Ferrum College’s annual President’s and Dean’s List Dinner was held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on January 31, 2020. During the dinner, College officials recognized 258 Dean’s List recipients and 97 President’s List recipients for spring 2019. For fall 2019, 290 students were named to Dean’s List and 103 to President’s List.
To qualify for Dean’s List, a student must be full-time with a grade point average of at least 3.4 out of a possible 4.0. Students named to President’s List are full-time with a grade point average of 4.0 at the end of the spring and fall semesters.
See photos from the evening here.
Find students named to the President’s List here.
Dean’s List students are named here.
Ferrum College junior Suzanne “Suzie” Maines spent the fall semester a long way from her hometown of Winchester, VA. In August, Maines traveled to Denmark and then to Sevilla, Spain to begin a semester-long study abroad program. She left Spain on December 11 to spend more time in Denmark until she arrives back in the United States on January 6, 2020. Maines is majoring in Spanish and international studies and plans to graduate in May 2021.
Studying abroad was attractive to Maines for two reasons: she wanted to explore a new place, and she really wanted to improve her Spanish. “The best way to do that is through immersion,” she said.
Maines spent the fall semester studying at the Spanish Studies Center in Sevilla. She found some similarities to Ferrum College: the classes at the center, although taught only in Spanish, were all small in size and the professors were understanding and patient. However, there were lots of differences.
“The typical day in Sevilla is quite different than a day in the United States especially when it comes to meal times and scheduling in general,” Maines said. “Breakfast is very small, usually just toast with butter, lunch is a very long sit-down meal around 2:30 p.m. that takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and then dinner is usually at 9:30 p.m. or even later if you decide to eat out.
“Nightlife here starts very late, usually around 1:30 to 2:00 a.m.,” she added. “This is possible because of siesta. Everything kind of slows down and closes and people rest in their houses and sleep because it’s insufferably hot in southern Spain.”
Maines enjoyed being away from her normal routine while in Sevilla. “Studying abroad feels as if you’re in this little bubble and it’s very relaxing and euphoric,” she explained. “You’re away from all your problems and the same settings you’ve been seeing all your life so it feels like you have a fresh start. Even if it’s only temporary you’re definitely living in your own little world while you’re there.”
Visit here to learn more about study abroad opportunities at Ferrum College.
Talum Smith ’20 (center) stands with President David Johns and Head Women’s Wrestling Coach Breonnah Neal at the October 30 Wrestle Like A Girl Gala.
Ferrum College senior and member of the women’s wrestling team Talum Smith was honored Wednesday, October 30, 2019, during the Wrestle Like A Girl Fourth Annual Gala. The gala was held in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum for Women in the Arts.
Out of 427 nominated student wrestlers, Smith was chosen to receive the Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston Courage Award presented by Tiffany and Co. The award was created in 2016 by the Wrestle Like A Girl Foundation to honor Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, who moved from Iran to the U.S. and became the first woman in America’s history to win a wrestling medal for the U.S. at the 1989 World Championships. The Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston Courage Award honors athletes who have to use immense personal courage to participate or compete in sports, even when participating could put them at great risk.
“I feel deeply humbled and honored to receive this award. It feels amazing to know that I can inspire other people, especially young girls, and be a great role model to them,” said Smith. “I want to thank Wrestle Like A Girl for hosting this event and everything that they are doing to empower and invest in women.”
“Her award is fitting,” explained Ferrum College President David Johns. “Talum is one of the most courageous young women I know, in all aspects of life.”
“She is hardworking, dedicated, and a great leader who always has a smile on her face and produces positive energy,” said Ferrum College head women’s wrestling coach Breonnah Neal. “Talum is well-deserving of this award because of all of the obstacles she has faced.”
A criminal justice major hailing from Washington, D.C., Smith did not initially plan on pursuing higher education due to the expense and having to move away from her siblings. In spite of the odds, she made her way to Ferrum College and began working a full-time job to pay for school.
