RCC Breaks Ground on Facility to Train the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Warsaw, VA – Over a hundred community members gathered on Rappahannock Community College’s Warsaw campus on a beautiful spring day to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art health sciences training facility.
The event honored the donors, board members, employees, students, and community supporters whose time, talent, and generosity brought the vision of this building to life. The facility will be RCC’s first new academic building in more than 45 years.
RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, Richmond County, the Town of Warsaw, and the project’s generous donors for their support in launching the initiative.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $5.1 million grant to the RCC Educational Foundation, Inc., providing a significant boost to construction efforts and helping to advance fundraising for the new health sciences building.
“We are grateful to everyone who is making this possible,” said Richard Gouldin, Jr., chair of RCC’s Local Board. “In 1965, my father shared his vision for a community college in Warsaw. Through strong leadership, dedicated educators, and community support, RCC has continued that legacy of access, opportunity, and transformation for more than 50 years.”
Dr. Robert Gates, president of the RCC Educational Foundation, also shared his appreciation. “The foundation exists to support the college and its students through the generosity of donors,” he said. “It is incredibly rewarding to see this project evolve from a piece of property into what will become a world-class health sciences center.”
J.R. Fidler, Richmond County Board of Supervisors representative and foundation board member, emphasized the college’s broader impact. “Community colleges like RCC play a critical role in providing accessible, affordable education that leads to meaningful careers,” he said. Warsaw Mayor Randy Phelps added that RCC has long been a cornerstone of the town and remains an invaluable community resource.
The new facility will include simulation labs, classrooms, student study spaces, and administrative offices supporting programs such as nursing, EMS, and diagnostic medical sonography. By addressing current space limitations, the building will expand enrollment capacity and strengthen the college’s ability to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals in the region.
Before the ceremonial turning of the dirt, Kennedy reflected on the significance of the moment. “This building represents more than additional space,” she said. “Our current facilities have been adapted to meet growing program needs, but our students deserve a purpose-built environment. This investment allows us to expand our programs and better serve our community. We look forward to welcoming students here in fall 2027.”
Guests in attendance included Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent; Town of Warsaw Mayor Randy Phelps; members of the Richmond County Board of Supervisors and Warsaw Town Council; local leaders; Educational Foundation board members; representatives from VDOT; Tazewell Contracting; Grimm + Parker Architects; RCC President Emeritus Dr. Sissy Crowther; and Catherine Courtney, professor emeritus and the college’s first nursing director.