Dr. Robert H. Sandel
President, Virginia Western Community College
In his 23 years at Virginia Western Community College, Dr. Robert H. Sandel has spearheaded unprecedented growth. His leadership has helped Virginia Western become a forward-thinking community college, inspiring individual, community and economic transformation.
Dr. Sandel has made it a priority to provide Virginia Western students with the means for success. In recent years, the campus has changed dramatically with the addition of the cutting-edge Fralin Center for Health Professions as well as a Student Life Center. The $30-million-plus Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Building opened to students in fall 2019. The Al Pollard Culinary Arts Program underwent a major expansion to its facility. In collaboration with the City of Roanoke, a redesign of Colonial Avenue increased student safety while creating a beautiful educational corridor.
Dr. Sandel implemented a robust fundraising arm to make college possible for all students. Through the Virginia Western Educational Foundation, the College established the nationally recognized Community College Access Program (CCAP), which provides up to two years of tuition to area high school graduates.
Dr. Sandel, a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, was named Roanoke City Citizen of the Year in 2013. He has served on numerous local and state boards including chair of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Pre-K Committee for Smart Beginnings, board president for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, member of the Friendship Health and Rehabilitation Center’s Board of Trustees, and president of the Board of Trustees for LewisGale Medical Center. Dr. Sandel chaired the committee that developed Achieve 2015, the VCCS six-year strategic plan for Virginia Community Colleges. In spring 2024, Dr. Sandel was named to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council Hall of Fame, and he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Roanoke College.
Dr. Sandel earned his bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, his master’s degree from South Carolina State University and his doctorate from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining Virginia Western, he was president of Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, and he has been a community college educator for more than 50 years.
Dr. Sandel’s wife, Jane, is a retired educator. They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Updated August 2024