Ferrum College alumna Brianne Scott is living her dream career as a forensic autopsy technician in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, VA.
A May 2018 graduate and native of Ferrum, VA, Scott majored in biology and minored in chemistry and forensic science at the College, and began working in the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in November 2018. “From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to do something in science, specifically forensics,” explained Scott. “When I started at Ferrum, I decided I wanted to be a forensic DNA analyst and my ultimate goal was to work at the forensics lab in Roanoke.”
Then, Scott took the class the changed her career course. “I took human anatomy and physiology with Dr. [Katie] Goff. I loved the cadaver experience and I knew then that I wanted the hands-on experience of doing autopsies, especially on the forensics side.” Scott was eager to do her own independent research, which she completed during her time at Ferrum College.
Now, between leading a youth group at her church, reading forensic and mystery books, and working as an assistant site director for YMCA youth, Scott often returns to her old stomping grounds to speak with Goff’s human anatomy classes, as well as the Minds-N-Medicine students, a club dedicated to supporting each other’s experiences as early career students of health professions. “I am so thankful for the chance to come back to my Alma Mater to speak about something I am so passionate about,” noted Scott. “I enjoyed these experiences very much!”
Katie Goff, associate professor of biology at the College, fondly remembers her time with Scott. “I’ve had the pleasure of instructing Brianne during her college days, and now working with her as a partner in teaching my current human anatomy and Minds-N-Medicine students,” remarked Goff. “She has proven to be a dedicated and capable instructor, offering expert insight into her everyday work. Current students find her stories fascinating and want her to come back again as soon as possible!”
On Friday, May 3, Scott returned to Ferrum College’s cadaver lab to talk with students about her work.
Pictured from left to right: Amy Chattin, Brianne Scott ’18, Tina Young, and Katie Goff.
Read more about Ferrum College’s biology program here.
Per their website, “the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that occur under certain circumstances in Virginia.” Read more about their work here.
Ferrum College junior Brian Mann from Pearisburg, VA, has been named to both the 2018 American Football Coaches Association Division III All-American Team, and the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-American NCAA Division III Football Team. He is the College’s first ever student-athlete to earn academic and athletic All-American recognition.
Mann, who is majoring in business administration and financial management, was named to the All-Conference first team by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference this season, and is one of only two ODAC players named to the 2018 AFCA All-American team. Mann earned a place on the Academic All-District V first team in November, which made him eligible for Academic All-American. He ranks as Ferrum College’s seventh Academic All-American and the second in Panther football. Currently, Mann holds 14 school records, received an ODAC nod in 2018, and was USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
Read more about Brian Mann’s athletic and academic achievements here and here.
Fall 2018 Chrysalis contributors. Marissa Ruiz of Wake Forest, NC, holds her artwork, “Fall’s Lake.”
On December 4, Ferrum College Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine staff revealed the Fall 2018 edition of the magazine in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on campus. Submissions to the magazine were canvassed from across campus with winners in four categories: visual art, prose, photography, and poetry.
Freshman M’bambi Mbungu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, received first place in visual art for “Nothing Beats a Mother’s Love.” First place for prose was awarded to senior Taylor Kent, of Hilton Head Island, SC, for “On the Train.” First place award for photography was given to junior Autumn Potkay, of Mayodan, NC, for “Puddle Leaf.” Junior AnnGardner Eubank from Corolla, NC, received the first place award for poetry for “Father and Son.”
Judges included: Ferrum College alumnus Joe Stanley ’93, artist and owner of Upcycled Gifts in Roanoke, VA, who evaluated the visual art category; Ferrum College alumna Emily DeLoach ’96, currently a Montessori teacher in the Hampton Roads area who reviewed the prose category; Cynthia Herrick, a National Geographic travel and wildlife photographer, who judged the photography category; and Sandra Ballard, professor of English at Appalachian State University and editor of Appalachian Journal, who evaluated the poetry category.
This semester’s Chrysalis edition was “a rebuilding one” as both prior student editors graduated last spring, per Ferrum College’s Professor of English and Chrysalis advisor Dr. Katherine Grimes. Grimes edited this semester’s edition.
