Legendary Coach Hank Norton
Through gifts from family, friends, and former football players of Coach Wilbert Henry “Hank” Norton, an endowment honoring Coach Norton’s 34 years of service to Ferrum College has been established.
The endowment will support The Norton Outdoor Adventures, formerly known as Ferrum Outdoors, and will pay tribute to his love of the environment. Norton was an avid fly-fisherman and enjoyed the great outdoors in addition to coaching and mentoring student-athletes.
The program encompasses activities such as disc golf, hiking, camping, caving, skiing, biking, and paddle sports that focus on getting outside and enjoying nature, with an emphasis on safety and learning.
“Throughout our lives, Dad had a reputation as a highly respected football coach. What excites us about the establishment of this [program]…is that it honors his actions as a leading citizen-advocate for clean water and a clean environment,” wrote Norton’s children, Pattie Norton Gunter, Will Norton, and Jack Norton, in a statement of support.
“I am incredibly grateful for Coach Norton’s family as well as his former players and friends who came together to make this happen,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Wilson Paine. “The Norton Outdoor Adventures is a fitting tribute to Coach Norton’s contributions to Ferrum College outside of football, and this endowment solidifies Ferrum’s commitment to providing our students the opportunity to explore the natural environment and develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.”
Norton, who passed away on January 16, 2019 at the age of 91, has been described as tough but caring, leading Ferrum College into post-season playoff runs, winning titles, and coaching 46 All-Americans during his career at the College.
Learn more about Norton Outdoor Adventures here.
Learn more about Coach Norton here.
If you would like to donate to the Norton Outdoor Adventures program, please visit www.ferrum.edu/giving, or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement by calling 540-365-4211 or emailing advancement@ferrum.edu.
Alumna Iesha Taylor is proud of her Ferrum College success story.
She entered higher education as a first-generation college student, and participated in Ferrum’s freshman College Success coursework, which provides additional academic support for first-generation students. She said the opportunities and guidance she received at Ferrum provided a pathway for her to make the Dean’s List for seven semesters and graduate in 2018 with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Originally from Manassas, VA, Taylor majored in business administration with an emphasis in management and a minor in accounting. She was a member of the Accounting Club and the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. Additionally, Taylor was a work study in the College’s Admissions Office.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I had a strong desire to do my absolute best in my undergraduate studies. The faculty and staff from Ferrum helped me achieve that goal,” said Taylor.
After her graduation from Ferrum, she landed a position as an assistant project manager at Diamond’s Management Group, Inc. “It’s a small, women, minority-owned business located in Manassas,” explained Taylor.
Her duties as an assistant project manager include developing marketing and advertising strategies, reviewing project movements, and maintaining customer accounts, along with other responsibilities. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Organization through Prince William County’s Chamber of Commerce, where she represents Diamond’s Management Group, Inc. in monthly meetings and networking events.
“I use my education from Ferrum to resolve issues and make decisions on a regular basis,” said Taylor. “My problem solving and critical thinking skills are enhanced due to the program and its curriculum. My business administration degree from Ferrum was instrumental in establishing my career as a project manager.”
“Iesha Taylor is a wonderful young lady,” said Director of Academic Outreach and Athletics Initiatives Tom Steele, who instructed Taylor during her freshman College Success course in 2014. “She overcame obstacles any first-generation college student might face, and graduated with honors. She listened to resources, applied success strategies, and became a scholar. I am so proud of this young lady.”
Taylor’s future is only growing brighter as she was recently accepted to George Mason University’s Masters of Business Administration program. “Ferrum College taught me that consistency, persistence, and hard work are required to succeed. It gave me the tools I need to succeed in my graduate program, and in my career,” said Taylor.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s business administration program here.
Alumna AnnGardner Eubank ’20, pictured here in her Ferrum College volleyball uniform, is the youngest member to serve on her local town council.
The day after returning home to White Stone, VA, when Ferrum College’s spring semester classes transitioned to virtual learning due to COVID-19, AnnGardner Eubank ’20 received her absentee ballot in the mail for her local elections. The ballot listed only three names for four available town council positions.
