RCC History
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) stands as an embodiment of Thomas Jefferson’s vision of Virginia’s future, which included a system of colleges that would put the opportunity for higher education “within a day’s ride” of every citizen of the Commonwealth. On January 9, 1970, Jefferson’s dream began to come true for residents of the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck. At this time, the local board of RCC met for the first time in Urbanna to chart the direction of the new educational institution. With two campuses planned - one in Glenns and the other in Warsaw - the new college would serve both sides of the Rappahannock River. It, therefore, seemed fitting that the river should give the College its name. As a symbol of the cooperation that made the building of the College possible, soil from all the counties in RCC’s service region was mixed at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Glenns on September 11, 1970.
A year later, students enrolled for classes at the Glenns Campus. Although new construction for the Warsaw Campus did not begin until 1972, classes were held in the Chinn House, which was built in 1908 by Justice Joseph W. Chinn and donated to the Commonwealth of Virginia by his family in Warsaw until the main building opened in 1973.
RCC held its first graduation in June 1973; 40 degrees and 11 certificates were conferred. Today, RCC continues to serve the region with an enrollment of 3,259 students in 2021-22. In 2021-22 923 degrees and certificates were awarded; 630 graduates were prepared for transfer or to enter the workforce.
The College, now 53 years old, offers diverse programming, including short-term credentials to two-year transferable associate degrees. RCC is known for its strong nursing and Emergency Medical Sciences programs and is expanding its healthcare programs with the addition of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in August 2023. Currently, RCC has almost 50 guaranteed admissions agreements with 36 public and private colleges and universities, providing a wide variety of opportunities for transfer. More agreements are in the process of being negotiated. RCC has locations in Glenns, Warsaw, Kilmarnock, King George, New Kent, and Montross.
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