In her sophomore year at the College, she came out for the women’s wrestling team, showing up at every practice that didn’t interfere with her full-time job. Also in her sophomore year, at age 19, Smith was diagnosed with leukemia.
“I was blindsided by the news,” said then head women’s wrestling coach Jessica Medina. “As she told me this, she had a smile on her face. She didn’t want anyone to pity her or worry.”
Throughout treatment, Smith continued to work and go to class with an oxygen tank in tow. She took summer classes to raise her GPA. She was determined to wrestle for Ferrum College. In fall 2018, Smith received the happy news that the disease was in remission.
In January 2019, with her doctor’s permission, Smith competed in the Tornado Open. “She wrestled her heart out that day, inspiring our entire team,” said Medina. “Because she wanted to compete on her college team, she pushed herself in the classroom to have the opportunity.”
“Talum embodies the spirit of Ferrum College–determined, focused, and courageous,” said Johns, with pride. “She is an inspiration to us all.”
Read more about Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston here, and about the Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston Courage Award here.
Learn more about Wrestle Like A Girl here.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s women’s wrestling here.
The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum announces the 46th annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the Institute on Ferrum College’s campus, 20 Museum Drive, Ferrum. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 – 14), and $5 for senior citizens (55 and over). Children 5 years old and younger are admitted free.
Always the fourth Saturday in October, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival features authentic regional folk music, craftspeople, draft horse and dog handlers, car builders, tractor restorers, country cooks, moonshine tale tellers and much more! Called “thoroughly authentic” by The New York Times, the festival is coordinated by the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College and is a major venue on the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.
Order advance tickets by calling (540) 365-4412. Visit here to learn more, view a schedule of events and ticket packages, or register a car for the car show.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum here.
Author, speaker, and domestic violence educator Janine Latus will visit Ferrum College’s campus on Monday, October 28, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Panthers Den of Franklin Hall. She will present “You Know What’s Really Scary? Relationship Violence.” A reception will follow the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.
Janine Latus had recently left an abusive marriage and was attending a conference when she learned that her youngest sister, Amy, was missing. In April 2002, Amy had taped a note to the inside of her desk drawer. “Today Ron Ball and I are romantically involved,” it read, “but I fear I have placed myself at risk in a variety of ways. Based on his criminal past, writing this out just seems like the smart thing to do. If I am missing or dead this obviously has not protected me…”. Two years later, Amy’s former boyfriend Ron Ball was sentenced for her murder.
These experiences led Latus to launch a campaign against relationship violence, and today she is a widely sought-after teacher, author, and speaker who regularly conducts workshops for clients in the corporate, educational, and military sectors, as well as professional athletics. Her talks have inspired thousands of people to recognize relationship abuse, break free, and heal.
Dr. Lana Whited, professor of English and director of the Boone Honors Program at Ferrum College, describes Latus’s previous visit to the Ferrum campus: “I have seldom heard the undergraduate students on our campus quieter than when Janine Latus was speaking to them. Janine is generous with her time and talents and unwavering in her crusade to spare others what she and her sister Amy endured. Her message resonates long after she has gone.”
Visit Latus’s website to read the first chapter of “If I Am Missing or Dead” or to listen to Latus’s 2017 Tedx talk.
Latus’s appearance at Ferrum College is sponsored by the Office of Student Life, the Boone Honors Program, Stanley Library, and the campus chapter of Help Save the Next Girl.
Event details submitted by Dr. Lana Whited.
One hundred percent of Ferrum College’s teacher education program graduates are employed, according to data gathered across three years, from 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Ferrum College teacher education program graduates: spring 2017 (top); spring 2018 (left); fall 2018 (right).
“Approximately ninety percent of our graduates secure full-time employment in their endorsement area by the start of the next school year,” explained Assistant Professor of Teacher Education Christine Christianson. “It is typical for several of our student teachers to interview for and be offered positions before graduation in May. Graduates who are not employed full-time by the start of the school year in August typically work part-time coaching or teaching in a district they targeted until a full-time position in their endorsement area becomes available.”