“[Ferrum College Provost] Dr. Aimé Sposato said of the Reveal, ‘It was inspiring to hear students read their work,’” Grimes reflected. “As I pondered her comment, I thought about how much many students are willing to expose themselves in writing creatively. They write about their families, their experiences, their joys and pain, even their heartaches. A Chrysalis reveal is like almost nothing else on campus, for in plays and concerts, students speak and sing the words of others, and in athletic contests, little about individual players is revealed. But students’ reading from their own works shows a sort of willing vulnerability. To get up and speak before an audience is brave; to let other people judge one’s work is brave, too. But to open oneself to others by reading one’s personal writing takes a special courage.”
Read this semester’s edition of Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine here: https://issuu.com/ferrumcollege/docs/fall_2018_chrysalis?e=2565008/66334638.
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Congratulations to Greg Winge who gave a gift to the Ferrum Fund for #GivingTuesday 2018 and was this year’s Panther Prize Pack winner! His prize included our exclusive Panther Blend coffee roasted by Rocsato Coffee Roasters, two coffee mugs, a garden flag, a Panthers baseball cap, and more!From teaching high school English and Spanish, to working in criminal justice, to serving as a youth pastor, to playing professional football, Ferrum College students were eager to tell the world the vision of their future. By doing so, they helped promote this year’s #GivingTuesday at Ferrum College.
“The success of Giving Day was dependent on the students wanting to get involved and understanding what their gift meant to Ferrum College, and for that we can’t give enough gratitude to them,” said Ferrum Fund Officer Paige Brookshier.Ferrum College celebrated #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, by inviting donors to support the promise of tomorrow for current and future Ferrum College students with a gift to The Ferrum Fund.
“Our donors are crucial to building a successful future for the College. Your gift to the Ferrum Fund empowers our students to dream big, discover their potential, and make a difference in their communities,” said Ferrum College President David Johns.
The Ferrum Fund provides current and future students with:
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
Jacob Wilson ’21 photograph.
The past two weekends were filled with celebrations at Ferrum College—the 45th annual Folklife Festival, Homecoming, and the inauguration of a new president. These events recognized the rich culture of the region, the College’s history, and the new directions Ferrum will be taking in the coming months.
Ferrum College has been a vital part of this region since its founding in 1913, and although the College is changing and growing, one thing is clear: it plans to continue being part of the revitalization of this area. In his inaugural address, President David Johns said, “Service to community is our heart and soul; we have always been grounded in Appalachia and committed to southwest Virginia, even as we extend our reach far beyond this corner of the world.”
While students from across the U.S. and from several countries attend Ferrum College, about three quarter come from Virginia and the surrounding areas. Because of this, President Johns said, “We have a responsibility to pay attention to needs in this region, and give students the tools they need to succeed.”
He said that graduates need to be entrepreneurs, no matter their major. “Students must do more than seize opportunity for themselves, they need to create opportunity for others.” This is a practical application, Johns explained, of the College’s motto, Not Self, But Others.
To better serve its students and prepare them for meaningful and productive lives, Johns said, “We are reallocating our resources to invest in programs and services that help our students succeed, in college and through the rest of their lives.” For perspective, Johns added, “A student who begins college this year will retire around 2065. Obviously, we need to change in order to compete and be relevant in a world that will change considerably during the lifetime of our students.”
And Ferrum College is making strides in serving its students. During the spring, students met with the president in three Town Hall meetings to offer their comments and suggestions. “We asked our students how we could improve,” Johns said, “and they told us!” Over the summer and during this semester, College staff and faculty have made a number of changes, from building renovations and food venue changes, to upgrading internet capacity and modifying the College’s first year student program.
In July, Ferrum College joined the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, one of the nation’s largest NCAA Division III conferences. “This is an incredible opportunity for our many student-athletes,” Johns pointed out. “The level of competition in our match-ups with ODAC-member schools brings a new level of excitement for all Panther fans. In addition, the close proximity to Ferrum of the other ODAC schools means our students will not need to spend as much time traveling, and it is far easier for family members to attend games.”
But it all comes back to service.
