The Randolph-Macon College President Search Committee has announced Dr. Michael Hill as the 16th president of the college. He is set to begin his term in early August 2025 upon his arrival to campus alongside his husband, Peter, and their golden retriever, Wilbur.
Dr. Hill completed his undergraduate studies at St. Bonaventure University, a liberal arts college in St. Bonaventure, New York. He has ventured in many positions within the higher education system, including serving as the President of the Chautauqua Institution in western New York and as an adjunct professor at George Mason University in northern Virginia.
Dr. Hill also served as the co-chair for the Presidential Search Committee at this alma mater, leading to the appointment of Dr. Jeff Gingerich as the institution’s 22nd president. The appointment of Dr. Jeff Gingerich has come full circle for Dr. Hill as Dr. Gingerich swiftly nominated him for the role as president of Randolph-Macon upon the commencement of the search.
Dr. Hill is no stranger to the culture of an institution such as Randolph-Macon College (RMC), as St. Bonaventure University is home to just around 1,800 undergraduate students. “Students at smaller schools are more likely to be the change makers of tomorrow,” Hill stated. His experience with a small campus community and passion for the liberal arts will aid Dr. Hill is his journey joining the RMC family.
Furthermore, Hill has much experience with student journalism from his time as the Editor-in-Chief of his undergraduate newspaper. He then went on to serve as a Dow Jones Fellow and copy editor for the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 1995. Ultimately, he is hopeful about keeping the student voice alive and prospering at RMC.
As much of the student body is optimistic about a fresh perspective coming to RMC, Dr. Hill shared some of the things about which he is most excited. “I want to immerse myself in the college’s traditions,” Hill shared, “My first job is to learn about what matters, to the students and staff alike.” He plans on dedicating the beginning of his time to truly understanding what it means to be a Yellow Jacket.
Additionally, as RMC has just welcomed its largest incoming student class this past Fall, Dr. Hill shared some insight into the growing community. “I want to keep RMC growing and see everyone work together to maintain the character of institution,” he shared.
Although many students at RMC have expressed concern with how fast the college is expanding its student population, Dr. Hill is hopeful about the growth. “It is important to recognize that it is an opportunity and a challenge in one,” he said when asked about this topic. He acknowledged that there may be a limit to how much RMC is willing to grow to keep its traditions and culture alive.
Dr. Hill also shared some concerns about his introduction to Randolph-Macon College. “Naturally, I am a new individual coming into a tight-knit community, so there is some concern there,” Hill admitted, “There is always pressure to fit in, right? But I want to honor the traditions that have been in place for so long that people are used to.” He is adamant that he does not plan to bulldoze over the standing RMC traditions, but to join in amongst the community while also introducing some new ideas that can form new traditions for the college.
“I couldn’t be more excited to dream together,” Hill declared. His overwhelming gratitude and optimism about stepping into the role as RMC’s 16th president is admirable as the community undergoes a big change. He has not failed to recognize the “open arms” he has received from RMC staff and the current president, Robert Lindgren, who departs the college after a tenure of nearly 20 years. Dr. Michael Hill is determined to follow the legacy and community built by President Lindgren as he imagines his term as the leader of Randolph-Macon College.
Watch HERE to hear from Dr. Hill in his welcome interview with RMC.