Franklin County Public Schools has hired forty-seven percent of Ferrum College’s teacher education graduates. The other graduates are teaching in South Carolina, North Carolina, and all over Virginia, including Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater/Hampton Roads, Southside, and Piedmont regions. Employment data for May 2019 Ferrum College teacher education program graduates will be available in spring 2020.
This fall 2019, Ferrum College began offering courses for a new Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. This degree comes with the state education board’s approval of 53 new teaching preparation programs and allows Ferrum College students interested in teaching in an elementary school setting to earn a degree focused in elementary education.
Christianson explained that Ferrum College usually has more elementary education students than other endorsement areas. Over the last three years, sixty-three percent of Ferrum’s teacher education graduates received an elementary endorsement (pre-kindergarten through sixth grade); twenty-three percent received an endorsement in health and physical education in all grades; and fourteen percent earned an endorsement in secondary subjects, like social studies and English, for sixth grade to twelfth grade.
Ferrum College teacher education program graduates: spring 2016 (top); fall 2016 (bottom).
“Well-prepared educators are influencers at a critical time in the development of elementary-aged children,” said Ferrum College Provost Aimé Sposato. “Our new four-year elementary education degree provides future teachers with the skills and hands-on experience in the classroom they will need to gain employment in school districts throughout the state and region. Our dynamic faculty share their passion and expertise as experienced educators with the students and guide them through the licensure and job search process.”
Christianson noted there is a teacher shortage crisis across the nation. “In Virginia last year, there were one thousand unfilled teacher positions on the first day of school. At Ferrum, we have the capacity to grow our teacher education program, and we are working to do that in several ways: we are offering a dual credit education course at Franklin County High School beginning in Spring 2020; we are participating in campus activities such as the Academic Majors Fair, Academic Fair Open House, and Major Decision Day to promote our program; and we promote our program and our students’ achievements on social media,” said Christianson.
Ferrum College teacher education graduates are proud of the knowledge they received in the program. “Being part of the teacher education program at the College was simply amazing,” explained Tabatha Chitwood, who graduated this past spring and is now a third grade teacher at Ferrum Elementary School. “Not only was I provided with various opportunities to work in my desired field, I was able to make strong connections within the county I have always called home. I also felt empowered by the small class size and was able to make special bonds with friends that are now my colleagues. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose Ferrum College.”
Learn more about Ferrum College’s teacher education program here.
Watch WDBJ-7’s coverage of this exciting news here.
Additional recent data confirmed an employment rate of 100 percent for spring 2019 teacher education graduates. Per Christianson, “All 14 of the graduates were offered and accepted full time employment during the academic year following graduation.” Data for spring 2020 graduates is still pending.
Members of the Scott family cut the ribbon commemorating the Leo H. Scott Educational Pavilion.
The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College celebrated the completion of the Leo H. Scott Educational Pavilion with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Blue Ridge Farm Museum on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.
Leo Scott was often called the backbone of the Ferrum community.
Named for the late Leo Hamilton Scott, a Ferrum local who was often described as the backbone of the community, the pavilion was made possible by his wife Geraldine Scott and her grandchildren Chase and Kelli. The Scott family is a longtime presence in the town of Ferrum and strong supporters of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and Ferrum College.
“The educational pavilion is my special gift to Leo,” said Geraldine. “It means a great deal to me for everyone to be able to use it, from school children, to the Ferrum community for reunions and parties, to college students. I can’t wait to see it in use.”
Scott was a 1951 graduate of Ferrum Junior College. In 1953, he founded Leo Scott Cabinets and employed many local father and son pairs to custom-make cabinets that were shipped throughout southeast Virginia. Scott was active in the Ferrum community; he founded the Ferrum Rescue Squad and Ferrum Volunteer Fire Department. In 2001, Ferrum College awarded Scott the Benjamin M. Beckham Medallion, the most prestigious alumni award named after the College’s first president. He was also named Franklin County’s Farmer of the Year in 2013. Scott passed away in February 2017 at age 84.