There is a great need for professional development in our area to enhance the existing workforce. “Talking with community leaders is helping as we plan our next steps and focus our efforts,” said Johns. To meet the growing demand in the region, Ferrum College is strengthening its offerings in high demand areas such as health care and recreation leadership, and will soon begin offering graduate programs in forensic investigation and teacher education.
“The kind of education that has the power to transform,” Johns stated in his inaugural address, “is the kind that gets its hands dirty, the kind that digs into the challenges of our world.”
Ferrum College has been a vital part of this region for over a century, changing lives and improving communities, and it is making the changes necessary for the next 100 years. “I am enthusiastic about the future of Ferrum College,” Johns remarked. “With passion, imagination, hard work, and the grace of God, anything is possible.”
VAS Conference Presentations
Ferrum College hosted the Virginia Academy of Science Fall undergraduate research meeting on campus on November 3, during which 35 undergraduate students from 13 different Virginia colleges and universities competed for research funding. Among the competitors were three Ferrum College students: Caitlin Hodges, a junior from Moneta, VA; Kyle Haley, a senior from Troutville, VA; and Jared Williamson, a senior from Hardy, VA. Dr. Carolyn Thomas, professor of environmental science and biology at Ferrum College, gave the keynote address.
For the competition, students presented posters which outlined their research projects and judges selected the top nine presenters, who each received $750 to assist in their research and a 2019 VAS student membership. Williamson received an honorable mention for his presentation.
The Virginia Academy of Science (VAS), first established at the College of William and Mary in 1923, promotes the advancement of science in the Commonwealth of Virginia by providing financial support for research projects and by providing a platform for dissemination of research results. Exemplary programs have included Flora of Richmond and Vicinity (published in 1930), the first comprehensive multidisciplinary studies of the James River Basin and the Great Dismal Swamp, volunteer research assistance to Virginia in the instance of the kepone pollution disaster, and leadership in establishing the Science Museum of Virginia. VAS research grants, awards, scholarships, and assistantships are made possible by corporate and individual donors. Read more about VAS grants here: http://vacadsci.org/about-vas/.
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry, currently distinguished professor of public theology at the Wesley Theological Seminary, will give a talk at Ferrum College at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall on campus. Instead of a formal lecture, the format of the presentation will be more conversational with Dr. David Howell, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities and professor of religion, serving as McCurry’s partner asking him a number of questions. Sponsored by Spiritual Life and the Religion Department, the event is free and open to the public.
McCurry, a veteran political strategist and spokesperson with nearly four decades of experience in the nation’s capital, is a partner at Public Strategies Washington, Inc., where he provides counsel on communications strategies and management to corporate and non-profit clients. He also serves on numerous boards and advisory councils, and is a member and former co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which sponsors the general election debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates.
Read more about McCurry on Wesley Theological Seminary’s website.
Ferrum College announced that late this fall and during winter break, a variety of online courses will be offered through the College Consortium, a network of accredited colleges and universities that share online course offerings. The Fall and Winter Terms reflect Ferrum College’s commitment to ensuring students have access to the courses they need to complete their degree. The terms also provide students with the opportunity to get ahead in coursework or to repeat a course to improve their grade point average.
For more information about current College Consortium online classes, CLICK HERE.
If you have questions or concerns regarding accommodations or need academic support please FILL OUT THE FORM HERE and a representative will respond to you within 48 hours.
In the wake of Hurricane Florence in September and Hurricane Michael in October, which dumped rain and wind on the east coast and caused thousands of dollars of damage, Ferrum College’s Spiritual Life sponsored a clean-up mission during Fall Break, from October 10 – 15. The relief effort, headed by Dean of Chapel and Religious Life Jan Nicholson Angle, included fourteen students and two staff members who provided local clean-up in Rocky Mount, VA on October 10 and 11, in conjunction with the Franklin County Perinatal Education Center. From October 12 – 15, the students and staff members traveled to Fayetteville, NC where they removed debris and damaged drywall from homes, and replaced the roof of a military veteran who, unable to be on the roof, still worked beside the team doing what he could to repair his home. “Something about this experience seems to give me life and hope,” said Ferrum College senior Mark Kellam, who was a member of the relief effort. “I can’t get enough of it.”
