On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, members of the Boone Honors Program (BHP) were honored during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room from 6 – 8:00 p.m. The evening opened with a welcome from BHP Director and Professor of English Lana Whited, greetings by President David Johns, and an invocation by Professor of Religion David Howell, founding director of the Boone Honors Program.
Following dinner, Steering Committee and Honors Advisory Council members were recognized. Next, Whited and Assistant BHP Director Ed Hally gave special recognition to fourteen graduating seniors—nine of whom were student athletes—who were honored as BHP Medallion recipients.
Honored seniors chose a professor, not necessarily in their field of study, to share comments about the senior’s time at Ferrum College as they progressed through coursework. There were stories, hugs, a few tears, and lots of laughter. Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly closed the program with heartfelt well wishes to the soon-to-be-graduates.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Howell, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley.
See photos from the event on the College’s Flickr album.
Madison Cogle ’22: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies (Agriculture, Biology, One Health)
Sebastian Dexter ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med), Minor in Biology
Sarah Estes ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med)
Arielle Eure ’22: Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance (Exercise Science)
Savannah Farris ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (General) and Biology, Minor in One Health
Abigail Hayes ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med) and Chemistry
Brady Hentz ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Criminology) and Spanish, Minor in Psychology
Cole Lipinski ’22: Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance (Exercise Science), Minor in Coaching
Brandon Mullins ’22: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (English), Minor in Spanish
Amber Osborne ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Vet) and Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Carlton Redd ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigation)
Deontae Reed ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Criminology), Minor in Spanish
Hunter Tharpe ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med), Minors in Biology and Chemistry
Madison Wright ’22: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Forensic Science
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. The commencement exercises included the presentation of student and faculty awards and a keynote address by journalist and bestselling author Beth Macy.
Dr. Kevin Reilly, vice president of Academic Affairs, opened the ceremony by welcoming all those gathered to celebrate the seniors’ achievements. Following the invocation given by Campus Minister Laura Robinson, President David Johns took the podium to welcome the crowd and remind the graduates that success comes from teamwork, hard work, determination, and the love and support of family and friends.
Johns then commended the graduates on their dedication and progress. He instructed them to use what they had learned, saying, “We are all given this one life; it is precious, a gift. I urge you to invest your life in healing the world. One of the hallmarks of a Ferrum College graduate is that we are committed to our motto – Not Self, But Others. Whatever your path—business, human services, education, health care, public service, the military, further study, agriculture, the arts, justice work—whatever it is, do the best work you possibly can, and through your work, make the world healthier, happier, more free and just, make it better.”
Following the president’s remarks, Ferrum College Board of Trustees Chair D. Scott Showalter ’73 and Alumni Association President B. Clay Wiley ’06 each gave their greetings on behalf of their respective boards. They were followed by the presentation of faculty and student 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; Makayla Hubbard ’22 of Penhook, VA; Brandon Mullins ’22 of Union Hall, VA; and Brooke Turner ’22 of Rocky Mount, VA, each received Senior Academic Excellence Awards for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA during their 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, and presented annually to the student who has best demonstrated qualities of citizenship and general leadership ability as judged by vote of the faculty.
Following the awards presentations and her introduction of the keynote speaker, Beth Macy, Professor of English Lana Whited joined President Johns in presenting Macy with an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.
After receiving her honorary degree, Macy addressed the graduates, telling them, “You’ve spent four years or so honing your own distinctive voices. You entered this university with promise, and you’re leaving now with purpose. It’s time for the world to hear you.”
Next, Student Government Association President Mikayla Floyd ’22, of Chesapeake, VA, introduced Senior Class President Andre Williams ’22 of Virginia Beach, VA, who presented the senior class gift to Dr. Johns, and then introduced Kajuan Madden-McAfee ’22 of Harrisonburg, VA, as senior class speaker.
Madden-McAfee congratulated the class of 2022 and thanked them for the honor of being asked to speak. He spoke about their shared experiences at the College and told a biblical parable about a young boy and his boat that has inspired and guided his life.
Next, Johns and Reilly conferred and awarded the graduate and undergraduate degrees. The ceremony closed with the singing of the College’s “Alma Mater.”
A celebratory picnic lunch followed on Franklin Hall quad for all in attendance. The weekend events also included a traditional Baccalaureate service on Friday evening in Vaughn Chapel.
