations, including periods as an officer of the Council of Independent Colleges and the Annapolis Group as well as a member of the NCAA Division III Council of Presidents and the CASE Board of Directors. In Virginia, he served as chair of the Council of Independent Colleges Virginia, chair of the Virginia United Methodist Conference’s Association of Educational Institutions, vice chair of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and a member of the Governor’s Higher Education Commission in 2010-12. His service to the greater Richmond community included the board of directors of both The Richmond Forum and the RVA Chamber of Commerce.

Lindgren earned both a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a juris doctor degree from the University of Florida as well master of philosophy in management studies from Oxford University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Florida in 2012.  

He and his wife, Cheryl, are parents to three grown children and have two grandchildren, who are all part of the Yellow Jacket community. Their golden retriever Callie is also a popular Yellow Jacket.