“I realized if I spread the word enough, the last seat that was up for grabs could very well be mine,” said Eubank. “I called and messaged everyone I knew, asking them to write me in. I used social media to get my name out there, as well.”
On May 20, 2020, just 11 days after graduating from Ferrum College, Eubank received word that she would officially serve a two-year term as the youngest person on White Stone’s town council.
“A big part of what I’d like to achieve during my term is to simply provide a new perspective and to represent the younger demographic,” said Eubank.
White Stone is located near the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay, and Eubank wants to utilize and protect those waterways.
“My town is extremely small business oriented, and I’d like to continue to strengthen those small businesses within my community while promoting sustainable practices and standards,” she explained.
At Ferrum College, Eubank majored in political science and minored in international studies. She was also a member of the women’s volleyball team and secretary of the Lambda Sigma National Honor Society. She served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was a sport’s editor for the College’s newspaper, The Iron Blade.
“The political science curriculum at Ferrum not only educated me on the functions and structures of government and politics, but also aided me in seeing myself as a global citizen. I can truly and empathetically see policies and issues from multiple different stances,” Eubank said. “Dr. [Sandra] Via [director of Graduate and Online Studies and associate professor of political science] and Dr. [Ed] Hally [associate professor of political science and assistant professor of public administration] not only taught me everything I know systemically and fundamentally, but they inspired me and ignited a passion for change and the overall betterment of society.”
“We’re really proud that AnnGardner found a way to apply the lessons learned in her political science classes to serving her community so soon after graduation. She is proof that a Ferrum education and a political science background gives students the ability to change the world,” said Hally.
Eubank’s election to her local town council is just the beginning. She plans to continue serving her community through politics and will ultimately work her way into diplomacy.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s political science program here.
(June 24, 2020) No words, no official statements, no acts of contrition are sufficient in this moment of our history, because nothing can erase generations of pain and oppression. Nothing we can do will ever undo what has been done.
I am heartbroken by the violence of injustice that results in senseless death decimating families and dashing the hope of mothers who must bury their children.
And I am heartbroken by the violence that erupts when injustice persists and those crushed by its weight cry out, “enough.”
We pass through cycles, it seems, from complacency to consciousness to outrage to acceptance to complacency once again. I want to believe that at some point, in one of the passes through the cycle, we will break free and live more enlightened lives. However, I am afraid that this cycle is a slow spiral with occasional plateaus of improvement.
Perhaps our work is to hasten the movement of the cycle, speed it up and advance us more steadily toward a place of justice and being “one nation under God.”
Without a doubt, colleges and universities have contributed to inequity and injustice through the years, keeping certain groups at the top and limiting opportunity for others. Privileged faculty teaching the children of privilege has assured the continuation of class stratification.
The recent admissions scandals unveiled just how much privilege and legacy stay alive at the hands of an unscrupulous few–an entire shadow industry that profits on keeping the poor and less well connected from advancing.
However, while being far from perfect, our colleges are one of the few places left in society that intentionally bring together people from many backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and ideological perspectives to discuss, debate, and discover. We don’t always get it right, but the world would be poorer, more monolithic, and less understood without them. In fact, the difficult conversations we need to repair ruptured relations and to build a more just future, are conversations that our colleges could help facilitate–not lead, but facilitate.
Some, like Ferrum College, are leveling the playing field for minority students, those from economic disadvantage, and the women and men who are the first in their family to attend college. Rather than profit from meritocracy, we have launched generations of young people into the middle class and into lives of responsible citizenship.
Today, students at Ferrum College are nearly 50% minority, a much greater percentage than at many of the big brand universities. For decades, the College has provided opportunity when opportunity has been denied, and the lives of thousands of families have been changed for the better because of it. In a concrete and real way–not in empty promises or slogans–we live a motto that calls us to put the welfare of others before our own: “Not Self, But Others.”
