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.”
Ferrum, VA, September 21, 2019 — In an alumni awards ceremony held Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on campus, Ferrum College honored four distinguished alumni and inducted five more alumni into the Sports Hall of Fame.
Samuel Camden ’66 was recognized as Ferrum College’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. This annual award recognizes alumni who have a record of exceptional career achievement and service to their community, church or other organizations; were active in college life; and remain involved and supportive of Ferrum College.
Outstanding Young Alumni were also recognized: Tyler Lee ’14, Miesha Williams ’16, and Courtney Cox ’17. These recipients are honored for their accomplishments and achievements to Ferrum College within fifteen years after their graduation.
The award recipients are nominated by alumni, faculty, or staff, reviewed by the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors, and approved by the president.
Additionally, five alumni were inducted to the Ed George Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame: football player Cleive Adams ’02; soccer and lacrosse player Carrie Conques ’03; football, baseball, and volleyball player Mason Lockridge, Jr. ’61; basketball player Quincy Quick ’94; and cross country runner Julie Burton Stevens ’03.
Sam Camden ’66
Sam Camden, of Roanoke, VA, earned his associate degree from Ferrum Junior College in 1966. In 1968, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and began his career in human resources that same year with Burlington Industries, the world’s largest textile company. He also worked in human resources for Sara Lee and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He retired from Virginia Tech in 2012. Camden is an active member of the Vinton Host Lions Club and helps to conduct mock interviews for Ferrum College’s Career Services department. He and his wife, Brenda, have two sons and a daughter, three grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, and are active members of the Ferrum College Golden Panthers.
James Tyler Lee ’14
James Tyler Lee, a native of Rocky Mount, VA, graduated from Ferrum College in 2014 and is currently enrolled in the Master of Health Administration program at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences. He is the co-founder of Putting a Dent in Mental Health, a nonprofit that supports mental health first responders and serves on many local community boards. Lee was the youngest-ever executive board member for the United Way of Franklin County, and the first-ever college student in the country to serve on a United Way board.
Miesha Williams ’16
Miesha Williams of Baltimore, MD, received her bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College in 2016, and went on to obtain a Master of Science in applied information technology from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University. Currently, Williams works as a senior web developer for the University of Maryland. She founded Hustld Tech, a nonprofit organization based in Baltimore that provides technology-related skills such as building workshops, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources and support.
Courtney Cox ’17
Courtney Cox graduated from Ferrum College in 2017 with a degree in teacher education. She began her career as a social studies teacher at Culpeper Middle School and created a successful classroom management technique for her eighth grade students that yielded an 81 percent SOL test pass rate. Cox is the coach for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization that helps young girls learn self-esteem through physical activity, teaching them to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a curriculum that integrates running.
Cleive Adams ’02
Cleive Adams of Danville, VA, played football at Ferrum College from 1987 to 1989. In 1988, he helped win the South Region title, which advanced the Panthers to the NCAA semifinals. Adams became assistant football coach at Ferrum College in 2002 and then defensive coordinator in 2007. He was then recruited to Averett University in 2014 and has coached 37 All-Conference and 23 All-State, five All-Region, five Academic All-District, three Aztec Bowl, and two All-America selections, one Conference Player of the Year, one State Rookie of the Year, and one D3 Senior Classic participant.
Carrie Conques ’03
Carrie Conques of Fairfax, VA, played women’s soccer and lacrosse all four years at Ferrum College from 1999 to 2003. During her soccer career, she had 17 goals and six assists, was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2001, and served as team captain in 2003. Conques started every game but one during her four-year lacrosse career, posting 150 career points on 137 goals and 13 assists, and serving as captain in 2002 and 2003. At graduation, she held records for game, season, and career points, as well as game, season, and career goals. She currently teaches physical education at Blessed Sacrament School in Alexandria and continues to coach soccer and lacrosse.
Mason Lockridge, Jr. ’61
Mason Lockridge, Jr. of Luray, VA, played football at Ferrum College in 1959 and baseball from 1960 to1961, as well as competing with Ferrum College’s club volleyball team. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1963 and his master’s from the University of Virginia in 1969, he served in the United States Navy from 1955 to1959. He worked in the Page County Public School system until 2001. Lockridge continues to serve on many community boards and has won a number of awards for his work.
