Dear Panther Family:
I write today with heartfelt gratitude for each of you. Thanks to your continued dedication and tireless work, Ferrum College continues to make meaningful strides — both in welcoming new students and in securing vital resources to sustain and strengthen our mission.
We continue to see promising upward trends in enrollment. While we remain mindful that the summer recruitment cycle is still underway — and the broader landscape remains volatile — the numbers we are seeing represent real and measurable progress:
Quick Comparison to Prior Years:
These increases reflect the power of collaboration, shared vision, and your belief in Ferrum College’s future. Thank you to everyone who help us tell a story that resonates — and the results speak volumes.
And yet, our work is not done. In addition to shepherding new students home, we must continue to care deeply for those who already call Ferrum College home. Our returning students need us — and retaining them is just as critical to our long-term strength and stability. Please continue to reach out to them, to advise them and to encourage them to stay, grow, and thrive.
I wish to also express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who worked so hard to welcome our new students and their families during Orientation. Your tireless preparation, hospitality, and care made a lasting impression and created a sense of belonging from the moment our students arrived. These early experiences matter deeply and because of your dedication, our students are beginning their Ferrum College journey on solid ground.
As we now prepare to welcome a second group of students and families for our upcoming Orientation on July 19, please know how deeply I appreciate your continued efforts. Thank you for the energy, thoughtfulness, and pride you bring to every detail.
On the advancement side, we are seeing strong indicators of support — with both the number of donors and the total dollars raised ahead of goal:
These numbers are still preliminary as we finalize June’s totals, but the direction is clear — momentum is building. From the Football Golf Tournament (which brought together over 150 alumni, friends, and sponsors) to individual outreach visits and meaningful conversations, our reach is expanding, and our story is being heard.
We are actively planning with the Farm Bureau a Gubernatorial Candidates Forum on July 25. While confirmations are pending, this event has the potential to elevate Ferrum College on the statewide stage — and more importantly, offer our students an opportunity to engage directly in civic life.
As we continue to build momentum, I also look forward to celebrating a special moment in our College’s history: the induction of Billy Wagner into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 25. Billy’s legacy is one of excellence and commitment—values each of you bring to life every day.
The ever-changing activities in Washington DC have been covered through all media channels – many of which will have direct and indirect impact on higher education. Some of the impacts will not become evident for months to come. The SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and Trustees are actively monitoring and analyzing the activities and will communicate significant impacts as they become evident. These are truly turbulent times, and we will manage through these times together.
To each of you: thank you. Thank you for your endurance, your faith in this work, and your devotion to our students. We are gaining ground — and we are doing it together. Let’s continue pressing forward, with purpose, compassion, and a shared belief in what Ferrum College can become.
With deep appreciation,
M3
Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D.
President