See commencement photos for the class of 2022 here.
To view the archived video of the commencement ceremony, please click the on-demand tab here.
The campus community celebrated Ferrum College students during its annual Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 8, 2022 in Vaughn Chapel.
President David Johns and Athletic Director John Sutyak presented the 2022 President’s Cup award to senior Arielle Eure from Summerfield, NC. A member of the Boone Honors Program, Eure received the President’s Cup for exhibiting excellence in athletics, campus and community leadership, character, and academics, all while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.2. Eure will receive her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance later this month during the College’s April 23 commencement ceremony.
Academic awards were then presented to students by the dean of their school and their professors.
A list of award recipients and honor society members follows.
See photos from the event here.
President’s Cup
Arielle Eure
The Iron Blade Editor Commendation
Lindsey Foster
The Chrysalis Editor Commendation
Abigail McGovern
Ferrum Radio Commendation
Kayla Anderson
Excellence in Nursing Award
Christine K. Aigner
Jennifer Pittmon
Jane Addams Social Work Achievement Award
Roy Garcia
Jennie West Outstanding Social Work Student Award
Grace Howell
Dr. Betty N. Bailey Silver Weaver Award
Natalie Hughes
Delta Kappa Gamma Outstanding Woman in Education Award
Victoria Scott
Charles A. and Marion C. Skinner Award for Excellence in Education
Brandon Mullins
Jacob Glass
Hamblin Accounting Award
Janelle Langan
Outstanding Student in Finance Award
David Miller
Outstanding Student in Management Award
Mikayla Floyd
Outstanding Student in Marketing Award
Caitlyn Wiles
Outstanding Student in Sports Management Award
Micaela HarveyKen McCreedy Outstanding Criminal Justice Award
Brady C. Hentz
Health and Fitness Management Award
Kristin Hibdon
Exercise Science Award
Arielle Eure
Exercise Sports Studies Award
Jacob Gladstone
Frank Benjamin Hurt Award
Leondria Davis
Outstanding Student in Recreation Leadership Award
Emma Loughrey
Excellence in Ecotourism Award
Jazmin Scarberry
Eric Lee Baker Award
Abigail McGovern
Jasse Scholarship in History Award
Ashleigh Baker
Shaylise Jones
Shelby Waltrip
Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar in History Award
Demontay Wimbush
Richard L. Smith Academic Enrichment Scholarship
Jessica M. Bollinger
Outstanding Student in Spanish Award
Alan Quijada Abrego
Outstanding Student in Music Award
David Dungee
Academic Achievement in Music Award
Ashley Patrick
Theatre Arts Achievement Award
Sarah Laliberte
Erica Leed
Dance Achievement Award
TJ Baker
Outstanding Student in Agricultural Sciences Award
Madison Cogle
Shawn HavensOutstanding Student in Biology Award
Chance Dillon
Savannah Farris
Makayla Hubbard
Brooke Turner
Applied Mathematics Award
Kajuan Ahseem Madden-Mcafee
Art Department Award
Katrina Anderson
Chemistry Award
Chelsea Zizzi
Forensic Science Award
Madison Wright
Outstanding Student in Environmental Science Award
Laura Dymond
Lauren Jutras
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Pre-Med Award
Sebastian Dexter
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Award
Cassidy Burke
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Pre-Vet Award
Amber Osborne
Computer Technology and Information Systems Award
Nicholas JohnsChristine K. Aigner
Katrina Anderson
Kayla Anderson
Ashleigh Baker
TJ Baker
Jessica M. Bollinger
Cassidy Burke
Madison Cogle
Leondria Davis
Sebastian Dexter
Chance Dillon
David Dungee
Laura Dymond
Arielle Eure
Savannah Farris
Mikayla Floyd
Lindsey Foster
Roy Garcia
Jacob Gladstone
Jacob Glass
Micaela Harvey
Shawn Havens
Brady C. Hentz
Kriston Hibdon
Grace Howell
Makayla Hubbard
Natalie Hughes
Nicholas Johns
Shaylise Jones
Lauren Jutras
Sarah Laliberte
Janelle Langan
Erica Leed
Emma Loughrey
Kajuan Ahseem Madden-Mcafee
Abigail McGovern
David Miller
Brandon Mullins
Amber Osborne
Ashley Patrick
Jennifer Pittmon
Alan Quijada Abrego
Jazmin Scarberry
Victoria Scott
Brooke Turner
Shelby Waltrip
Demontay Wimbush
Madison Wright
Chelsea ZizziEmma Burrows
Daja Foxx
Elspeth Pearce
Hayley SmithMichaela Bentley
Airiana Beverley
Aubrey Billings
Austin Brown
Ellis Carson
Catherine Coffee
Madison Cogle
Kristina Cossa
Sarah Crawford
Joyce Creel
Greyson Crouch
Jaci Culler
Taylar Drumheller
David Dungee, Jr.
