Andrew Schoeneman interacting with students in the classroom
Dr. Andrew Schoeneman interacting with students in a Nonprofit Studies class

Nonprofit studies chair Andrew Schoeneman accepts position at UVA; Grant Rissler named incoming program chair

January 9, 2026

Dr. Grant Rissler has been named chair of the Nonprofit Studies program at the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies effective Jan. 9, 2026. He takes on the role following the departure of Dr. Andrew Schoeneman, who accepted a position at the University of Virginia.

Schoeneman has led the University’s Nonprofit Studies program for the past decade, expanding its curriculum, regional reach and community partnerships while recruiting adjunct faculty committed to the nonprofit sector. Colleagues credit him with strengthening the program’s academic offerings and fostering student engagement with local nonprofit organizations.

SPCS Dean Jamelle Wilson thanked Schoeneman for his leadership and contributions and expressed confidence that the School will maintain the program’s high standards, established by Schoeneman, going forward. “We are grateful to Andrew’s vision and his many contributions across the school and the University,” she wrote. “While I know Andrew is excited for this new venture, we will certainly miss him here in SPCS.”

Rissler joined the School in 2024 after serving as affiliate faculty in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. He brings more than 20 years of experience across nonprofit and higher-education roles, including communications, fundraising, policy analysis and program administration, and conducts social equity research on how state and local governments and nonprofit partners support immigrant integration. His local service includes board involvement with Richmond nonprofits.

Dean Wilson expressed her confidence in Rissler’s future leadership of the Nonprofit Studies program. “I am confident Grant will continue the high standards our program has become known for over the past 10 years,” she noted in a message to faculty and students in the program, adding, “I know you all will enjoy working with Grant in this new capacity.”

SPCS offers a master’s degree and graduate certificate in the Nonprofit Studies program. The program is especially designed for professionals aspiring to work in nonprofit organizations and those currently working in nonprofits. The program is accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council.