Dear RMC Community,

Collegiate life is always a bittersweet cycle of hellos and goodbyes. In a few weeks, our class of 2024 will cross the stage for Commencement. Three weeks later, we will welcome the class of 2028 – our largest ever – for New Student Orientation. These consequential events – commencement and orientation – reflect perfectly the natural seasons of academic life.

Buoyed by the steadfast support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends, I believe Randolph-Macon is stronger than ever and thriving as we head into this new year. At the same time, I also recognize that, like students, seasons of life drive my time at our beloved College.

And today, I believe the season has come for me to announce my decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year, June 2025.

Cheryl and I brought our young family to charming Ashland and this beautiful campus 19 years ago and began what has become the most meaningful work of our lives. And we also found a family here. One with which we have become proudly and lovingly linked. It is a daily privilege and blessing to be part of this special community. 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. They are true champions of student development.

Clearly, our students today have more opportunities to engage in a rich tapestry of educational and co- and extracurricular experiences than at any time in RMC history. Our superb and dedicated faculty and staff serve them with purpose, passion, and innovation and, together, create a remarkable community that serves each other. Our alumni and friends remain fantastically supportive of those endeavors. 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.

The College has much to do to sustain our strong foundation and build on our positive momentum. So, while I am announcing my farewell next year, it is not time to say that now. As such, you have my commitment for these next 14 months to remain laser focused on serving Randolph-Macon College and especially our students. As I promised the Board of Trustees this weekend, Cheryl and I intend to “run through the tape!”

Our Board of Trustees, led by our highly effective Chair, Sue Schick, will soon launch the presidential search, and Chair Schick will provide details about that important endeavor tomorrow. I believe we are well-poised to attract great candidates.

We say: “Up Close, Future Ready.” Indeed, it’s clear Randolph-Macon is future ready. As we approach our College’s bicentennial, our brightest days are still ahead of us. I am positively bullish about what I see on the horizon for RMC.

And in the near term, those bright days here will be focused on these seasons: joyously celebrating our graduating seniors and enthusiastically welcoming new members of our community. I look forward to doing both with you.

Go Jackets!

Sincerely,

Bob Lindgren

Robert R. Lindgren
President
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, Virginia