Mery Estrella
Hailey Ferguson
Daja Foxx
Amber Gillen
Jacob Gladstone
Tayvon Harris
McKenzie Haynes
Matthew Henniger
Joshua Hite
Jackson Horton
Emmanuel Hughes
Morgan Hundley
Darin James
Ainsley Kelley
Sydney Kincaid
Camryn King
Janelle Langan
Shaniya Marable
Macey Moore
Kristian Negron
Alberto Pineiro
Deontae Reed
Hafashimana Restina
LaShawna Scott
Taylor Seal
Allison Setlak
Faith Settle
Kiana Somerville
Stephanie Staats
Josie Stanbery
Clayton Stanford
Morgan Taylor
Benjamin Thomas
Ryann Tyree
Benjamin VanDerHyde
Jacob VanRemortel
Savanna Walker
Jada Waller
Magen Weaver
Abigail White
Demontay Wimbush
Adam Woody
Andrew WringDaniel Aguirre
Briana Anderson
Ali Austin
Jerrick Ayers
Elina Baltins
James Banks
Cayla Berry
Faith Bibbo
David Bishop
Jacob Blaukovitch
Blake Boggs
Jessica Bollinger
Ametria Booker
Dustin Boothe
Kai Bowers
Simon Bradford
Justin Brady
Bryan Breeden
Arin Bunker
Cassidy Burke
Camryn Burke
Jacob Carroll
Khari Carson
Joshua Chartier
Kobe Clifton
Brianna Coerper
Emily Cook
Nicolas Cook
Luke Costley
Sarah Crawford
Dakota Creasy
Bayley Cunningham
Sebastian Dexter
Darin Douglas
Brogan Dudley
Joshua Ellerbe
Jordan Ellis
Tyler English
Cole Epperley
Sarah Estes
Arielle Eure
Emilie Fairman
Makayla Fincanon
Lacey Flanagan
Jeromy Fletcher
Morganne Flinkstrom
Pedro Fonseca
Olivia Fox
Madison Friel
Kayren Gaither
Leo Galpin
Catelyn Gamble
Alvaro Garaizar Gonzalez
Roy Garcia
Nathaniel Girardi
Jacob Glass
Daniel Golden
Tysen Gotschi
Jaelyn Gray-Palmore
Tyler Greaver
Joshua Greenway
Enzo Guercio
Laurynn Hackett
Bryce Hall
Jarrett Hamby
Keri Hamlet
Dustin Hardbower
Anne Carter Harding
Daisy Harris
Dazon Harrison
Micaela Harvey
Cameron Hawkins
Abbey Hayes
Nick Helton
Matthew Henninger
Brady Hentz
Andrew Hill
Joshua Hite
Bailey Hodges
Mia Holmes
Haleigh Horne
Jackson Horton
Grace Howell
Natalie Hughes
Morgan Hundley
Daphne James
Jenna Janicki
Darrian Johnson
Christian Johnson
Nicholas Johnson
Davon Jones
Titus Jones
CheMaiya Jordan
Riley Keating
Tanner Kennedy
Todd Kennedy
Gabby Kermon
Sydney Kincaid
Camryn Kiing
Lindsay Koogler
Ty Lam
Joseph Lama
Ashton Lambeth
Xavier Lewis
Cole Lipinski
Michael Lopez
Emma Loughrey
Kajuan Madden-Mcafee
Jenelle Manni
Camden Mariotti
Alex Mattson
Morgan McCoy
Abigail McGovern
Tyson Measamer
David Miller
Daniel Mitchell
Matthew Montgomery
Liza Montgomery
Brayden Moore
David Morgan
Justin Motley
Jonathon Munsey
Carly Nelson
Erin Nelson
Jessy Nichols
Roman O’Brienhalla
Woojin Oh
Raekwon Parker
Rah’quan Payne
Chrissy Paz
Kat Pendergrass
Brett Pennington
Zachary Phipps
Jordan Pickard
Genesis Pineiro
Casey Raggett
Molly Rgaland
Carlton Redd
Jamon Reed
Hattie Rieck
Everette Rivers
Ashley Roberts
Christopher Rodriguez
Camilo Rojas
Nicholas Roth
Cade Rouse
Zachary Saalweachter
Brianna Sawyer
Jazmin Scarberry
Tori Scott
Taylor Seal
Lyndsey Sears
Allison Setlak
Seth Shaffer
Collen Shaw
John Sheehan
Grey Sherfey
Katie Shoaf
Hannah Smith
Andres Solares
Good Somkidlert
Time Somkidlert
Quvadus Spratley
Clayton Stanford
Harley Steger
Kyle Stevens
Skyla Strohm
Skyler Swaney
Hunter Tharpe
Benjamin Thomas
Mikayla Thorpe
Jacob Tomlin
Arielle Tritt
Jeremiah Valentine
Jose Villacis
Yanni Virgin
Tori Wagner
Jada Waller
Zachery Walsh
Brittany Warren
Breanna Weaver
Kassie Widner
Caitlyn Wiles
Eric Workman
Madison Wright
Matthew Yarbrough
Isaac Yeaman
Carrington Young
Chelsea Zizzi
Martin ZuluagaLaShawna Scott
Morgan TaylorJessica BollingerJessica Bollinger
Sean Cohen
Leondria Davis