No one would ever claim we have it figured out or that we are a community without blemish. We are evolving and certainly have our blind spots. And while we cannot erase the injustices that have befallen people of color, sexual minorities, children of economic need or educational disadvantage, or others who have been shut out and turned away, Ferrum College has been at the forefront of providing opportunity for anyone committed to working hard and for anyone committed to building a future with room enough for us all.
This column by President David Johns appeared in The Roanoke Times and The Franklin News-Post. President Johns may be reached at president@ferrum.edu.
Alumnus Ra’meer Roberts ’13
Alumnus Ra’meer Roberts of Richmond, VA, has established a scholarship for African-American students at Ferrum College.
The Black American Scholarship for Empowerment, or B.A.S.E., will give an annual gift of $250 to one male and one female African-American student at Ferrum College, to be used for books and supplies. Recipients must live on campus, be enrolled full-time, be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate a financial need.
“According to national studies, African-Americans have the lowest graduation and retention rates in higher education among other ethnic groups. This statistic is primarily due to two factors: financial stability and first-generation status,” explained Roberts. “Based on the current social climate of our country and the financial strain on our colleges and universities from the [novel coronavirus] pandemic, I felt a need to assist African-American students in their pursuit of a good, quality education.”
Roberts has firsthand knowledge of these statistics because he has worked in higher education for over six years, currently serving as the coordinator for Student Conduct at Virginia State University.
Originally from Paterson, NJ, Roberts graduated from Ferrum College in 2013 with a degree in business administration. He went on to earn his Master of Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree with the intention of continuing his career in higher education as a dean of students. Roberts’ long-term goal is to become a vice president or provost for student affairs.
“It’s been an honor to work with Ra’meer in establishing this important scholarship. I’ve been so impressed with his compassion and the responsibility he feels towards our students and Ferrum’s future,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Wilson Paine. “His commitment to turn words into action is an inspiration to us all.”
Learn more on the B.A.S.E. Facebook page.
To make a gift to B.A.S.E., click here, then click the ‘give now’ button, designate ‘other’ in the dropdown menu and type ‘B.A.S.E.’ in the designation box.
Over 40 student-athletes attended Adams’ online meeting to have a safe place to ask questions and get real answers.
With emotions running high following recent events in our nation, Ferrum College Head Football Coach and alumnus Cleive Adams ’02 decided to take action.
Adams reached out to Athletic Director John Sutyak with an idea: he wanted to invite student-athletes to an open Zoom meeting to provide support and raise awareness about social issues.
His goal was to give Ferrum’s student-athletes a safe place to gain information and perspective, ask questions, and receive real answers.
Sutyak gave Adams his wholehearted support.
“Because I have access to a large number of student-athletes, we thought that it would be a great start to help with healing and understanding our feelings moving forward,” Adams said. “I really believed if I stepped out to take this on with my team, it could possibly start a positive trend for other teams while helping my young people deal with the issues, as well.”
Adams invited Ferrum College Police Chief Jim Owens to speak during the online meeting, held June 4, 2020 at 7 p.m. “We didn’t want it to be overly formal so we agreed that I would handle the introduction and the purpose,” said Adams. “After the introduction, the chief provided us with a breakdown of his experience as a law enforcement officer, as well as his department’s vision and mission.”
More than 40 student-athletes attended the Zoom call, along with Sutyak and all of Adams’ staff members.
“We had some good questions, but we hope the next opportunity we get together, the student-athletes will be more open to sharing their feelings,” said Adams.
“I am incredibly thankful for Coach Adams and Chief Owens coming together to collaborate and meet with our team,” said Sutyak. “These are the types of interactions we want to encourage in an effort to come together, listen and work toward meaningful change in society. I look forward to more dialogue in the future.”
Get to know Adams here.
To learn more about Ferrum College Athletics, visit here.
President’s Cup recipient Brian Mann; Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award recipient Layura Henley; and Senior Academic Excellence Award recipient Chris Stone.