“We are so grateful to the Scott family for this generous gift to the 1800s farm museum,” said Bethany Worley, director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum. “We’ve needed an educational facility for decades to serve our growing numbers of school tours, homeschooling events, and for the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. The Leo H. Scott Educational Pavilion will also be instrumental in our community fellowship. Everyone can be a part of Ferrum College.”
“The Leo H. Scott Educational Pavilion will be a center for learning, recreation, and reflection for years to come,” said Ferrum College President David Johns. “It will stand as a lasting memorial to a beloved member of this community. We are grateful to Geraldine Scott for her gift to Ferrum College and to the Village of Ferrum.”
Read more about Leo Hamilton Scott in this Franklin News Post article.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum here.
Six Ferrum College seniors will present their own research regarding a wide variety of topics during the Natural Sciences Friday Seminar on October 25, 2019, from 1:25 – 2:45 p.m. in Garber Hall #106. Read below to learn more about the seniors’ presentations.
Andrew Calohan – “Creatine Monohydrate, Like Coffee for Your Muscles”We all love coffee and we all love that boost of energy that caffeine gives us. What if there is something similar that you could use to feed your muscles every day? Creatine is the best known fitness supplement out on the market. It not only gives the muscles energy, it also helps them recover and be ready for the next day. If you want one of the best ways to build muscle – not from something that can be found in macaroni (steroids) – then creatine is the road for you.
Caitlin Hodges – “Synthesis and Utilization of Polyoxometalate Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents”Due to the ever increasing problem of antibiotic resistance, there is an acute need for a new class of antibiotic drugs. Since many current antibiotic agents are derived from bacterial cells and other living organisms, there is reason to believe that inorganic compounds such as polyoxometalates may exhibit greater specificity and reduced risk of resistance. Current studies suggest that polyoxometalates are promising compounds that can be used in an antiviral, antifungal, and even anticancer capacity.
Andrew Holden – “Importance of a GMO Tomato”Tomatoes are one of the most popular and important vegetables in the world, with over 182,000,000 tons produced across the globe in 2017 (Food and Agriculture Organization statistic). Tomatoes are also subject to many plant pests and diseases, making it necessary to breed tomatoes that give the best defense against pests/pathogens as well as yields. The benefits of the use of genetic modification of tomatoes is reviewed and discussed in this presentation, with a focus on pest and disease resistance.
Kateri Smith – “The Rationing System and the Sustainability of British Agriculture in WW2 and Beyond”The situation of agriculture during World War II in England was founded on the idea that the country could produce all its food regardless of a German blockade or other factors. They created a model system by using all available labor sources as well as keeping accurate data, while shifting production to produce necessary goods and foodstuffs, and having overlapping organizations that would monitor and maintain the system.
This presentation will include a discussion of the treatments of Lupus Nephritis in adults.
Jessie Worley – “A1 Versus A2 Milk”Milk is a widely used product across the world. Whether milk itself is consumed or mixed in yogurt, cakes, or cheeses, billions of pounds of milk are consumed by Americans alone on a daily basis. Who thought that there would be “kinds” of milk, though? A1 and A2 milk are two different types of milk and they are different due to proteins. Throughout my paper I will discuss what the milks are, the difference, why they are different, and the impacts each milk has on human health.
With Homecoming 2019 festivities occurring this upcoming weekend, Ferrum College is also anticipating the return of four of its notable alumni.
On Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. in the Panthers Den in lower Franklin Hall on campus, alumna Melanie Rooks ’15 will share how her Ferrum College experience prepared her for working at a nonprofit focused on educational programming in South Africa.
On Friday, October 11 from 3 – 4 p.m. in the Founders Room on campus, alumni Bernice Cobbs ’98, Lloyd Parker ’79, and Mika Smith ’16 will participate in an alumni panel detailing how their Ferrum College education prepared them to launch successful careers.
