At the Dec. 9 New College Institute Board of Directors meeting in Martinsville, Senator William M. “Bill” Stanley Jr. (R-Glade Hill) was elected chairman of the college’s board of directors.
“With my election as chairman of the board of directors, I remain committed to the future of Southside and Southwest Virginia, and therefore I will not be seeking the Republican nomination for attorney general at this time,” Stanley said.
“In order to ensure the future success of NCI, I must in good faith put politics aside and do what is right for the region and this great educational institution,” he continued. “I stand ready to work with the board, the excellent New College staff, and the collaborating institutions, both here and across the Commonwealth to create a new and enduring path for success for NCI.”
Regarding his decision not to run for the 2017 Republican nomination for Virginia attorney general, Stanley made the following statement: “Delegate Rob Bell is a great Virginian and excellent delegate and I know he would have made an excellent attorney general. When he chose not to run, I was asked to run by numerous Virginians across the Commonwealth.
“During that time, we reached out to many who were willing to support our campaign during the nominating process. We gave serious consideration the request to run for attorney general, and believe that we could have been successful in the November 2017 election.
“While I am humbled by their support and encouragement, I could not help but feel that I can help my region more at this time by continuing my service in the Virginia state senate and as the chairman of the board of directors for New College.”
Despite his announcement, Senator Stanley said he does not rule out a run for statewide office in the future.
New College Institute provides access to bachelor’s degree completion programs, master’s degrees, teacher endorsement programs, and teacher recertification courses through partnerships with colleges and universities.
The 20th Virginia senatorial district is comprised of all of Henry and Patrick counties plus the cities of Galax and Martinsville; portions of Carroll, Franklin, Halifax and Pittsylvania counties; and the City of Danville. First elected in 2011, Sen. Stanley currently serves as the Majority Whip of the Virginia Senate, and is chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government. He serves as a ranking member of the Senate committees on Rules, Agriculture, Courts of Justice and Commerce and Labor.