Last month, three members of the class of 2020 received top senior awards.
Brian Mann, of Pearisburg, VA, was named as the 2020 President’s Cup recipient; Layura Henley, of Wytheville, VA, received the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award; and Chris Stone, of Ferrum, VA, was honored with the Senior Academic Excellence Award.
The President’s Cup is awarded annually to a senior who exhibits excellence in academics, athletics, campus and community leadership, and character. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Mann earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, graduating on May 9 with Magna Cum Laude honors. He was also a Panther football standout during his time at the institution, and was the first ever Ferrum College student-athlete to earn All-American and Academic All-American honors.
The Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award recognizes civic leader and humanitarian Arthur S. Owens who served Franklin County and the Roanoke Valley as a member of the Institutional Advancement team at Ferrum College. This award is presented to a senior with an excellent academic record, who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, initiative, honor, and outstanding character. The recipient must also have participated in extracurricular activities and shown creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live.
Henley received degrees in pre-professional health sciences, biology, and health sciences. During her time at Ferrum, she was also a member of the Boone Honors Program and the volleyball team, and served as senior class vice president.
Both Mann and Henley were nominated for Old Dominion Athletic Conference Awards – Mann, the Joplin Award; and Henley, the Berkley Award – which recognize member institution seniors who exhibit the highest achievements in athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities.
The Senior Academic Excellence Award is based on the academic achievement of a full-time student enrolled at Ferrum College for four years who has earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Stone earned a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies. He will have his name inscribed on a permanent plaque displayed outside of the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in John Wesley Hall.
Click here to view a full list of this year’s Academic Award recipients.
During the College’s virtual commencement celebration held on May 9, 2020, Associate Professor of Social Work Jennie West was named the 2020 recipient of the Exemplary Faculty Award. West retired from the College last month after 25 years of service.
The Exemplary Faculty Award is designated for a full-time faculty member at Ferrum College who embodies excellence in and commitment to teaching; demonstrates concern for student welfare in areas beyond academic studies; is recognized as a competent scholar; and provides services to the College, their profession, and the greater community.
West received numerous nominations and was described by a College community member as someone who “always leads by example, educates future professionals, challenges them and opens their perspectives to different world views to make them more observant, knowledgeable, and open minded individuals as they grow and learn through their journey and education at Ferrum College.”
One of West’s former mentees said, “Whenever I felt lost, I knew that I could always confide in my mentor and I knew that I was heard. I felt that I had a friend on campus… [West] not only educates, empowers, and advocates for students, but is always encouraging students to do what is best for the community.”
Click here to watch the virtual commencement ceremony during which West was honored.
Ferrum College students work with Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck during the 34th season of the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Left to right: Samuel Chappell; Michelle Musick; Delia Heck; and Chelsea Zizzi. Bob Pohlad photo.
Last week, the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) and Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Program began its 34th season. Since 1987, Ferrum College has worked with the SMLA to perform periodic testing of the lake water to help keep swimmers and boaters safer.
The Ferrum College portion of the team is made up of Program Director and Professor of Environmental Science and Natural Science Division Chair Delia Heck; Senior Scientist and Retired Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Environmental Science David Johnson; Senior Scientist and Retired Professor Emeritus of Biology and Horticulture Bob Pohlad; Program Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biology and Horticulture Clay Britton; and Laboratory and Field Coordinator Carol Love.
Heck took over the director’s position after the January 2020 death of former Program Director and Retired Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science Carolyn Thomas. Thomas helped found the program.
This year, the team also consists fifty-four citizen scientists at Smith Mountain Lake who volunteer their time, and five paid Ferrum College student interns: senior Jacob Blaukovitch who is pursing a degree in chemistry, biology, and pre-professional health science (pre-med), with a one health minor; senior Lexi Davidson who is majoring in environmental science and minoring in biology; senior Michelle Musick who is earning an environmental science degree; senior Samuel Chappell who is majoring in environmental science and plans to graduate this December; and junior Chelsea Zizzi who is pursing a major in chemistry with a minor in English.
