President Michael Hill announced the appointment of David Buckingham as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, temporarily filling the seat vacated by Vice President Grant Azdell on his sabbatical and subsequent retirement. 

Buckingham begins his work with the College on July 13. He brings nearly five decades of experience in student affairs and higher education leadership, including a long tenure as Vice President for Student Affairs at Virginia Wesleyan University. He has held a wide range of interim senior leadership positions, including appointments at New Mexico Junior College, Norfolk Collegiate School, Montana State University, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Randolph College. 

During his time at Randolph-Macon, Buckingham will provide experienced leadership for the Student Affairs Division. He will work closely with Acting Dean of Students James McGhee and the Student Affairs team, as well as faculty, staff, and, of course, students to support the engagement of students on campus. During his tenure, he will also help President Hill to assess the division’s current structure and support key hiring efforts, including positioning the College for a successful search for its next permanent Vice President for Student Affairs. 

“I found David to be insightful and committed in our early conversations. I am confident his experiences in the Commonwealth and outside it will bring a fresh perspective to our evolving division in an exciting time of transition,” Dr. Hill said.  

Of note, Randolph-Macon holds a special place in David’s own story. He attended the College briefly as a student before serving in Vietnam, and it was an experience he credits with profoundly shaping the direction of his life and career and his belief in second chances. Returning to campus in this role represents a meaningful full-circle moment. 

Throughout his career, David has emphasized the importance of visible, accessible leadership and building relationships across campus. His approach centers on listening first, understanding institutional culture, and partnering with students and colleagues to advance student success.  

“I believe an interim appointment like this one is rooted in listening, learning, and leveraging the collective strengths of the community,” Buckingham observed. “I look forward to sharing meals with students in the dining hall and working alongside the highly talented and dedicated colleagues whose expertise consistently informs and enhances my leadership.” 

Buckingham comes to the College via The Registry, which specializes in interim appointments for educational institutions.