Dr. Robert “Bobby” Sandel, the fourth president of Virginia Western Community College, announced today that he will retire next June. Sandel came to Virginia Western in 2001 and will depart from a school that has seen seven consecutive semesters of enrollment growth emerging from the pandemic. During his tenure, Sandel has overseen more than $138 million in new building construction and renovations, and place a renewed emphasis on the community college as a workforce development engine.
(from VWCC news release)
ROANOKE – Dr. Robert H. Sandel, fourth president of Virginia Western Community College, announced
Monday that he will retire on June 30, 2025. Sandel has guided the institution through remarkable growth since 2001, leaving a thriving college that has seen seven consecutive semesters of enrollment growth as the College has emerged from the pandemic. Virginia Western’s accreditation has been secured for the next decade, and the Virginia Western Educational Foundation’s financial strength has reached an unprecedented level, ensuring
student support for years to come. “My greatest satisfaction has been being part of this faculty and staff, serving our students, and working with the College's Local Advisory Board and Educational Foundation Board,” said Sandel, who arrived at the decision to retire together with his wife, Jane. “
Virginia Western’s excellent team demonstrates the spirit of partnership that will propel the College forward.”
Sandel had a vision for a first-class, state-of-the-art campus, appealing to students and functional for
academic programs. In his tenure, Sandel has overseen more than $138 million in new building
construction and renovations. This investment has made positive impacts on the local economy, quality
of student education and preparation of the region’s workforce. “When I reflect on Dr. Sandel's profound impact on our region, I am filled with gratitude. We are truly fortunate to have had his leadership at Virginia Western Community College during this pivotal time.
His contributions have made our region a much better place,” said Todd Putney, chairman of Virginia Western’s Local Advisory Board, retired business executive and current chairman of the Rockingham Insurance Group.
“Bobby has a larger-than-life personality that makes you want to join him in championing whatever he is
working on. What makes him so unique is that while he is a dynamic, curious and engaging
communicator, his ability to follow through and effectively address economic development challenges
truly sets him apart. Dr. Sandel is a rare talent, and we are incredibly thankful that he and Jane chose to
make the Roanoke Valley their home,” Putney said.
Regional and statewide influence Sandel is the most tenured president in the Virginia Community College System, with more than nine years as president at Mountain Empire Community College before he became president at Virginia Western. Prior to that, Sandel served more than 20 years in the South Carolina technical college system.
His leadership has supported community college education across Virginia.
Chancellor Doré will work with Virginia Western’s Local Advisory Board and Educational Foundation
throughout the presidential search process, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