The Water Quality Monitoring Program is a labor of love for the Ferrum College team as it commands many hours during the summer months. “We test for bacteria every two weeks at fourteen sites with two stations at each site,” explained Heck. “We conduct depth profiles at five sites every two weeks. Our volunteers monitor and interns collect samples at fifty-six lake sites and twenty-two tributaries for trophic status monitoring.”
The team tests for e-Coli and other harmful bacteria. They also monitor algae biodiversity, watching for harmful algal blooms.
This year’s testing is even more complex than previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Heck said the team has developed safety protocols, including restricting interactions in the testing lab and with volunteers, implementing virtual training videos, rigid sanitizing, social distancing, wearing masks, and taking their temperatures daily. Each team member and volunteer also uses their own equipment including hand sanitizer, pens, personal flotation devices, and more.
Heck explained that water quality testing is not only important to keep swimmers and boaters safe, but is also an indicator of challenges in our environment. “Water is essential to our life on Earth. We face a changing climate and the interconnectedness between humans, health, and the environment are made clearer every day,” said Heck. “The project will continue to serve as an early warning sentinel as well as a model for how to to work collaboratively with our neighbors in living out our motto of Not Self, But Others. The partnership with the business sector, state government, and community exemplifies the very best Ferrum College has to offer our region.”
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The 34th season of water quality monitoring has been dedicated to Carolyn Thomas, founding member of the program and beloved Ferrum College professor. The following statement was sent to this year’s citizen scientists in her honor:
“The Smith Mountain Lake Association and Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Program are dedicating the 2020 monitoring season to the memory of Dr. Carolyn Thomas, one of the founders of the program. Carolyn passed away in January after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Carolyn’s passion for water quality was evident every time she ventured out on the lake. You can see that demonstrated in this interview with John Carlin from a few years ago.
“One of the traditions of the College’s sampling trips is to count great blue herons, Carolyn’s spirit animal. From now on when one is sighted we hope you will be reminded of Carolyn’s passion, her dedication to Smith Mountain Lake, and her love of citizen scientists like yourselves.”
Read more about the Smith Mountain Lake Association and Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Program here.
Ferrum College welcomes gifts made to the Carolyn Thomas Memorial Fund which supports students in the College’s Division of Natural Sciences. Please click here to make a gift in Thomas’s honor.
President David Johns updated the campus community regarding plans for fall 2020 in the letter, below.
Dear Ferrum Family,
On Saturday, May 9, we honored 200 graduates at our first ever virtual commencement ceremony. I am proud of our faculty, staff, and especially our students who showed remarkable perseverance this semester to reach this milestone. Although it was not the commencement any of us expected, it was nevertheless filled with joy, celebration, reflection, and hope as the class of 2020 turned its sights toward the future.
At Ferrum College, we are also looking toward the future, and have already begun planning for Fall 2020. While the COVID-19 crisis will alter higher education for the foreseeable future, we are committed to our mission of providing an educational experience that fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.
To that end, I am pleased to announce that we intend to reopen our campus this fall, to offer on-site instruction, and provide a residential experience for our students.
We are in the process of developing social distancing and safety protocols to ensure a safe campus environment, and we will continue to seek the guidance of our public health experts. While we are optimistic about returning to campus, we will not do anything to jeopardize the health and well-being of our students and community; thus we will provide regular updates throughout the summer about returning to campus, housing, athletics, classes, and more.
To provide more flexibility, fall semester will be divided into two terms, with classes beginning on August 25. Students will receive detailed information pertaining to their fall course registrations in the coming weeks.
Other changes will include:
This is an unprecedented time for many of us, but it is not unprecedented for our College. Founded on the eve of World War I, Ferrum has endured challenging times since its inception. And for over 100 years Ferrum responded to times of uncertainty with resilience (#FerrumMeansIron), commitment to each other (#NotSelfButOthers), and strength (#FerrumStrong).
