Brightpoint Community College Celebrates the Inauguration of its Eighth President

Primary Media Contact:  Holly Walker, Director of Communications and Public Relations, 804-594-1530

Secondary Media Contact:  Heather Busch, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, 804-594-1532

CHESTER and MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Brightpoint Community College celebrated the inauguration of its eighth president, Dr. William C. “Bill” Fiege, during a ceremony on October 18, 2024, at its Midlothian Campus. Elected officials; former and current educational leaders from across the Commonwealth; representatives from the State Board for Community Colleges; former Brightpoint presidents and the families of past presidents; representatives from Brightpoint’s college, foundation and real estate foundation boards; Brightpoint students, alumni, faculty and staff; business and community representatives; and Dr. Fiege’s family and friends were among those in attendance.

Dr. Fiege became Brightpoint’s president in January 2024, after being appointed to the position by Virginia Community College System Chancellor Dr. David Doré following a national search. Prior to being named president, Dr. Fiege served for nearly 12 years as Brightpoint’s vice president of learning and student success. Before coming to Brightpoint, he held positions at Germanna Community College and Longwood University, including division dean, speech communication faculty member, assistant director of alumni relations, and assistant director of athletics. He is currently a member of the ChamberRVA Board of Directors, Virginia's Gateway Region Board of Directors, and the Longwood University Real Estate Foundation. He also coaches the Ironbridge National travel softball team. 

During his inaugural address, Dr. Fiege spoke about his journey and those who mentored him and impacted him, including his father, Dr. John Christopher Fiege, who was the first president of Eastern Shore Community College. Dr. Bill Fiege also highlighted his commitment to students and to the community and his vision for Brightpoint. “Those who truly know me understand I love to compete,” said Dr. Fiege. “I love to play, and I love to win. But to be clear, the competition, in my view is not any other college or university in Virginia or around the country. The game is keeping up to meet the needs of our students and the workforce demands of business and industry. To do it with integrity and to do it right. I firmly believe it’s always the right time to do the right thing. Community is our middle name, and we are here to serve; to ensure each of you hiring can find good, qualified people who will work, live, and play right here in our service region. It’s in our mission: We provide quality educational opportunities that inspire student success and community vitality, and we focus intently and strategically on our vision which is a success story for every student. When that happens, the community wins, the college wins, we all win!”  

Before administering the presidential oath of office and bestowing the VCCS presidential medallion and a blank journal that serves as reminder that the story of Dr. Fiege’s presidency is not yet written and is without limits, Chancellor Doré addressed those in attendance. He spoke about Dr. Fiege’s work to date, outlined his goals and expectations, and talked about Virginia’s community colleges. “We know our colleges play a vital role in Virginia’s educational landscape,” said Dr. Doré. “They are the backbone of workforce development, a gateway to higher learning, and a beacon of hope for those seeking to improve their lives through education. Bill Fiege understands this profound responsibility and is committed to enhancing the college's impact.”

In addition to Dr. Fiege and Chancellor Doré, the ceremony included:

• Dr. Fiege’s daughters, both of whom are dual and concurrent enrollment students at Brightpoint and students at Midlothian High School. Erika Fiege led attendees in The Pledge of Allegiance, and Erin Fiege introduced her father for his inaugural address.
• The National Anthem performed by Brightpoint music student Donovan Henderson.
• Remarks from Dr. Edward “Ted” Raspiller, seventh president of Brightpoint, and Dr. Van C. Wilson, former interim president of Brightpoint.
• Greetings from the College Board by chair Christine Wilson.
• Alumni, employee and student perspectives delivered by Kenneth Pritchett, Class of 2015; Kenyada McLeod, associate professor; and Alexandria Davis, Class of 2025.
• An original piece of music written by Brightpoint faculty member Dr. David Guthrie and performed by the Brightpoint Chorus. 
• An original poem by an anonymous author, read by Eddie Webster, a member of Brightpoint’s staff.
• Introductions provided by Dr. Fiege’s executive leadership team, including Dr. Tara Atkins-Brady, Dr. Case Willoughby, Dr. Mikell Brown, Dr. Jean Hale, Susan Grinnan, Natolyn Quash and Elizabeth Creamer.
• The Presentation of Colors by the James River High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. 

The ceremony’s full program may be found on the website’s inauguration page at www.brightpoint.edu/inauguration, additional ceremony photographs may be found on the college’s Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/brightpointccva/albums/72177720321387072/with/54082409887, and a recording of the livestreamed ceremony may be found at www.youtube.com/live/LtU4k4iMVCs?si=zVDNLe39ZJdxJbyJ. 

Brightpoint Community College, one of the largest institutions in the Virginia Community College System, envisions a success story for every student. Brightpoint offers students a high-quality, high-value education, with more than 80 majors that provide pathways to careers in in-demand fields; transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities; and industry credentials and licensures. The college, with campuses in Chester and Midlothian, online classes, and off-campus classrooms, served 12,097 students during the 2023-24 academic year. It also assisted 4,200 learners through Community College Workforce Alliance, the shared workforce division of Brightpoint and Reynolds community colleges.