The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (BRIM), located at Ferrum College, recently received a donation of local Franklin County historian Dorothy Cundiff’s collection, which consists of eight file cabinets containing years of Cundiff’s research on Franklin County history plus other memorabilia. Cundiff, a Franklin County lifelong resident, dedicated years of her life to researching the county’s local history and produced forty-two pictorial history books.

BRIM Director Bethany Worley was excited to receive the gift of Cundiff’s collection, as well as an endowment to support the preservation of the collection. Worley noted BRIM is honored to be entrusted with Cundiff’s lifelong work. “We will honor her wishes and make sure her legacy lives on so that others can use and benefit from all her labor. Clearly, she loved history. She found history in everything and everyone.”

According to Worley, it will take many hours to research, catalog, identify, and digitize the collection for widespread public use. In addition, the BRIM will share a sample of the collection at The Depot in Rocky Mount.

To view additional photos of the collection, click here.

Read Leigh Prom’s article about Dorothy Cundiff’s collection that appeared in The Franklin News-Post here.

Ferrum College, in conjunction with Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC), was recently awarded $70,000 in grant funding by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia [SCHEV] to launch a new initiative intended to address stop-out rates of at-risk minority populations. 

The project’s funding comes through the Collaborative Equitable-Attainment Grant offered by SCHEV. With the funding, Ferrum College will partner with P&HCC to implement a pilot intervention strategy to help African American males stay in college. Both institutions will hire dedicated personnel to connect at-risk students with resources like tutoring, an on-campus food pantry, scholarships for emergency or school-related expenses, mental health counseling, and more.

“Right now, both of our institutions have many students who are struggling to reach the finish line. With the help of this grant, we will soon see these students walk across that graduation stage,” said Ferrum College Dean of Academic Success David Wiggins. “Yes, we want to see the statistics change –African American males are statically underrepresented in college attainment and over-represented in college dropout rates. We’re poised to turn that on its head. But, ultimately, it’s about each individual student and each life that will be radically changed with the degree they will earn.”

Ferrum College saw increases in retention after implementing early alert systems that identified at-risk students. At P&HCC, earlier work with similar intervention strategies produced a 30% increase in completion rates for students in two-year programs. However, from this prior work, both institutions discovered the need to bridge the gap between identifying at-risk students and ensuring that these students obtain and utilize the available resources. That is where dedicated personnel will come in. If this pilot program proves effective, both campuses will expand the program to other at-risk student groups in order to continue to address attainment gaps among the two student bodies.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Ferrum College in such critical work. Our students have made that big first step—they’ve enrolled in college. Oftentimes, life happens in ways that make it hard to stay the course—especially for populations considered ‘at-risk,’ said P&HCC Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Success Services Terry Young. “This funding will help further equip us to come alongside these students and provide them with the assistance and the resources they need when life happens.”

Ferrum College announces the addition of three new members to the Board of Trustees: alumna Amanda Cox ’04, F. Abe Dymond, and Jeffrey C. Pugh. Their terms will begin July 1, 2022.

Cox is an external affairs manager for Appalachian Power responsible for oversight and implementation of local and county governmental affairs, community relations, and providing assistance with local/regional economic development.  She also serves as a registered lobbyist in Virginia and participates in the General Assembly sessions in Richmond.  Additionally, Cox has taken Appalachian Power’s Rural Broadband Initiative from a study concept through to the first connection of customers, and continues to serve as a resource to a variety of stakeholders on the issue.

Prior to joining Appalachian Power, Cox served as the President/CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and its Partnership for Economic Growth where she positioned the Chamber to become the lead entity for small business development, leveraged workforce partnerships to increase the Chamber’s capacity to deliver business services, and secured a 5-Star rating with the US Chamber of Commerce for the first time in the organization’s history.

She currently serves on multiple state, regional and local boards and has a bachelor of science in Business Administration from Ferrum College and a master of business administration from Radford University. 

Cox lives with her husband, Jonathan, and two children in Franklin County, VA.

Dymond is a supervisory compliance officer with the Agricultural Marking Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is a trusted leader adept at initiating change in organizations at all stages of maturity. Dymond leverages multi-disciplinary skills to improve collaboration across organizations, build teamwork, and improve processes that synchronize the organization with mission, vision, and values. He creates reliable, targeted messaging focused on alignment of core values and organizational activity and is an expert in organizational governance design.

