Virginia Private Colleges

On this National Higher Ed Day, Virginia Private Colleges salutes its member institutions for providing affordable access to life changing opportunities for students and supplying the Commonwealth with its essential skilled workforce.

This week, leaders from 10 Virginia Private Colleges gathered at Randolph College with our partner, Interfaith America to conclude the CICV Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort.

Together, college professionals explored how campuses can foster belonging, bridge differences, and prepare students for citizenship in a diverse democracy.

As our President Chris Peace recently wrote, “Pluralism is the practice of living, learning, and working together across our deepest differences.”
We are grateful for our college partners and Interfaith Americ for advancing this important work.

American democracy depends on educated citizens, and it always has. In this moment as we celebrate VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission, our colleges serve as a bulwark for knowledge, research, and community problem-solving.

In an era when Americans may seem more divided than ever, that matters more than most realize. Celebrate with us this week.

Congratulations Dr. Daynes and welcome to the CICV family!

We’re proud to introduce Dr. Gary Daynes as Mary Baldwin University’s Interim President, effective July 1. Dr. Daynes brings three decades of experience at small, distinctive institutions. He’s the author of How to Be a Small College — which tells you something about his priorities. He and his wife, Kristine, will move into the president’s house on our historic Staunton campus. He is arriving as a neighbor, not just a leader. Read more: https://marybaldwin.edu/news/2026/06/03/mary-baldwin-names-dr-gary-daynes-as-12th-president/

Yesterday’s afternoon session of the 2026 Virginia Private Colleges Technology Conference at Randolph College explored practical applications of artificial intelligence in higher education with BoodleBox’s France Hoang, Shenandoah University’s Devon Taylor and University of Richmond Mac McIntosh who discussed how institutions can improve governance, automation, and user experience.

The conversation reinforced a central theme of the conference: Virginia’s private colleges are stronger when they learn from one another and tackle challenges together.

American business depends on higher education, and so does our future. In today's fast-changing global economy, the knowledge and skills our colleges and universities produce aren't just assets. They're essential. This week, join Virginia Private Colleges in celebrating the institutions that make it possible.

Virginia Private Colleges kicks off its annual Technology Conference at Randolph College today! We are thankful for all the attendees from around the commonwealth. Special recognition is extended to our strategic business partners for supporting the nonprofit private college sector.

Stronger communities start with education – and stronger economies do, too. Higher education fuels new research, drives technological innovation, and propels economic growth that benefits everyone – degree or no degree.

This week, in celebration of National Higher Education Day, let's make that case together.

Congratulations to Roanoke College President Frank Shushok, Vice Chair of Virginia Private Colleges, on his recent feature in University Business.

President Shushok highlights how stronger partnerships among colleges, employers, and communities can help address workforce needs while preparing students for meaningful careers. Roanoke College’s innovative approach demonstrates the important role Virginia’s nonprofit private colleges play in developing the Commonwealth’s talent pipeline.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-roanoke-colleges-new-pathways-tackle-the-workforce-mismatch/

Virginia Chamber of CommerceeVirginia Foundation for Independent CollegessGrowth4VAA

How Roanoke College's new pathways tackle the workforce mismatch Frank Shushok is reengineering how students move between high school, college and work, with on-ramps, off-ramps and fewer dead ends.

As our nation nears its 250th anniversary, Virginia has an opportunity to lead by strengthening institutions that teach the habits of democracy: civil discourse, bridge-building, and engagement across differences.

Colleges and universities that practice pluralism are helping prepare the next generation for citizenship in a divided age, reminding us that democracy is sustained not only by government, but by communities willing to listen, learn, and lead together.

ICYMI: To safeguard democracy, Virginia must strengthen pluralism-practicing institutions | Guest column by Virginia Private Colleges President Chris Peace



Roanoke College
Bridgewater College
Randolph-Macon College

To safeguard democracy, Virginia must strengthen pluralism-practicing institutions | Guest column America’s 250th anniversary underscores Virginia’s pivotal role in renewing our democratic experiment by rebuilding the civic character, pluralism‑practicing institutions and cross‑difference cooperation essential to a healthy republic.