RichmondCC Dean Says Scholarships Transforms Lives

April 30, 2026 - Dean of Engineering & Trades John Kester sees Richmond Community College as more than just a workplace; the college has bridged the gap between hard work and opportunity for not only his family, but for many others over the years.

For this reason, Kester has established several scholarships through the RichmondCC Foundation.

The Joseph R. Kester Scholarship for Excellence in Adult Education is a merit-based award at RichmondCC that honors the legacy of Joseph R. “Rex” Kester Sr. and Joseph R. “Joe” Kester Jr. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding adult education student who demonstrates exceptional performance while completing an adult high school diploma or high school equivalency credential.

Rex, Kester’s father, left school after the eighth grade to work in a lumber mill in 1950s West Virginia, a common path in many working-class communities at the time. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he attained the equivalent of a ninth-grade education. Although he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, his father faced ongoing challenges associated with not completing his secondary education.

“Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges my father faced without a completed high school education, despite his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for our family,” Kester said. “That experience underscored how access to education can open doors and remove barriers.”

This belief was reinforced by the journey of his brother, Joe, who earned his adult high school diploma at RichmondCC. He spent much of his career in the textile industry before returning to RichmondCC to complete the Emergency Medical Technician program. He served in that field until his passing in 2012.

“His path showed the power of second chances and the importance of accessible, career-focused education,” Kester said.

Kester’s sister, Melissa, also had ties to RichmondCC. She served as a part-time Adult Education instructor for several years until her untimely death in 2009.

Beyond the Adult Education scholarship, the Kester family also sponsors the “Most Improved Driver Award” for students who complete Truck Driver Training at RichmondCC.

Creating these scholarships was a natural choice for honoring his family’s legacy.

“Being a part of RichmondCC means being connected to a community that genuinely believes in second chances and the power of education to transform lives. It’s a place where students come to rebuild confidence, gain skills, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. Every student’s success story reflects the same resilience and determination that shaped my father’s and brother’s journeys,” Kester said.

For Kester, giving to the RichmondCC Foundation is an investment in the community.

“Supporting the RichmondCC Foundation is a meaningful way to invest in students, strengthen the local workforce, and create lasting opportunities in our community,” Kester said.

There are many ways to give to the RichmondCC Foundation and provide life-changing support to students. Contact Dr. Wendy Kelly Jordan, Associate Vice President of Development, at (910) 410-1807 or wkjordan@richmondcc.edu.