It was named after Virginia statesman Richard Bland who lived in Prince George County where the East campus is located.

Its primary mission throughout its history has been to provide higher education opportunities to individuals residing in communities located away from the main campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Known for his defense of Virginia's rights, Richard Bland played a significant role in the colonies' struggle against taxation imposed by external powers.

Additionally, around the time of these battles, the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, stayed at a tavern which's remains are located in the forested foliage of the modern-day campus.

In the early 1900s, the Hatcher-Seward family established a dairy farm on the former Gurley property, and a grove of pecan trees was planted, which would be an iconic part of the scenery for the future Richard Bland College.

[3] Under the guidance of retired Colonel James M. Carson, the former hospital and training facility were transformed into Richard Bland College, with classes commencing in 1961.

Dr. Clarence Maze succeeded Carson as President, overseeing the expansion of academic programs and the promotion of international awareness and travel opportunities.

Today, Richard Bland College occupies a rural campus spanning 750 acres, which was once a dairy farm owned by the Gurley family.

The campus boasts a grove of century-old pecan trees, two restored turn-of-the-20th-century farmhouses (one serving as the President's residence and the other as a guesthouse which is occupied by one of the junior college's administrators), a converted dairy barn used as a theater, and a unique koi pond.

[8] Richard Bland College of William and Mary has a campus spanning over 700 acres, situated in both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties, adjacent to the city limits of Petersburg.

The rural, park-like campus is split into east and west and offers landscaped grounds with a mix of modern and colonialistic-vintage architecture, pecan orchards, and historical structures, including Maze Hall, the administration building, and the remnants of when the land was under the supervision of Central State Hospital.

The Campus Center is a significant hub, housing the library, a snack bar, dining area, student lounge, and bookstore.

Statesman Hall houses the gymnasium, locker facilities, a weight training center, a racquetball court, aerobics classrooms, and faculty offices for physical education and health courses.

The campus layout also features a Crim Dell inspired bridge connecting the athletic fields to the Residential Village, offering convenient access for students residing in that area.

Richard Bland College offers a variety of academic programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen fields.