“Our students are humble when you ask them about their experience, often stating, ‘It was good,’” said Rev. Dr. Nicholson Angle. “If you engage them further, you will see their faces glow as they begin to share their stories of heartache in seeing the devastation, joy in the physical labor they were able to provide to help families rebuild their homes, and hope they experience as they witness the resilience of these survivors.”
“I went on this trip to give back to the community and to connect with others other than my friends at home,” explained Ferrum College junior Serena Johnson. “It’s a good practice to give back.”
Ferrum College celebrated the inauguration of its twelfth president, David L. Johns, Ph.D., on Friday, October 19 at 10 a.m. in Vaughn Chapel on campus. The ceremony was attended by college and university delegates, educational association representatives, Ferrum College Board of Trustees members, and other honored guests and dignitaries, as well as hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and other community members.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Chair of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, Phyllis Karavatakis ’76, who acknowledged those who served the institution since its founding in 1913, and those leading the College into its future. Rev. Anna Woofenden, visiting pastor of peace and spirituality of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon, Ohio, offered the invocation which highlighted the spirit of community, noting, “we are not alone in this work.”
Greetings were then offered by Ferrum College’s international students with additional welcoming remarks from other members of the College community including Lawrence Baranski ’19, Student Government Association president; Christine Stinson, Ph.D., chair of Faculty Council and associate professor of accounting; Yvonne Walker ’99, registrar; Ronald Singleton ’70, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; Rathin Basu, Ph.D., professor of economics; Aimé Sposato, D.M.A, provost; and Rev. Jan Nicholson Angle, Ph.D., dean of chapel and religious life. Zach Wimmer, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments and chair of Franklin County Connects, spoke of Franklin County’s community resources, calling the county “one big, small town.”
In an emotional video message, Johns’ longtime friend Joseph Manickam, Ph.D., president of Hesston College, gave practical advice to Johns, urging him to continue to take time to learn, enjoy his wife and family, find support from faculty, staff and the community, and enjoy the blessing of the journey.
President of the Appalachian College Association, Beth Rushing, Ph.D., gave the keynote address that highlighted the value of collaboration for the future of small liberal arts colleges like Ferrum College. “Collaboration requires strong leadership, someone to encourage others to work together, to create the conditions within which collaboration can flourish. David Johns is that kind of leader,” said Rushing, who then pledged, “The Appalachian College Association stands ready to facilitate your work as we work together, in a thoughtful and committed way, to continue the tremendous mission of Ferrum College.”
Johns’ son, Cameron Johns, brought a personal profile of the president, stating that as a child, he “always knew he was loved,” and drawing laughter from the audience as he described how his father would detour family vacations for hours to visit area colleges to learn all he could. Johns’ youngest step-daughter, Madolin Yoshikane, spoke of extending an invitation to play Polly Pockets with her step-father at age 10 in the earliest days of their relationship, which eventually grew to one steeped in late-night philosophical talks about life.
In her introduction of the president, Sposato described Johns as inspirational, decisive, fair-minded, approachable, and a “fearless change-maker.” As Johns rose for installation, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Chair of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, Phyllis Karavatakis, installed Johns and after presenting the Ferrum College Medallion, placed it around his neck.
During his inaugural address, Johns shared a resounding theme of hope, expansion, and the responsibility to live out Ferrum College’s motto of “Not Self, But Others.” He spoke of having a background similar to that of many Ferrum College students, as he was a first-generation student that required financial aid to attend a small private institution in northwest Ohio. “The kind of education that has the power to transform is the kind that gets its hands dirty, the kind that digs into the challenges of our world, and breaks itself open in the face of human need. That’s what we strive to do here,” Johns said, also highlighting Ferrum College’s intent to offer graduate programs and a nursing program in the near future.
Johns also spoke of the importance of stewarding creation, both environmentally and in community partnership. “In this vision of where we are going as a College, opportunity means much more than seizing those that present themselves. I see our students becoming creators of opportunity; I see them being imaginative, innovative, and entrepreneurial. This region needs the intelligence and commitment our students can bring to it,” said Johns.