Quincy Quick ’94
Quincy Quick, from Nashville, TN, played men’s basketball at Ferrum College from 1992 to 1994. During his basketball career, he helped the Panthers win the 1992 Dixie Conference regular season and tournament titles, as well as the 1993 Dixie regular season title. Quick went on to earn his master’s degree from Virginia State University and his doctorate from New Mexico State University. He currently serves as associate professor of biological sciences at Tennessee State University. Among other positions, he has served as the E. E. Just Endowed Professor of Biology at Grambling State University.
Julie Burton Stevens ’03
Julie Burton Stevens of Waynesboro, VA, ran cross country at Ferrum College from 1999 to 2002 and served as team captain for three of those years. She earned All-Conference honors and Academic All-Conference honors from the USA South Athletic Conference in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002; was named to the NCAA Division III All-Academic Team in 1999; and was the Dixie Conference Rookie of the Week for three weeks in September and October 1999. She received the Ferrum College President’s Cup in 2003 and teaches at Kate Collins Middle School, where she also serves as athletic director. She was named Kate Collins Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014.
Click here for photos from the event.
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.
Katherine Anderson ’19
On Friday, September 13, from 1:25-2:45 p.m., Ferrum College alumna Katherine Anderson will present “From University to USDA: Why I sold my soul to the government” for the Natural Sciences Friday Seminar in Garber Hall #106.
Anderson, who is a member of the Ferrum College class of 2019, works for the USDA as an entomology laboratory technician. While she was on campus she was involved in independent nematology research as well as an edible landscaping project that saw blueberries planted on campus and at Titmus Agricultural Center. She’ll talk about the job she got post-graduation, how she got it, and what she does there.
Mary Hammock ’15
Ferrum College’s first Natural Sciences Friday Seminar of the 2019-2020 academic year will be held in Garber Hall #106 on Friday, September 6, from 1:25-2:45 p.m.
Alumna Mary Hammock will present “The Business of Agriculture.” Mary is a commercial agriculture loan officer with Farm Credit of the Virginias, ACA, working out of the Chatham and Rocky Mount branch offices and covering Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties. She spends her days managing relationships with full-time farmers and landowners in those areas and provides financial assistance for their operations. Mary, who graduated in December 2015 from Ferrum College with Summa Cum Laude honors, has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science with a double emphasis in Agronomy and Agribusiness and a Business Minor.
The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College announces its newest exhibit, Travelers’ Trinkets: Souvenirs of Virginia. 
This unique exhibit focuses on the history of souvenir collecting, the various types of souvenirs, and how souvenirs have evolved throughout the years to the most popular form today—the “selfie.” Only focusing on the souvenirs of Virginia, this exhibit is the first of its kind in the Old Dominion and features collectibles ranging from refrigerator magnets, gorgeous ruby stained glass, Dale Earnhardt trading cards, to human hair. Funded by a generous grant from Virginia Humanities, the exhibit will run until December 2020.
Visit the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum’s website to learn more.
Learn more about Virginia Humanities here.
Students enjoyed Opening Convocation, held Tuesday, August 27, 2019.
Ferrum College began its 2019-20 academic year with a plethora of events: New Student Convocation; a picnic and Fall Fun Festival; Opening Convocation for all students, faculty, and staff; Praise on the Patio; and Prayers on the Porch.
Following the freshman class photo on the steps of Schoolfield Hall on Monday, August 26, new students were welcomed by College officials in Vaughn Chapel during New Student Convocation. President David Johns called on students to do three things: be open, be curious, and be grateful. He closed by saying, “I encourage you to dig into the work ahead, invest your best energy in writing a new story for yourself, and together, we will change the world for good.” See photos.
The campus community was treated to a barbeque picnic lunch under tents on Tuesday, August 27, at Franklin Hall quad. In the Panther’s Den in Franklin Hall, a Fall Fun Festival was brought to campus by the Office of Student Life, and included mini golf, a photo booth, street sign making, airbrush tattoos, prizes, and more. See photos.
Following the picnic and Fall Fun Festival, Opening Convocation was held in Swartz Gym for all students, faculty and staff. Attendees arrived to energetic music and laughed as the Panther mascot shooed President Johns away from the podium as he welcomed the campus community. See photos.
Spiritual Life hosted Praise on the Patio on Wednesday, August 28 on the Franklin Hall Quad. Representatives from local faith-based institutions were available to meet students and answer questions. There was live music, lots of fellowship, free food, and even prizes. See photos.