Dymond received a bachelor of arts in English from Ripon College, a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law, a master of business administration with a concentration in finance from Carlson School of Management, and a master of laws in military law from The Judge Advocate General’s School.

Pugh is professor emeritus of Religious Studies, former Distinguished University Professor, and Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University. An influential teacher, mentor, and author, Pugh regularly comments on state and national issues. His ambitious research has resulted in six books, ranging from Nazi-era theologians Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer to his work in religion and science.

Pugh’s most recent book, “The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the End Times: Theology After You’ve Been Left Behind,” was published by Fortress Press in 2016 as part of a series sponsored by the popular Homebrewed Christianity podcast that takes a unique approach to helping delve into key Christian concepts, figures and ideas. He has also made numerous presentations at professional meetings and conferences, written articles, book chapters and book reviews for various publications, and served eight years as a member of the board of directors of the International Bonhoeffer Society.

Pugh earned his master of divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree and doctorate in theological and religious studies from Drew University Graduate School. His graduate research focused on systematic and historical theology and he continued that work during his career at Elon. He received Elon’s Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2000 and the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2010.

We are heartbroken by the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. This community joins countless others across the country in being devastated by sudden and senseless violence. In addition to offering support and words of comfort to families who are suffering unspeakable grief, may we commit ourselves to taking concrete steps to address violence in its many forms and bring healing to our world. Every victim of this mass killing deserves nothing less from us.

Ferrum College was saddened by the total loss of the “Thoreau House”, the school’s replica of Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond, on Friday, May 20, 2022, due to fire damage. Thoreau used his cabin as the remote outpost that inspired his classic book, Walden. Located on a corner of the school’s 700-acre campus, the Walden-inspired cabin was used to teach Thoreau’s works, as well as those of other authors who were inspired by nature.

The project to build the “Thoreau House” on Ferrum College’s campus began in 2007 as part of a three-week English experiential “e-term” course entitled “American Nature Writing” led by Professor of English John Kitterman. During the course, students studied Thoreau while building the cabin and hiking in the woods. Former Ferrum College student David Hancock ’11, who helped build the cabin, attended the cabin’s 2010 dedication. “It helped connect the dots.  It was easier to understand what Thoreau was talking about once we got out of the classroom and started spending time out here.”

Like Thoreau’s, the College’s cabin included a fireplace, a bed, a table and three chairs. After the May 20 fire, only the remains of the fireplace and chimney are left standing. Ferrum College President David Johns noted it was a terrible loss for Ferrum College. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of this innovative space for our students, as well as the community. Teaching and engaging our students doesn’t only occur inside the four walls of the classroom; the “Thoreau House” provided opportunities for our students to be inspired by the nature and beauty surrounding them on the Ferrum College campus.”

The fire is currently under investigation by authorities with Franklin County Public Safety. Anyone with information pertaining to the total loss of the “Thoreau House” on Friday, May 20, 2022, is asked to contact the Franklin County Fire Marshall at (540) 483-3091.

Ferrum College will welcome new Ferrum College students and families to campus for PAWS sessions on May 21, June 25, June 27, July 23, and July 25, 2022.  During PAWS, students and their families visit campus for a day to connect with other incoming students and make new friends; learn about campus life, including housing and dining services, from current students and staff; explore College resources and services; and talk with faculty about their fall 2022 class schedule. 

To attend a PAWS session, accepted students must have paid their $250 confirmation deposit, registered for PAWS, and completed their online Road2Ferrum checklist. Parents or guardians are encouraged to attend and other family members are welcome.

To learn more about PAWS, please visit https://dev.ferrum.edu/admission/panther-paws/.

An integral part of the PAWS experience is the student leadership team. To learn more about this year’s team, including fun facts and why they selected Ferrum College, please see the student profiles below.Makayla Fincanon ’23, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice, chose Ferrum because she was made to feel welcomed by the softball team and made friendships from her first visit.Josh Luckett ’25, majoring in Recreation Leadership with a minor in History, chose Ferrum not only because it is his hometown, but also because of the amazing football coaching staff.Conner Sides ’23, majoring in Political Science with a minor in History, was once an alpaca farmer.Avion Smith ’24, majoring in Communications with a minor in Business, was born on Christmas Day.Kelsey Smith ’23, majoring in Political Science and Sociology, loves the color yellow.Christian Sorrells ’25, majoring in Health and Human Performance with a minor in Coaching, chose Ferrum because of the small community feeling and how nice people are on campus.Makaila Veney ’25, majoring in Pre-Professional Health Science, Pre-Therapy with a minor in Coaching, chose Ferrum because of the small class sizes, the personal connections with faculty and staff, and to get the best college experience while being an athlete.Jasmine White ’23, majoring in Liberal Arts with minors in Elementary Education, History, and English, selected Ferrum College because she wanted to go to a school that felt like a family.  She has met many people while attending Ferrum College who changed her life and made her a better person.