Read more about Rooks, Cobbs, Parker, and Smith, below.
For those who can’t join us on campus, the Alumni Panel may be watched online here: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ferrumadmin
Click here to see the Homecoming 2019 schedule of events. Register for events here. Most events are free but registration using the “Tickets” link is required.
Melanie Rooks ’15Melanie Rooks graduated from Ferrum College in 2015 with a degree in psychology. While at the College, she served two years as president of the Student Government Association. After graduation, Rooks began working for Lift Every Voice, a non-profit organization focused on educational programming in South Africa. Rooks spent time in Capetown, South Africa in conjunction with Lift Every Voice and now periodically visits Ferrum College’s classes to share information about leadership and transformative change. She was named Ferrum College’s first Citizens Engaging in Service alumni recipient for her work.
Bernice Cobbs ’98Bernice Cobbs graduated from Ferrum College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts and a teaching endorsement. She went on to receive a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia (2002), a Master of Education in educational leadership from Radford University (2007), and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech (2014). In June 2019, Cobbs was named the 2019 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia, an honor received for her work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Rocky Mount, VA, where she served as campus principal from July 2015 to July 2019. She was named Boones Mill Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Also in 2004, Cobbs was honored as Franklin County Public School System’s Teacher of the Year and Virginia’s Region VI Teacher of the Year. She received the 2005 Virginia Lottery Excellence in Education Award and was named a Ferrum College Distinguished Alumna in 2008.
Lloyd Parker ’79Lloyd Parker is a 1979 graduate of Ferrum College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in public affairs and administration. He served as Student Government Association president, chaired the Judicial Council, played on the tennis team, and sang in the choir. He has 35 years of experience as a paramedic and served in emergency medical services (EMS) leadership roles in both VA and FL for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for eleven type I incidents, including the earthquake in Haiti; the 1998 Florida wildfires; the Florida Groundhog Day tornadoes; and hurricanes Andrew, George, Charlie, Frances, Jeanne, Katrina, Rita, and Gustav. He also performed leadership roles for four national security special events: the Barack Obama presidential inauguration; the Fourth of July event held at the US Mall; and two State of the Union addresses). He also served on the incident management team at two NFL Super Bowls. Today he works for the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates as EMS chief for US Army bases in Kuwait.
Mika Smith ’16Mika Smith graduated from Ferrum College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She went on to earn a Master of Science in forensic science with a concentration in drug analysis and toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon graduating in May 2018, Smith began working with the toxicology section as a forensic laboratory specialist at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science western laboratory located in Roanoke, VA. She currently is employed as a forensic scientist in the toxicology section at the western laboratory.
Director of the Second-Year Experience Ronda Bryant is a perfect example of a product of the diverse and explorative learning environment Ferrum College provides its students.
Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Education in counselor education from Wake Forest University. She received her doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Virginia, and is proud to be a first-generation college student.
She is piloting the Second-Year Experience, a newly developed program focused on guiding sophomores – students in the “middle” stage of college – successfully through the second half of their higher education experience. She also oversees the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program; helped develop the Ask ME First Center which works with first-generation college students; taught Gateway freshman seminar courses; and founded the Sister4Sister student organization for women on campus. It’s safe to say helping students succeed is high on her priority list.
Bryant has another passion, a second intriguing layer. “Health and wellness are very important to me,” she explained. “I used to be a lot heavier in my twenties and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle when I turned thirty. I have been able to maintain a roughly eighty pound weight loss. For me, fitness is a lifestyle. I have the same cravings and struggles as everyone else. I work very hard to stay balanced and consistent. I want to enjoy the benefits that come from being healthy, like being pain- and medication-free.”
Bryant got hooked on Zumba in 2010 and became an instructor in 2011. She has been teaching Zumba classes at Ferrum College’s YMCA twice a week since 2013. “The Zumba classes I teach here are for everyone – students, faculty, staff, and the community. We don’t require dance experience and we welcome all fitness levels. When you come to my classes, you’re likely to hear everything from salsa and Latin rhythms, to African beats and hip-hop, to Caribbean music,” she explained.