The busy week culminated with some reflection and prayer time outside Vaughn Chapel with Spiritual Life’s Prayers on the Porch event on Sunday, September 1. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to enjoy a meal together, chalk messages of hope on steps and sidewalks, and lift up the new academic year in prayer. See photos.
Dr. Bernice Cobbs ’98
Ferrum College alumna Bernice Cobbs ’98 has been named the 2019 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia. She receives this recognition through the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals for her work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Rocky Mount, VA, where she served as campus principal from July 2015 to July 2019.
“VASSP is honored to recognize the outstanding work of Dr. Cobbs,” said Randy Barrack, VASSP executive director. “Effective schools are vital to the success of students, and the high expectations demanded by principals and their belief in the capacity of all students to perform is critical in school leadership. The stories of such leadership that we capture in the annual award program continues to impress and inspire all of us.”
“The leadership abilities Dr. Cobbs has demonstrated in Franklin County and throughout the state account for the numerous awards and recognitions she has received all while remaining very humble,” said Franklin County School Division superintendent Mark Church.
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 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).
Cobbs’ career with Franklin County Public Schools is extensive and includes roles in teaching, curriculum and instruction direction, and administration. In 2003 and 2004, she was named Boones Mill Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, an award she was given again the next year for the entire Franklin County Public School System. In 2004, she was also named Virginia’s Region VI Teacher of the Year. Cobbs received the 2005 Virginia Lottery Excellence in Education Award and was named a Ferrum College Distinguished Alumna in 2008.
In July 2019, Cobbs accepted a position as assistant principal at Franklin County High School, where she is responsible for supporting the daily operations, management, and instructional leadership for high school students. “First and foremost,” said Cobbs, “I am here for the students and staff, and to work closely with the high school administrators for the overall success of the school.”
True to her humble nature, Cobbs placed the recognition for her most recent award on those she has worked with over the years: “I was really honored to be named 2019 Virginia Middle School Principal of the Year. We all know that anything that is noteworthy is not something that is done in isolation. I experienced how empowered a school can be when everyone works together for the good of the students and the extended community. Even though I was a recipient of the award, honestly the award belongs to all the teachers, staff, students, and families who support the everyday work of Benjamin Franklin Middle School and the Gereau Center.”
Cobbs will be honored at a VASSP dinner ceremony in December 2019, where she will receive the state principal’s ring from Herff Jones.
Cobbs is married to Hildred, who retired from Norfolk Southern Railway. Together they have two grown children: Kimberly of Richmond, VA; and Bradley and his wife Jennifer, of Atlanta, GA.
Read more in this WDBJ7 news article.
Classes ended for summer break in May, but Ferrum College’s faculty continued to learn and educate throughout the summer months with trips to Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Brazil.
Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel
Assistant Professor of Religion Eric Vanden Eykel spent nearly a week in Rome from June 29 through July 5. During his self-described “incredibly short and fast-paced trip,” he attended the Society of Biblical Literature’s annual international meeting, which gives scholars around the world a chance to connect with one another to learn about current trends in biblical studies. Vanden Eykel was also able to visit other landmarks including Ostia Antica, the port city of ancient Rome, and Pompeii, one of the cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 B.C.
Vanden Eykel described his time in Italy as “like stepping in and out of time capsules. One minute you’re walking down a crowded street, and the next, you’re standing in a building nearly 2,000 years old. It is a city of layers, and a fantastic opportunity to experience the past.” See photos from Vanden Eykel’s trip here.
Dr. Patty Suppes
Associate Professor of Spanish Patty Suppes received a faculty development grant to present her papers at two July conferences in Valencia, Spain: “Leyenda, tradición, y violencia en El león dormido de Marian Izaguirre” at the Congresos Internacionales de Literatura Hispánica, and “Rosario Ferré y su ‘Cocina de la escritura’: Una alternativa al canon como modelo de composición” at the Asociación de Estudios de Género y Sexualidades. Between conferences, Suppes was also able to visit family and friends with her son who accompanied her on her trip. She was also excited to run into Taiki Sawabe and his wife Mizuho at the Barcelona airport; the couple previously spent two years at Ferrum College with the Japanese Outreach Initiative program.
“I’m so grateful for the faculty development grant that allowed me to participate in two conferences in Valencia, Spain, and I’m glad that I was able to do some site visits in between the conferences,” said Suppes. “The opportunities for students to study and intern abroad are tremendous, and I can’t wait to meet with faculty in various majors to talk about how to help students participate.” See photos from Suppes’ trip here.