In his closing, Johns shared his excitement about the future of Ferrum College. “I am enthusiastic about the future of Ferrum College, and I hope you are too,” he said. “With passion, imagination, hard work, and the grace of God, anything is possible. We have a history we can be proud of, we have a legacy of service to our community which is inspiring. And, we have a future we can all believe in.”
Following Johns’ inauguration, the community celebrated with on-campus festivities hosted by Ferrum College, including the Ferrum Family Festival featuring a homecoming parade, food trucks, children’s activities, and live music by the Twin Creeks Stringband and The Blue Crawdads. The evening concluded with fireworks and s’mores.
Read more about Johns’ inauguration in The Roanoke Times and The Franklin News-Post.
See additional event photographs here.
Lois Evelyn Lindsay Brown
Two “everyday saints” from the local community will be memorialized during the 15th Annual Day of Remembrance and Promise, which will be held on Thurs., Nov. 1, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall at Ferrum College. This year’s event, “Commemorating Community Upstanders,” will remember Lois Evelyn Lindsay Brown and Margaret Smith Buford, both of whom had close ties with Ferrum College faculty and students, and exemplified the spirit of the College motto, “Not Self, But Others.” The evening will include a reception, a traditional candle lighting ceremony, and special remembrances about the two women. The event is free and open to the community.
Following the welcome and candle lighting ceremony, the audience will view video clips highlighting Brown’s role in bringing forth the story of Southbury, Connecticut, where her father helped lead the resistance against a Nazi Bund effort to establish a training camp in that community. “Together with others from Southbury, Lois Brown recounted this story many times, on the Ferrum campus and beyond, demonstrating how essential remembering history is to promoting justice today. Her many contributions to life in Franklin County also showed her deep dedication to being an upstander,” said Dr. Susan Mead, a Ferrum College faculty member organizing the event.
Margaret Smith Buford
In addition, Buford will be remembered as a Franklin County Virginia Master Gardener who gave special attention to Ferrum College’s Holocaust Memorial Garden, located on campus. “The beautification of the Holocaust Memorial Garden was a special labor of love for Margaret Buford, who was one of its most dedicated caretakers.” said Mead.
Those in attendance will be the first to see a new plaque, given by her friends, to be placed in the garden and dedicated to Buford’s role as a community upstander. The program will also include remembrances from fellow Master Gardeners and local environmental activists who worked by her side to enhance and protect the beauty of Franklin County.
For more information, please contact Dr. Mead at smead@ferrum.edu.
Samantha Smith-Herndon
In addition to being named a 2018 Outstanding Young Alumni recipient by Ferrum College in a September 22 ceremony, Samantha Smith-Herndon ’12 has been selected as a Middle Border Forward Fellow and invited to participate in the Leadership Southside program through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
As an October 2018-September 2019 MBF Fellow, Smith-Herndon will participate in “a year-long leadership development program designed to introduce emerging leaders to the opportunities and challenges within the Middle Border region, encourage civic engagement and create a network of grassroots leaders poised to make a change where they live and work,” according to MBF’s website.
Smith-Herndon will also take part in the September 2018-April 2019 Leadership Southside class which will focus on developing leadership skills and strengthening roles of individuals, professionals, and community members. She was one of 18 chosen participants.
A 2012 Ferrum College graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, Smith-Herndon is currently employed by The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research as a research associate. She volunteers at Southern Virginia Career Choice Expo where she actively engages more than 4,000 students to career choices in the Southwest Virginia communities. She is a remote pilot-section 107 licensed agriculture drone operator with a passion for UAV technology, horticulture, plant sciences, agriculture and education. Additionally, she spent several summers with Ferrum College’s Water Quality Program as an associate of the Virginia Department of Health’s Marina Education Program, an initiative which seeks to educate recreational boaters regarding the detrimental effects negligent boating practices have on public waterways. She is currently working on her master’s degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, with hopes to continue her studies of conservation practices in Appalachia.
Mark Gignac, executive director of The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research stated, “We proudly congratulate Samantha on her achievements and appreciate the talent, professionalism and passion she brings to her work day in and day out. We benefit tremendously from her leadership of our drone program, which positively impacts precision agriculture as part of our regional economic transformation efforts.”
Read more about Smith-Herndon’s achievements here.
