Governor Northam Tours Future Site of Academic Innovation Center

Governor Ralph Northam recently toured Richard Bland College’s current library and future home of  the Academic Innovation Center. The $15.7 million Center, which was included in the Governor’s and General Assembly House budgets, will enable the addition of new high-tech and online offerings at Richard Bland.

Addressing a standing-room only group of students, faculty and staff, Governor Northam said, “This project aligns with my priorities for higher education in the Commonwealth.”

Northam told RBC students that they are in college at a wonderful time. “The economy in Virginia is doing extremely well, and the unemployment rate of 2.6 percent is at an all-time low,” Northam said. “What that means is that companies and businesses are literally craving your talent. It is a great time to pursue innovative and exciting career paths.”

Governor Northam visited with RBC students, observed a math class, and participated in an informative Q&A with students and staff on a wide variety of topics involving access to higher education and job opportunities in Virginia.

“At Richard Bland College, we live and breathe the Governor’s priorities for higher education: affordability, accessibility and innovation,” said President Debbie L. Sydow. “Governor Northam’s support of what will become a high-tech learning space to prepare students for jobs demonstrates his commitment to expanding workforce readiness in Petersburg and throughout the Commonwealth.”