Gregory Rock (second from left)
Gregory Rock, Ferrum College’s Iron Mountain Brass director and adjunct music faculty member, traveled to Salzburg, Austria in late July 2019 to take part in the Salzburg Music Festival. Rock played the sackbut or Baroque Posaune – a trombone from the Renaissance and Baroque eras – in a collaborative project with players from UNC Chapel Hill; University of the Arts of Bremen, Germany; Schola Cantorum of Basel, Switzerland; and Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria. The group provided music for Catholic Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral on Sunday morning, July 28.
Although most of the musicians had not played together before, Rock was struck by music’s common language: “There were many languages spoken among the musicians from German to Austrian, to even Russian and French as well as English. The language of music prevailed and we were able to put together a substantial music project in just a very short time.” See photos from Rock’s trip here.
Read more about the Salzburg Music Festival here.
Dr. Tina Hanlon
Professor of English Tina Hanlon spent 24 days in four Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. During the biennial Congress of the International Research Society for Children’s Literature held in Stockholm, Sweden in August, Hanlon presented her paper, “Female Voice, Power, and Agency in the Appalachian Folktale ‘Whitebear Whittington’ and its International Antecedents.” Four other speakers from different countries presented along with Hanlon; “We had no contact in advance but our papers fit together very well and all dealt with images of women in different fairy tale traditions,” she explained.
Hanlon also participated in additional conference activities including receptions, tours, a mentoring lunch spent with a young Hungarian woman, and a big buffet in the Golden Hall of Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually in December. “[I was] excited to learn more about the folklore and literature of Scandinavia and share new insights in my E-Term course on World Folktales and Literature. I feel very lucky to have [had] this opportunity to meet with colleagues from all over the world at the IRSCL Congress,” she said. See photos from Hanlon’s trip here.
Rio de Janeiro. Photo by Dr. Chris Mayer.
Chris Mayer, associate professor of recreation leadership, traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in May, to give four presentations at the International Conference on Interpretation on his book, You Can Do It! Your guide for developing non-personal interpretive products in Brazilian protected areas. Mayer’s book, co-authored with Ryan Finchum and Lorena Brewster, was written to help protected area managers plan and create interpretive products that contribute to public support for the conservation of biodiversity in conjunction with the Partnership to Conserve Biodiversity in the Amazon. He explained the conference’s theme of “Acting Locally, Connecting Globally,” gave attendees the opportunity to link their efforts across professional boundaries, international borders, and cultural differences.
“The International Conference welcomed interpreters from around the world to share ideas and inspiration and discuss the latest global trends in this important field,” said Mayer. “It was the most impressive conference I ever attended because of the open exchange of ideas and experiences among the multi-national attendees.” See photos from Mayer’s trip here.
Learn more about the International Conference on Interpretation here.
Billy Wagner
Former Ferrum College and Major League Baseball standout Billy Wagner has been selected for induction into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. The seven-time MLB All-Star had a record-setting baseball career at Ferrum from 1991-93 before being drafted into the pros.
Wagner is one of eight individuals that comprise the 2019 National College Baseball Hall of Fame induction class, including the winningest coach in college baseball history and the player of the decade in the 1990s.
Wagner closed his three-year Ferrum College career with a 17-3 record and 1.63 earned run average, and still to this day holds the NCAA Division III single-season record for strikeouts per nine innings at 19.1 with 109 strikeouts in 51.1 innings in 1992. He was a 1993 first-team NCAA Division III All-American for the Panthers. Wagner was selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball 1993 June Draft by the Houston Astros, as the #12 pick overall.
Wagner’s 18-year professional baseball career, 16 in the majors, includes: Auburn Astros (A) 1993, Quad City River Bandits (A) 1994, Jackson Generals (AA) 1995, Tucson Toros (AAA) 1995, Houston Astros 1995-2003, Philadelphia Phillies 2003-05, New York Mets 2005-2009, Boston Red Sox 2009, Atlanta Braves 2010. Wagner made his Major League Baseball debut September 13, 1995 with the Astros. He is a seven-time MLB All-Star (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010), and was the 1999 MLB National League Rolaids Relief Award Winner.
The 2019 National College Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the College Baseball Night of Champions celebration, November 1-2 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Read the full press release on Ferrum College’s athletics website.
Tickets for the 2019 induction will be available on the Night of Champions website at www.cbfnightofchampions.org. For more information, contact Mike Gustafson, National College Baseball Hall of Fame president and CEO, at gus@collegebaseballfoundation.org.
