Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren is pleased to announce that Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop will serve as the college’s keynote speaker for the campus celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, 2020 at 12 p.m. in Blackwell Auditorium, RMC Center for the Performing Arts (205 Henry Street).  Members of the student musical group, InTONEnation, will also perform.

Dr. Bishop is Carilion Clinic’s senior vice president for administration. He is also the senior associate dean for diversity, inclusion, and student vitality at the nearby Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

“I have had a deep admiration for Dr. Bishop and his contributions to higher education during our many years as colleagues,” says Lindgren. “His own life story is compelling, and I am delighted that he will be our keynote speaker.”  

This event is free and open to the public. Map and Directions

Nathaniel L. Bishop
Bishop most recently served as president of Jefferson College of Health Sciences, prior to its integration with Radford University last July.  

As senior associate dean at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Bishop provides leadership in working across the School of Medicine to help recruit and retain diverse students, staff and faculty while also identifying ways to enhance programs, facilities and resources to promote vitality for all students. 

A significant focus area for Bishop in his new role will be to create mentoring communities to support the success of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in medicine. 
Bishop began his career in health care managing continuing-care retirement communities. In 1997, he joined Carilion Clinic, where he served in successive leadership roles until being named president of Jefferson College in 2010. He earned his B.A. in sociology of law enforcement from Radford University, his M.S. in education from Virginia Tech, and his D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Celebrating the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Each year, Randolph-Macon College celebrates the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by inviting a distinguished speaker to campus to commemorate King’s birthday. Previous speakers have included former Virginia Governor and Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, Pastor and Civil Rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker, former Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, entrepreneur Shelia Johnson, Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia Maurice Jones, Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, former acting president at Virginia Union University, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and The Rev. Janie M. Walker, co-pastoral director of Richmond Hill.