In 2017, Bryant began exploring bodybuilding. “A couple of trainers mentioned that I should look into possibly entering a bodybuilding show,” she said. “I got a coach and started working with a friend who was a trainer, and they were critical in getting me ready.” Preparing for her first show took about five months and required lifting weights, cardio, a strict diet, and learning how to post and present herself on stage. Bryant did well in her first show and earned a Pro Card in the Figure Masters category, but hasn’t competed as a professional yet. She plans to compete again this spring.
Dr. Bryant sits with two PAL tutors, sophomore Savannah Farris and senior Jamie Gilbert.
Originally from Kinston, NC, Bryant cherishes her family and visits them often; she is a proud aunt of three nieces and one nephew. She is also a singer and recently traveled to Germany, France, and Switzerland to perform with a group of her college friends. Despite her many activities and interests, Bryant always comes back to her mission to help students navigate higher education: “At Ferrum, what I love more than anything else are the students. To watch students figure out this whole ‘college-thing,’ and then thrive and excel and ultimately earn their degrees, is very important to me,” she said.
Learn more about the ARC’s special academic programs here.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s YMCA and see a workout class schedule here.
Ferrum College’s Academic Resources Center (ARC) offers a number of support programs, including peer tutoring. Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) tutors must be recommended by a member of the faculty for the class they wish to tutor. They must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and an A or B in the course they wish to tutor. PAL tutors apply for the position and are trained before they begin tutoring in the ARC. They have regular contact with professors and even stop by classes when they can. Most frequently make the Dean’s List.
“I am fairly certain that the students we hire are among the busiest, most involved students on campus,” said Ronda Bryant, PAL tutor coordinator and director of the Second-Year Experience, a program focused on successfully guiding students through the second half of college. “They are student leaders, athletes, and very hard working young people who provide an invaluable service to their fellow students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with them.”
Tutoring is available Tuesday through Thursday nights until 9 p.m., and Monday and Friday until 5 p.m., in the College’s ARC.
Learn more about PAL tutoring and the Academic Resources Center.
Meet some of Ferrum College’s PAL tutors, below.
History 101/102
Nia Pettiford is a Ferrum College senior from Bel Air, MD. She is majoring in pre-professional science and minoring in biology. Nia loves lacrosse, pizza rolls, and tea!
Business 230, Economics 201/202
Reina Balderas, from Axton, VA, is a senior majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing. She is also minoring in Spanish. “I enjoy helping others and would like to see everyone succeed this school year,” said Reina.
Biology 254, Chemistry 301/302, Honors 213
Alex Mattson is a junior from Virginia Beach majoring in pre-professional health science. She plays soccer and is a member of Boone Honors Program, the Lions Club, and Minds-N-Medicine. Alex enjoys writing and yoga.
Biology 254
Natasha Shelton is a first generation college student from Richmond, VA. She is a senior majoring in health science and health and human performance. Her goal is to become a physician’s assistant.
Biology 254
Kyndra Powell of Roanoke, VA, is majoring in health and human performance and minoring in sociology. She will become a doctor of physical therapy. Kyndra is a leadership ambassador and works in the library.
Chemistry 103/104, 105, 301/302; Math 208
Catie Hodges of Moneta, VA, is president of both the senior class and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Catie is triple-majoring in biology, chemistry, and pre-med, and plans to attend medical school in fall 2020.
Psychology 201/211
Brie Martin of Salem, VA, is studying psychology and social work. She is president of Psi Chi and the Psychology Club. Brie is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Social Work 201
Jada McLaughlin of Newport News, VA, is majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. She is a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, the cheerleading squad, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Theatre Arts 222
Jordan Thompson from Penhook, VA, is majoring in health and human performance. She wants to teach physical education upon graduation. At Ferrum College, she is a member of the tennis team and enjoys anything outdoors.