On Friday, April 22, 2022, Ferrum College celebrated the class of 2022 with a baccalaureate service held in Vaughn Chapel. During this ceremony, three individuals received the Algernon-Sydney Sullivan Award, the College’s highest award for character, service, and spiritual ideals: student Ta’Vyon Harris, employee Eugene Hacker, and community member Martha Puckett.

Since 1934, the Sullivan Foundation has been inspiring others to lead lives of integrity through a commitment to placing community service above self-interest.  “These Ferrum College community members demonstrate these qualities through selfless service, showing compassion for others, and bringing comfort in time of need,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly. “These exceptional individuals truly live the Ferrum College “Not Self, But Others” motto on a daily basis [and] were selected by the faculty and staff in recognition of their spiritual and noble qualities, and their remarkable character and integrity.”

Student award recipient Harris, from North Chesterfield, Virginia, was described by one of his nominators as, “one of the most caring young men with whom I have had the pleasure of working with at Ferrum College”. Harris, the “go-to-guy” for many students who have personal challenges, has an empathetic demeanor and servant’s mindset, which draws others to him.  He offers his time and care to everyone who contacts him in need. Harris has also served as a mentor to elementary students at Lee M. Waid School in the College’s Brother4Brother’s “Breakfast Buddies” program. 

Staff award recipient Hacker, from Ferrum, Virginia, is a 2005 Ferrum alumnus who began working at the College in 2006.  As described by one of his nominators, “Eugene demonstrates what it means to be a model employee. He is always willing to help and he goes over and above to make sure his colleagues and our students have the tools necessary to be successful. Even during stressful times, Eugene is always calm, positive and upbeat. Eugene exemplifies his spiritual beliefs as he adds his significant musical skills to the College’s Praise and Worship Band”.

Community award recipient Martha Puckett, from Ferrum,Virginia, has overseen Panther Packs, the backpack program that provides non-perishable food to Ferrum Elementary students whose families are food-insecure, since 2007. A nominator noted that Puckett’s work involves the coordination of fundraising, the purchasing and packing of food, and the delivery of backpacks to the school each week. “Martha has worked tirelessly to make sure the most vulnerable members of our community have food in their stomachs over the weekend when they are not served meals during school. She is the hallmark of the Algernon-Sydney Sullivan award, practicing ‘fine spiritual qualities practically applied to daily living.’”

Each award recipient received a framed certificate, trophy, and a book titled “The Sullivan Heritage”.

For more pictures of the 2022 baccalaureate service, click here.

Ferrum College was recently awarded $143,000 in grant funding by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to support the Carter Center for Academic Success (CCAS) in expanding and initiating programs intended to ensure equity in student outcomes, student academic success, and persistence.

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a charitable foundation based in Jacksonville, Florida that strives to lift up members of society who have historically been prevented from accessing basic opportunities, and operates within communities with which Jessie Ball duPont had a personal connection. The duPont Fund is committed to eliminating structural and systemic barriers that stand in the way of their vision of “a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong.” 

For educational institutions, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund focuses on increasing retention and/or graduation rates of first-generation, low-income, and underserved students at private and public universities.  The $143,000 grant award will support Ferrum College’s academic support services to increase the academic performance, persistence, and graduation of first-generation students, low income students, and students with disabilities who demonstrate an academic need for support. 

Ferrum College has a long history of serving students from underserved backgrounds, including those who have academic, financial, or personal challenges.  The vast majority of Ferrum College students come from low income families and many are the first in their families to attend college.  Sixty-three percent of students are Pell Grant-eligible and ninety-nine percent receive some form of financial aid. Approximately forty-three percent of Ferrum College students come from high schools in rural areas and the transition to academic coursework comes with additional hurdles in navigating unfamiliar academic processes, loss of social support networks, difficulty connecting with professors and classmates, and the realization of knowledge gaps in foundational areas like math and writing.

To remedy this, the staff of the CCAS has formulated ten initiatives for success which include Foundations, First Generation Student Program, Gateway First-Year Seminar, Financial Literacy/Scholarship Program, First@Ferrum Scholarship Program, Opportunity Fund, First-Year Academic Advising Program, Early Assessment Program, Weekly Academic Coaching/Counseling Program, Onboarding Program, and the Student Life/Carter Center Student In Need Committee.

