Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges

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Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges The VFIC is a statewide nonprofit organization that raises money to support the 16 leading independent colleges and universities in Virginia.

A special thank you to TowneBank, Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 Applied Ethics Bowl. Through its partnership with VFIC,...
10/15/2026

A special thank you to TowneBank, Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 Applied Ethics Bowl. Through its partnership with VFIC, TowneBank helps empower students to explore complex ethical challenges and strengthen the leadership skills needed to make a positive impact in their communities and careers. The 2027 Bowl, focused on "Ethics & College Athletics," will be held at Hampton University- Official on Friday, February 5. We are grateful for TowneBank's commitment to advancing ethical leadership and student success.

One of the highlights of the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort meeting was the opportunity for students to eng...
10/13/2026

One of the highlights of the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort meeting was the opportunity for students to engage directly with accomplished business and community leaders.

During Saturday’s program at Randolph-Macon College, scholars participated in roundtable discussions that fostered meaningful conversations, thoughtful questions, and valuable networking opportunities. These candid exchanges provided students with insights into leadership, career pathways, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Students had the opportunity to hear from and speak with Woody Fowler, President & CEO, Williams Mullin; Stephanie Jackson, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, VP/Chief Nursing Officer, Sentara Obici Hospital; Wick Moorman, retired President & CEO of Amtrak; Locke Ogens, VFIC President, and Gary Shook, President & CEO, Community Bankers’ Bank.

Thank you to our business leaders for investing their time and expertise in these exceptional students!

The VFIC was thrilled to convene the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort at Randolph-Macon College on October 9-...
10/13/2026

The VFIC was thrilled to convene the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort at Randolph-Macon College on October 9-10.

This milestone gathering marked the official launch of a three-year scholarship and leadership program that brings together one outstanding student from each VFIC member college or university. Throughout the program, scholars will participate in leadership development, professional networking, and experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare them for future success. Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, past president of the University of Lynchburg, serves as the Program Director.

We look forward to watching these remarkable students grow as leaders and make a lasting impact on their campuses, communities, and professions.

A special thank you to Randolph-Macon College for hosting the inaugural meeting of the VFIC Presidential Scholars in Pay...
10/13/2026

A special thank you to Randolph-Macon College for hosting the inaugural meeting of the VFIC Presidential Scholars in Payne Hall, the College’s nursing facility last Friday and Saturday. We were honored to have President Michael E. Hill join us to welcome scholars to campus and offer congratulations, encouragement, and advice as they begin this three-year scholarship and leadership experience through the VFIC. We are grateful for Randolph-Macon’s hospitality!

Thank you to Sentara Health for sponsoring the first gathering of the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort at Ran...
10/11/2026

Thank you to Sentara Health for sponsoring the first gathering of the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Cohort at Randolph-Macon College on October 9-10. The weekend began with a welcome from VFIC Business Trustee Carter V. Reid, (Vice President, Customer Operations for Sentara Health Plans) who encouraged scholars as they embarked on this exciting leadership and scholarship program. Scholars also heard from Sherry Norquist, MSN, RN, (Executive Director of Community Engagement and Impact at Sentara) who shared valuable insights on service and leadership during Friday’s program and Stephanie Jackson, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL (VP/Chief Nursing Officer, Sentara Obici Hospital) who participated in Saturday’s Business Leaders’ Panel.

Hosted in Payne Hall, Randolph-Macon’s state-of-the-art nursing facility, the meeting provided an especially meaningful setting, as many of our scholars aspire to careers in healthcare and related fields.

We are grateful to Sentara for investing in the next generation of leaders and helping make this memorable inaugural experience possible.

VFIC supporters and college presidents gathered Monday evening for a special reception at the Arlington home of VFIC Bus...
10/07/2026

VFIC supporters and college presidents gathered Monday evening for a special reception at the Arlington home of VFIC Business Trustee George F. Albright, Jr. The evening’s highlight was hearing from two exceptional VFIC students. Dayana Effio of Marymount University, introduced by President Irma Becerra PhD, and Dillon Mauzy of Shenandoah University, introduced by President Tracy Fitzsimmons, offered inspiring reflections on the opportunities made possible through their independent higher education experiences.

Their stories served as a meaningful reminder of the lives being changed through our shared commitment to Virginia's independent colleges and universities. We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for the inspiration they brought to the evening.

Last week, VFIC leadership was pleased to attend the Batten University State of the University Luncheon. VFIC Board Memb...
08/26/2026

Last week, VFIC leadership was pleased to attend the Batten University State of the University Luncheon. VFIC Board Member Teague R. Avey, CFP®, VFIC President Locke Ogens, Batten University Presidential Scholar Eleanor VanDuyne, and VFIC Chair Shep Miller gathered for an insightful event featuring updates on the new Health Sciences center (opening 2029) and the creation of the Gilbert T. Bland Center for Urban Leadership Education along with other exciting partnerships shaping the future of the university community. They are pictured here with Batten University President, Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.

08/20/2026

It’s here! "Where Love Leads: Leadership and the Liberal Arts," the new book from Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton, is officially available today from the University of Virginia Press.

Where does love belong in leadership?

For President Hinton, the answer is simple: at its center. Drawing from her own journey and experiences as a leader, she makes the case for love not as sentimentality, but as a serious leadership practice—one that calls for courage, accountability, integrity and responsibility to others.

We couldn't be more excited to see where this conversation leads.

Purchase the book at https://www.upress.virginia.edu/title/10225/ and use code 10HINTON to receive 30% off.

Welcome Bridgewater College class of 2030!
08/20/2026

Welcome Bridgewater College class of 2030!

Welcome University of Lynchburg Class of 2030!
08/20/2026

Welcome University of Lynchburg Class of 2030!

Address

901 E. Byrd Street, Suite 1625
Richmond, VA
23219

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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(804) 288-6609

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