The grit and determination that has sustained us in the past will carry us into the future. The values that have inspired the Ferrum Family for decades, inspire us still. We have not so much encountered an obstacle these past few months, as we have reached a turning point; this fall we begin a new chapter in the Ferrum story, and I invite each of you to be part of it.
With Panther Pride,
David L. Johns, Ph.D.
President
Tabatha Chitwood ’19, a third grade teacher at Ferrum Elementary, transitioned to virtual learning in March due to COVID-19.
Alumna Tabatha Chitwood ’19 knew she was always meant to be a teacher.
“I did a co-op my senior year [in high school] and loved it, but I had children first before going to college,” she explained. Chitwood spent her pre-college years working as a restaurant manager, server, and bartender, but never lost her drive to educate children.
She attended Virginia Western Community College for regular classes, and dabbled with becoming a nurse, but ultimately decided to pursue her teaching dream by enrolling as a non-traditional student in Ferrum College’s teacher education program. She graduated in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.
“I was a single mother of two boys that played soccer and football. I was busy working two jobs full-time. But I found balancing everything easy because I am used to doing everything on my own,” she said.
In fact, Chitwood found higher education to be so manageable and worthwhile, she has enrolled at Liberty University to pursue a master’s degree in administration and supervision, with the goal of eventually becoming a principal or administrator. “But I will be teaching for a long time first, because I enjoy it,” said Chitwood.
After graduating from Ferrum, Chitwood was hired as a third grade teacher at Ferrum Elementary School.
“It was evident from the first day of school that Tabatha made instant connections with her students and throughout the year formed a bond that helped every student be successful,” said Jennifer Talley, principal at Ferrum Elementary. “Her classroom is a fun and engaging place for students to learn. She provides a variety of hands-on activities to enrich the learning experience for every student.”
Little did Chitwood know that her first year teaching would be so unusual. On March 13, 2020, Franklin County Public Schools closed abruptly for the remainder of the school year to tamp down the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
“Transitioning to virtual learning was hard,” said Chitwood. “We continued using Google Classroom, which is something that we did from the first week of school. That part was easy. Technology is easy and fun for me. The hard part was not seeing my students in person.”
“I am sure she never expected her first year of teaching to transition so quickly from a typical classroom to a virtual classroom. Not only did Tabatha accept the challenge, she embraced the opportunity to provide the richest experiences for all of her students,” said Talley.
Chitwood worked diligently to conduct weekly Google Meets for her students to stay in touch. She also made the work interactive, assigning virtual field trips and hands-on projects like building solar ovens so students could harness the sun’s power to make s’mores.
She said transitioning to virtual learning during her first year of teaching went smoothly, thanks in part to the teaching strategies she learned at Ferrum College.
Chitwood is looking forward to hopefully returning to her in-person classroom in the fall. She is using the summer to continue dreaming up unique and creative ways for her next class to learn, noting “I just hope my students will look back and say I had a positive impact on their lives.”
Learn more about Ferrum College’s teacher education program, including the new elementary education major, here.
Celebrities surprised graduates during the College’s virtual commencement ceremony. Top, right to left: Alumnus Mike McColl ’93; Connor Trinneer; Ty Burrell; Graham Phillips. Bottom, right to left: Joel McHale; David Baldacci; Jamie McShane; Keegan Michael Key.
At the end of Ferrum College’s 104th commencement which was celebrated in an online ceremony, graduates and viewers were surprised by eight celebrity guest appearances.
The pre-recorded appearances were coordinated by alumnus, actor, writer, and producer Mike McColl ’93, and included well wishes from actor Ty Burrell of the television show Modern Family; comedian Joel McHale of The Soup, Community, and Card Sharks; author David Baldacci; actor Graham Phillips of Riverdale and The Good Wife; actor Jamie McShane of Sons of Anarchy, Murder in the First, and Bloodline; comedian Keegan Michael Key; and actor Connor Trinneer of Star Trek Enterprise.
Watch the celebrity appearances in the coverage of our 104th commencement here.