Ferrum College President David Johns, who worked collaboratively with campus partners in preparing the grant request, was honored to learn Ferrum College received the grant award. “Our goal is to provide the support necessary for students to succeed, and we are grateful to the Jessie Ball duPont Fund for their commitment to help us do just that,” stated Johns.

Dean of Academic Success Dave Wiggins is excited about the opportunities this grant will afford to Ferrum College students and believes it would not have been possible without a collaborative effort college-wide to write and execute the grant application. “This grant will provide resources and personnel to help our most needy students.  We will not just be focusing on academics and careers, but also helping our students to be more healthy and well-rounded people,” said Wiggins. 

Wilson Paine, vice president of Institutional Advancement & External Relations, noted that receiving the Jessie Ball duPont Fund grant is a significant benefit to both Ferrum College and the College’s students. “This grant is instrumental in funding a variety of initiatives for first-generation and low-income students. Through hands-on support from members of the Carter Center for Academic Success staff, Ferrum College is committed to increasing both retention and graduation rates for students who have historically faced serious challenges in attaining higher education.”

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund grant will be funded for two years.  Upon completion of the second year, progress and outcomes will be reviewed to potentially fund a third year.

Students from Franklin County High School’s (FCHS) Eagle Tech AP Environmental Science and English 10/Environmental Science classes recently visited Ferrum College to experience first-hand what learning is like on a college campus. Farm Manager Sarah Isley hosted the students for a tour of the College’s Titmus Agricultural Center, where they learned about the teaching farm and met with work study students. Aaron Conover, director of Norton Outdoor Adventures and adjunct instructor of Ecotourism, together with Foundations of Ecotourism (ECT 265) students, provided hands-on learning experiences for the visiting  high school students.  

FCHS’s Eagle Tech program offers students an innovative learning environment with an instructional focus on collaboration and project-based learning (PBL). Students use technology to complete group projects as they would in a real-world work environment; the ultimate goal is college and career readiness.

Eagle Tech Ecology Teacher Chekka Lash stated, “My students were provided with the opportunity to experience what a college environment is like and to appreciate Ferrum College, which is a true gem in our community. The ecotourism course was the perfect mix of fun and collaboration. My students have chosen PBL as their preferred mode of learning and are used to presenting their work. I think it was great for them to experience PBL as guests instead of presenters. They had so much fun, and we really appreciated the hospitality!”

See more photos here.

Ferrum College celebrated its 106th commencement on Saturday, April 23, under sunny skies in W.B. Adams Stadium as 185 graduates from 15 different states received their diplomas.  During the ceremony, faculty and students were presented with awards.
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Program Coordinator of Accounting and Business Sadie Wallace received the Exemplary Teaching Award, in recognition of her excellence and commitment to teaching, concern for student welfare in areas beyond academic studies, scholarship, and service to the College, her profession, and the greater community. In addition to her work at the College, Wallace, who is a Ferrum alumna and former student athlete, is a member of the Franklin and Bedford County Volunteer Fire Departments and helps coordinate the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for STEP (Solutions That Empower People, Inc.).
Madison Cogle ’22 of Camden, WV, received the Senior Academic Excellence Award for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during her time at the College.Makayla Hubbard ’22 of Penhook, VA, received the Senior Academic Excellence Award for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during her time at the College.Brandon Mullins ’22 of Union Hall, VA, received the Senior Academic Excellence Award for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during his time at the College.Brooke Turner ’22 of Rocky Mount, VA, received the Senior Academic Excellence Award for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during her time at the College.
Abigail McGovern ‘22, of Roundhill, VA, received the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award, presented annually to the senior chosen by the faculty who best exemplifies the qualities of Arthur S. Owens: leadership, initiative, honor and outstanding character. Recipients of this award must also hold an excellent academic record, have participated in extracurricular activities, and shown creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live.
Jonathan Taylor ’22 from North Dinwiddie, VA, received the Lillie Warwick Slaven Award, which is given to a student who exemplifies the ideals of the ministerial profession and is recognized as an outstanding student leader at Ferrum College.
Demontay Wimbush ’22, of Bassett, VA, was awarded the James T. Catlin, Jr. Citizenship Award, named in honor of the late James T. Catlin, Jr. of Danville, VA, presented annually to the student who has best demonstrated qualities of citizenship and general leadership ability as judged by vote of the faculty. Wimbush is in the Army National Guard and currently on deployment in Djibouti.