Emilie Fairman
Andrew Hill
Reagan Lawson
Conner Sides
Charles TisbyMikayla Floyd
Kayren Gaither
Abigail McGovern
Brandon Mullins
Kacey Whorley
As part of its commitment to being one of the nation’s premier Division III athletic programs, Ferrum College is excited to announce the “Batting 1.000” fundraising campaign for capital improvements to its softball facilities. With the successful completion of this campaign, the plan is to complete the “Vickie Van Kleeck Softball Complex” prior to softball opening day 2023.
Van Kleeck was Ferrum’s softball coach for 24 seasons, as well as the College’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), before retiring in 2015. Her contributions to the sport of softball, and women’s athletics, have inspired generations of players, as well community members. Naming the new softball complex in her honor will further cement her legacy as one of the all-time great Ferrum College mentors.
“This project will improve our softball program and enhance the game-day experience of our Ferrum College fans. These enhancements will not only have a positive impact on the lives of our current student-athletes, they will create another landmark on our beautiful campus, and will provide an important resource for this community,” says President David Johns.
The “Batting 1.000 Campaign” seeks to raise a minimum of $100,000 by inspiring 100 donors to pledge at least $1,000 each to be used for the construction of new, state-of-the-art softball facilities. Enhancements will include new club-level seating, a press box, locker rooms, restrooms, and concessions, among other additions.
To support the “Batting 1.000 Campaign” with your online donation or pledge, please click here.
To learn how your business can help or for information about potential naming opportunities, please contact Director of Development Bart Smith by calling 540-420-8891 or email bcsmith@ferrum.edu.
Since the end of January, thirty-three Ferrum College accounting and business students have assisted with STEP’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program along with the College’s own VITA site. The VITA sites provide FREE online tax preparation assistance to families and individuals usually earning less than $57,000 annually. As trained and certified volunteers, the students are able to prepare most standard IRS documents (i.e. 1040) and submit returns electronically. They will also help their clients take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and more.
In addition, the VITA program will offer two self-service options that will allow taxpayers to prepare and file their own return online, while having access to the VITA volunteers who can answer questions throughout the process.
“Our students put in a tremendous amount of effort to learn the new tax laws and regulations to properly prepare tax returns for our clients,” says Sadie Wallace, assistant professor of accounting and VITA program director at Ferrum College, who notes that they have prepared more than 100 returns already this season. “This program would not be successful without the countless hours of commitment and dedication the students put in to help serve the Ferrum College community and the surrounding areas.”
To get started with the Ferrum College VITA program and have your taxes prepared and submitted by program volunteers, please visit https://bit.ly/Ferrum-College-VITA-Program or call (540)365-4259.
