Dr. Dabney Stewart Lancaster
1946-55

A Richmond native who was the 17th president, Dabney S. Lancaster came to Longwood after serving as state superintendent of public instruction from 1941-46. Previously, he had taught agriculture at Virginia Tech and had been dean of men at the University of Alabama. Under his leadership at the institution, the name was changed from State Teachers College to Longwood College, a graduate program was added and three major buildings—Stevens, Jarman and Tabb—were built.

Dr. Dabney Stewart Lancaster began his career as Associate Master of the Chamberlayne School for Boys (now St. Christopher’s) in Richmond. He was a professor of Agricultural Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and became Dean of Men at the University of Alabama in 1923. He served as the Virginia State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1941 and became President of Longwood College in 1946. He became the chair of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in 1955. He retired to Bath County where he served on the Bath County School Board. Over his lifetime he served on the boards of Madison College (now James Madison University), Sweet Briar College, Virginia Theological Seminary and Episcopal High School.

Dr. Lancaster left Longwood to become chair of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, in Clifton Forge, is named in his honor.

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College provides an opportunity for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in a forum that maintains high academic standards, is financially and geographically accessible and respects students’ diverse backgrounds, rights, responsibilities, and abilities. In partnership with local business, industry, government, professions and other educational institutions, DSLCC provides programs and services that prepare members of the community to reach their potential as engaged and learned citizens.