Music 111/117
Amber Scott of Stuart, VA, is a liberal arts major with minors in elementary education, psychology, and music. She is a member of National Society of Leadership and Success, Kappa Delta Phi, and color guard.
Religion 151
Jamie Gilbert, originally from Williamsburg, VA, will graduate in May with a degree in musical theatre, music, and religion. She is a member of Zeta Chi Epsilon and sings in the College’s choirs. She enjoys her cat, hiking, and camping.
Biology 111
Marcus Trotman of Baltimore, MD, is majoring in biology and chemistry. He plans to earn his master’s degree with a career goal of working for the National Institutes of Health. His hobbies include listening to music and playing soccer.
Environmental Science 102
Savannah Farris of Callaway, VA, is majoring in pre-professional health sciences and biology, and minoring in chemistry and One Health. She plans to become a physician’s assistant. She is a Boone Honors Program member and enjoys fishing and kayaking.
Biology 111
Renee Alleyne from District Heights, MD, is a sophomore double-majoring in pre-medicine and biology. She is minoring in chemistry and aspires to become an anesthesiologist. She loves dogs and has 13 piercings!
Chemistry 103/104
Taylor Darnell of Rural Hall, NC, is studying chemistry, horticultural science, and business. He is swim team captain, president of the Chemistry Club, and a member of Alpha Chi and National Society of Leadership and Success.
Darrian Marshall ’20
Ferrum College senior Darrian Marshall’s The Empowerment Concert: Trilogy will occur this Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, 2019. Both performances will begin at 8 p.m. at Hart International Plaza on Ferrum College’s campus. The events are free and open to the public. Please note that performances contain content that is not suitable for children.
More about The Empowerment Concert: Trilogy Producer and Co-Creator Darrian Marshall ’20:
Senior Darrian Marshall ’20 from Gloucester, VA, enrolled at Ferrum College with a goal to impact his college community and he hasn’t disappointed. As a musical theatre major, Marshall developed The Empowerment Concert, a live performance that debuted in January 2018, filled with music, dance, energy, emotion, and hope. A second concert was performed in January 2019. In April 2019, Marshall’s co-creation production team persuaded him to put on one last big concert for his senior year, and The Empowerment Concert: Trilogy was born. “Looking back at the very first concert, I really enjoyed myself because it was when I became myself,” said Marshall. “I loved the feeling of embracing who I was so much I wanted to do another show, which I did the very next year. I have moved mountains and learned lessons, and I own one of the most respected performances on campus. This is the significance of my last farewell to Ferrum College.”
Find more details about Marshall’s October 4 & 5 concert here.
Read more about Darrian Marshall ’20 here.
Meet some of the Ferrum College students that make The Empowerment Concert: Trilogy possible, below.
Natasha Shelton ’20
Natasha Shelton ’20, Master of Operations
First-generation college student Natasha Shelton ’20 from Richmond, VA, is master of operations for the concert. She is set to graduate this May with a degree in health science and health and human performance. She plans to become a physician assistant and personal trainer. This is Shelton’s first show. “This show has impacted me in such a positive way,” Shelton said. “Working with this group of people showed me that people come from all walks of life; there are beautiful and talented individuals everywhere. And together, we shine brighter than ever.”
Mia Brower ’21
Mia Brower ’21, Dance Captain
Mia Brower ’21, a junior from Kernersville, NC, is serving as dance captain. She is majoring in social work and plans to become a Hospice service provider. When Marshall approached Brower to dance for his first concert, she instantly felt such an experience would be necessary. “I’ve been dancing with Darrian and Autum for three years now and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This show has impacted me in indescribable ways: my confidence level has increased and I’ve learned the true meaning of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” said Brower. “Performing in these concerts has been the highlight of my time here at Ferrum College.”
