Rappahannock Community College Welcomes New Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is pleased to announce the hire of Russ Carmichael as Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services. Carmichael brings over 20 years of state service in higher education to RCC in areas of strategic and financial planning, capital outlay, procurement, budget development, and a strong background in fiscal policy.
He spent almost 14 years with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) developing operational and capital policy and providing recommendations that shape many programs in place today. He then joined Longwood University ultimately becoming AVP of Business Operations which involved financial, capital, and space planning, major contract administration, real estate services, as well as all other business services. In his latest position as Director of Finance, College of Humanities & Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)—the largest unit at VCU—he managed budgets, planning, compliance, sponsored programs, auxiliary services, and endowment among several other key areas.
“We are excited to welcome Russ Carmichael to the RCC family. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will help shape our business and campus operations,” said Dr. Shannon Kennedy, RCC President.
"I chose RCC because it was clear to me that the values held by the president, faculty, and staff particularly aligned with my own—a clear focus on student success and readiness, in a family-first; family-feel environment. Having spent much time in Virginia Higher Ed, it’s clear that we have reached a day of reckoning for four-year institutions given the financial and enrollment challenges they face. The value proposition students weigh, “is college worth the cost?,” is tipping toward a greater focus on trades which is an area where the Community College system excels,” said Carmichael. “So, I’m looking forward to working in an environment where opportunity exists for individuals to better themselves and become job ready through affordable education.”
Carmichael holds a bachelor’s in economics from Hampden-Sydney College, and an MBA with a focus on Information Security from James Madison University.