The cover design of fall 2019’s “Chrysalis” is by Ferrum College senior Anthony Wilson, Jr. ’20.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, Ferrum College Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine staff revealed the fall 2019 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.
Senior Heather Ellis from Hardy, VA, received first place in poetry for “Signed, A Silent Onlooker” and in prose for “A Never-Ending Cycle.” First place for photography was awarded to senior Amber Scott of Stuart, VA for “Blue Skies.” First place award for visual arts went to junior Ashlynn Willoughby of Wilmington, NC for “Growth.” The Chrysalis cover photo is by senior Anthony Wilson, Jr., from Woodbridge, VA.
Judges included Ferrum College alumnus Mike Dunavant ’93, who evaluated the photography category; Ferrum College alumna Amanda Cholko ’14, who reviewed the poetry category; local artist Jane Lillian Vance, who evaluated the visual art category; and journalist and author Janine Latus, who evaluated the prose category.
The Chrysalis staff is comprised of Ferrum College students: editor-in-chief Heather Ellis; photography and visual art committee members sophomore Chloe Fisher (chair) and freshman Kristina Cossa; poetry committee members senior Kathryn Bonner, junior Abigail McGovern, and junior Jacques Moore-Roberts; and prose committee members senior AnnGardner Eubank (chair) and sophomore Shela Muriel. Chrysalis advisor is Ferrum College Professor of English Katherine Grimes.
Read this semester’s edition of Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine 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.
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.
Ferrum College’s Dean Angie Dahl, Provost Aimé Sposato, and President David Johns signed a memorandum of agreement with University of Pikeville’s President Burton Webb and Provost Lori Werth. Pre-professional health sciences students stand behind with Associate Professor of Biology Katie Goff (center). Not pictured: Michael Bacigalupi, dean of Kentucky College of Optometry.
On Monday, September 9, 2019, Ferrum College and University of Pikeville officials entered into an agreement to work together to provide access to a Doctor of Optometry degree for Ferrum College students. The agreement was signed on the College’s campus by Ferrum College President David Johns and Provost Aimé Sposato, and University of Pikeville President Burton Webb and Provost Lori Werth. Ferrum College Dean of the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences, Angie Dahl, and Kentucky College of Optometry Dean, Michael Bacigalupi, also signed the agreement.
The memorandum of agreement states that the University of Pikeville will reserve one seat each academic year in its Doctor of Optometry Program for a Ferrum College student who meets all criteria for the early admissions program. To be considered, students will need to ensure they are taking the courses required for admittance into the O.D. program; maintain at least a 3.25 GPA while at Ferrum College, earn a “C” or higher in required courses for admission to the University of Pikeville, score at least a 300 on the Optometry Admissions Test, and successfully complete all steps of the application process.
“Ferrum College is delighted to partner with the University of Pikeville to provide this outstanding opportunity for our students,” Johns said. “Both our institutions are committed to the health and vitality of Appalachia and to providing students pathways to innovative and meaningful work.”
“Ferrum College and UPIKE share many similarities and collaborate within the Appalachian College Association,” said Sposato. “With the changing landscape in higher education, institutions are seeking ways to be creative and innovative and recognizing that there are great benefits from establishing partnerships. We are honored to partner with UPIKE and to provide our students with this outstanding opportunity.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, not only to be provided a rich education in both the liberal arts and pre-professional health sciences at Ferrum College, but also be able to be selected for a seat in a Doctor of Optometry program that is competitive and provides excellent preparation for a career in optometry,” said Dahl.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s pre-professional health sciences program here.
Learn more about University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry here.
Ferrum College social work program students, faculty, and alumni met on Monday, September 9 in the Virginia Room on campus for the first gathering of a new series, Social Workers Speak. This series, coordinated by Assistant Professor of Social Work Martha Haley-Bowling, invites Ferrum College social work alumni back to campus to discuss their professional journey with current social work students. Alumni will provide feedback to students considering social work or interning in the field. The series will incorporate three meetings per semester.
Monday’s gathering included two Ferrum College alumnae who obtained their Bachelor of Social Work degrees at the College, and have gone on to also earn Master of Social Work degrees: Lakita Goins ’10 and Jame’E Gunter Hairston ’12. Goins is currently employed at Youth Connect in Rocky Mount, VA, and Hairston works at Piedmont Community Services, also located in Rocky Mount.
“It brings me so much joy to see our students learn and grow into these amazing social workers in our community,” said Haley-Bowling. “I have so much respect for them and their journeys that watching them interact with our students always brings me this sense of gratitude. They live Ferrum College’s motto – Not Self, But Others – daily.”
Read more about Ferrum College’s social work program here.