Autum Murray-Burns ’20
Autum Murray-Burns ’20, Dance Captain
Autum Murray-Burns ’20 is a Ferrum College senior majoring in computer information systems and minoring in business. After she graduates in May 2020, she will begin working in programming. Murray-Burns has performed in the previous two concerts and is serving as dance captain for the third. “I never thought of myself as a dancer,” said Murray-Burns. “But this is my third year dancing with Darrian and Mia. This show has impacted my life: it’s brought me confidence. I am no longer afraid to be me. I express my feelings and encourage others to do the same. This show is more than just a concert; it’s a movement, a way for people to express themselves and stand up for what they want.”
Chenell Rogers ’21
Chenell Rogers ’21, Opening Performer
Chenell Rogers ’21 from Richmond, VA, is a junior and an opening performer for the concert. She is majoring in business administration with a focus on management. She plans to be a dance coordinator and own a dance studio. Rogers performed in the second concert and loved every second. “I will never forget my first solo performance on stage,” said Rogers. “I learned from Darrian: don’t expect people to understand your grind when God didn’t give them your vision. Darrian’s vision helped encourage me to believe in mine.”
Jonathan Taylor ’21
Jonathan Taylor ’21, Opening Guitarist
Jonathan Taylor ’21 is the opening guitarist for the concert. He is a junior majoring in health and human performance at Ferrum College and plans to become a physical education teacher and a team chaplain.
Lechelle Smith ’20
Lechelle Smith ’20, Production Manager
Lechelle Smith ’20 is a Ferrum College senior majoring in musical theatre. She is the production manager for the concert. “I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Smith. “I have been blessed to watch and work beside Darrian for three years now. I’ve seen his image come to life. He lets nothing stop him and that inspires me daily.”
Mel Ballard ’22
Mel Ballard ’22, Lighting Director
Mel Ballard ’22 is a sophomore from Prince George’s County, MD. Ballard is majoring in cybersecurity and minoring in psychology, with a career goal to work in the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit. He is serving as the concert’s lighting director. “Recently meeting and working with Darrian and the crew enlightened me on what it truly means to be yourself. Different people coming from different backgrounds made my experience worthwhile,” said Ballard.
Ivori Bradley ’20
Ivori Bradley ’20, Host
Ivori Bradley ’20, a first generation college student from Lynchburg, VA, is one of the concert’s hosts. Bradley will earn her degree in social work in May 2020 and plans to be a social worker in a children’s hospital following graduation. “This concert is an inspiration because everyone is allowed to be themselves while adding their own flavor,” said Bradley. “Darrian is a great motivational leader. He has taught me to always believe in myself, no matter what.”
Tazz Rodgers ’21
Tazz Rodgers ’21, Master of Technology
Tazz Rodgers ’21 is a junior majoring in business management and minoring in ecotourism. He is the master of technology for the concert. “This show has impacted me in so many ways. Among many other things, this show has taught me patience. The atmosphere created by this team is simply amazing,” said Rodgers.
Kintwon Pettiford ’22
Kintwon Pettiford ’22, Photographer
Kintwon Pettiford ’22, a sophomore from Hillsborough, NC, is majoring in elementary education at Ferrum College. He is the concert’s photographer. “This concert had empowered me in many ways. It’s allowed me to know that it is okay with being yourself and do what you love best,” said Pettiford.
Camille Mangum ’21
Camille Mangum ’21, Master of Tech
Camille Mangum ’21, a junior from Danville, VA, is a pre-med major with a career goal of becoming a pediatrician. She is the concert’s master of technology. “This show has impacted me since I first saw it my freshman year,” said Mangum. “I’ve meet lifelong friends as well as learned some lifelong lessons and my confidence level has grown. Let’s make our mark at Ferrum College last a lifetime!”
Lia White ’20
Lia White ’20, Host
Lia White ’20, of Baltimore, MD, is a senior majoring in criminal justice and psychology. After graduation in May 2020, she will go on to law school for business law. Her career goal is to work for the FBI one day. White is serving as the concert’s host. “This concert has inspired me because I have grown in the past few years just like my classmates. We’ve all gained confidence.”