Ferrum College was honored to host Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Diana Ramirez at Ferrum College for the 2021-2022 academic year.  Ramirez, who is from Mexico, taught the Spanish labs, shared her culture with the campus community, designed materials, and coordinated a language exchange between her Ferrum students and students from Mexico.

“The students had the opportunity to speak with a native speaker and immerse themselves in the culture,” said Ramirez. In addition to teaching, she was able to take two classes per semester at the College as part of the Fulbright grant, which included American History II and Literary Studies this spring.

The Fulbright FLTA Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Fulbright FLTA Program is designed to develop Americans’ knowledge of foreign cultures and languages by supporting teaching assistantships in over 30 languages at hundreds of U.S. institutions of higher education. The program offers educators from over 50 countries the opportunity to develop their professional skills and gain first-hand knowledge of the U.S., its culture, and its people. U.S. campuses enhance their teaching of languages and expose students to a true understanding of people of different nations.

Ferrum College hosted a ribbon cutting and reception celebrating the new Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs on Friday, April 22, 2022. The ribbon cutting took place in Hart International Plaza beside Stanley Library, which is home to the new international center. A reception in the lobby of Grousbeck Hall followed.

Named in honor of the late professor of History and Williams Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities, Richard Lee Smith, who was an avid world traveler, the newly named international center welcomes students from around the world to campus; opens the world to Ferrum students through study abroad; and offers programs designed to broaden perspectives and help students connect to the rest of the world.

Ferrum College President David Johns believes the Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs will be one of those places where the world comes together. “In a world that is too often polarized and where difference gives rise to division, the Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs will be a place of understanding and hope, a place of curiosity and inspiration,” he said.

Wilson Paine, vice president of Institutional Advancement & External Relations and a former student of Professor Smith’s, noted that Smith pushed him to think of travel and personal experiences as an extension of the learning that occurred in the classroom. “He encouraged me to embrace opportunities that broadened my worldview and my own role in society. That is the essence of the Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs, and how fitting it is that it will now be named after Dr. Richard L. Smith.”

Smith, who died on February 24, 2021 at the age of 75, taught history at Ferrum College for 42 years. As a college professor, Smith taught more than 8,000 students, over 7,000 of them at the College. He was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother; a teacher and storyteller; an internationally recognized top scholar; an author; and a warm-hearted and generous member of the Ferrum community. 

Smith was remembered fondly by his colleagues. Dr. Tim Daniels, associate professor of History and Chair of Humanities and Performing Arts, reflected that he came to teach at Ferrum College because of Smith. “That he trusted me with the reins of the history department is probably the most profound honor I’ve received over the past six years,” he said.

Daniels went on to note that Smith believed it was great if everything went according to plan while traveling, but that he also believed amazing stories were often created when it didn’t.  “At some point, a Ferrum student who has benefitted from the center named in his memory is going to run into an obstacle that redirects their path and teaches them something about themselves they didn’t know they needed to learn. I like to think that it’s going to be Richard intentionally placing those bumps in their paths,” said Daniels.

Born on August 26, 1945 in Montgomery, WV, Smith spent his childhood in Cranford, NJ playing football and getting into things with his friends.  He later moved to Moravia, NY, where he worked on his family’s dairy farm during summers and attended college courses at SUNY-Cortland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1967 and then enrolled at Rutgers University where he received his master’s degree in 1969 and his Ph.D. in 1972, both in history. Prior to arriving at Ferrum College, Smith taught for four years at LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA.

Smith enjoyed teaching ancient Asian and African courses, including Chinese, Indian, Southeast Asian, North African, and sub-Saharan history, along with traditional Western European and American subjects. He was known to be a great storyteller who enthralled listeners with tales of his travels to the Sahara Desert, Timbuktu, Kenya, Egypt, Peru, and more. Some of these trips included his students who arrived home with hilarious stories and fond memories, including a rafting trip down the Tambopata River that ended in a crash and fire ant attack at their rainforest camp.

Once asked what he loved about Ferrum College, Smith responded, “Ferrum is special because it is a place where, as a teacher, I could help students maximize their potential if they were willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to achieving academic success. I am especially proud to see that so many of my former students have gone on to enjoy success in their chosen careers in business, public service, education, and a variety of other fields.”

To see additional photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony and reception, please click here.