Randolph-Macon College has launched a national search for the next Vice President for College Advancement following the retirement of Diane Lowder on Sept. 30, the conclusion of nearly 19 years of leadership. Rick Golembeski ’96, RMC’s Executive Director of Development, will serve as the Interim Vice President for College Advancement. In addition to Golembeski’s interim vice presidency, Lowder will serve as a special advisor during the 2025-2026 academic year.

“I am grateful to Diane for the transformative impact she has had by bringing new resources to Randolph-Macon College to ensure its vitality and growth, and I am excited to have her counsel in this special transition role,” said RMC President Dr. Michael E. Hill. “I also thank and congratulate Rick for taking on this important leadership position and ensuring we don’t lose a beat while we search for our new advancement leader. His love for RMC is unparalleled and will serve the college well in the months ahead.”

“I’m truly humbled and honored to step into the role of Interim Vice President for College Advancement. As a proud Randolph-Macon alumnus, it means even more to help build on the incredible foundation Diane has created,” Golembeski said. “I’m excited to carry that forward alongside Dr. Hill and our amazing community as we begin a new era at RMC and shape a legacy that will inspire generations of Yellow Jackets.”

Golembeski earned his B.A. in history from Randolph-Macon College in 1996. He has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and advancement leadership, with a career spanning higher education and statewide organizations. Before returning to his alma mater, he held development roles with the Virginia Mentoring Partnership at Virginia Commonwealth University and The Library of Virginia Foundation, where he focused on donor relations, annual giving, and community engagement.

At Randolph-Macon, he has guided annual giving, athletics fundraising, and major donor engagement. He launched the College’s Macon Day initiative, which has become a signature tradition for philanthropy, and has helped expand the foundation of the Yellow Jacket Club. His wife, Stephanie Parker Golembeski ’97, is also an RMC alumna, and together they have two children, Emma and Tripp.

The search committee for the next Advancement VP is chaired by Beth Campbell, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and Trustee Graham Rashkind ’96, who serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees Committee on Advancement. The committee also includes Athletic Director Jeff Burns ’87, Executive Director of Leadership Giving Claire Stevens, and Dudley P. and Patricia C. Jackson Professor in Chemistry Serge Schreiner and will work in conjunction with a soon-to-be selected search firm.