My name is Sandra Via. I graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in history. While at Ferrum, I was a member of several honor societies, including Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), Phi Alpha Theta (history), and Alpha Chi (national academic honor society). After graduating from Ferrum, I went on to earn my M.A. in Political Science from Virginia Tech in 2007, and a Ph.D. in Planning, Governance, and Globalization in 2011 from Virginia Tech.
During the last year of my doctoral work, I returned to Ferrum College as an adjunct professor. After completing my Ph.D., I was hired full time as an Assistant Professor of Political Science. I am currently the International Studies Program Coordinator, advisor to several student organizations, and the former Director of International Programs and Study Abroad. I am also a member of the Boone Honors Steering Committee.
Returning to Ferrum as a professor has always been one of my dreams. I knew that I wanted to return as a professor so that I could offer future generations the same guidance and opportunities that I once received. It is a real privilege to teach at an institution that gave me so much, and had such a huge impact in my life.