To participate in the self-service option to prepare and file your taxes yourself while having access to VITA volunteers who can answer your questions, visit TaxAct (for those who make less than $65,000 and are under the age of 56) here https://www.taxact.com/ffa/vita or Online Taxes (for those who make $73,000 or less) here https://www.olt.com/main/VITA/getstarted.asp.
The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Monday, April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. However, to take advantage of the VITA services, the deadline to submit documents for preparation is April 8, 2022.
Those taking advantage of this volunteer program should have all tax-related documents, including W-2s, photo identification, last year’s tax return, and social security cards for themselves and dependents.
Ferrum College senior Abigail McGovern sits at a desk at the Blue Ridge Institute.
Carefully and meticulously, she handles an 80-year old document.
Yellowed corners and faded ink sometimes make the fragile manuscripts difficult to read, but McGovern painstakingly works with the papers in order to catalogue and archive them.
“The ultimate goal of this project is to digitize all of the Appalachian folktales and stories collected by the folklorist James Taylor Adams in the 1940s and eventually save them all in the digital archives,” McGovern says. “(It’s also to) put them all on (English Professor) Dr. (Tina) Hanlon’s AppLit website.”
Hanlon’s website site, AppLit: Resources for Readers and Teachers of Literature for Children and Young Adults, has been up and running for 20 years and has won the Appalachian Studies Association’s e-Appalachia award in the past.
“My responsibilities for this project primarily include working the archive at the BRI,” McGovern says. “All of the tales, except for the ones I’ve already scanned, are still on paper. So mostly, I read them and scan them into the computer system. And slowly, I’ve been working my way through transcribing them, because a lot of the originals are somewhat unstable and really hard to read.”
McGovern says she has been enjoying diving into the aging stories and bringing the project along, which is being funded via an Appalachian Colleges Association Summer Research Grant.
“My favorite part of the project is transcribing the folktales,” McGovern says. “Everything is so fascinating and interesting, and I like being able to get a deeper look into Appalachian culture and history. I also really like working on the AppLit pages, because I also really enjoy reading those tales, and I get sucked down fairytale rabbit holes when I do that.”
She says the number of tales awaiting archiving number in the hundreds.
“Some of them are pieces of advice or old wives’ tales or legends from direct sources and things like that,” she says.
McGovern, an English major who also aspires to be a writer, says the project has fanned the flames of her educational fire.
“This project has made me extremely interested in Appalachian culture and literature,” she says. “I learn more every time I work with the files. I’m already really interested in folklore and mythology and history, so I’m really loving being a part of this project.”
Commonalities across localities and geographic areas have also piqued McGovern’s curiosity.
“It’s really interesting to see what unique tales Appalachia has, as well as how the stories from this region connect to stories from other regions of the world that may or may not be similar,” she says.
One plan is to report on the project at the Council of Independent Colleges’ final workshop in Baltimore in late April and then for McGovern to continue work within the summer ACA fellowship.
Hanlon says she has been excited for McGovern to be in on the project.
“When Abigail took my Appalachian Literature course in 2020 and chose to write about folktales for her research project, I jumped at the chance to recruit her for our granted-funded Humanities Research for the Public Good project, ‘Preserving and Sharing Old and New Stories from the James Taylor Adams Collection and the Public’,” Hanlon said.
Beyond the project, McGovern wears many hats on campus. She is editor of Chrysalis and is co-president of Help Save the Next Girl.
“Abigail is one of the most reliable, dedicated, and mature students I have ever taught,” says Katherine Grimes, English Professor and faculty adviser to Chrysalis. “She has a positive attitude and a quiet leadership quality that, combined with her work ethic and time management skills, make her quite successful as editor of Chrysalis.”
Grimes likewise praises McGovern’s pen. “She is also a talented writer, having won both poetry and prose contests almost every semester, always with different judges,” Grimes says.
English Professor Lana Whited, who works with McGovern in several capacities, including Help Save the Next Girl and the Boone Honors Program, also gives McGovern high praise.
“Because Abigail tends to focus on the work, not on racking up achievements to list on her resume or hogging the stage (so to speak), many of our faculty colleagues are surprised to learn the extent of her leadership roles on the campus,” Whited says. “In her co-curricular involvement, as a peer tutor, and just in the day-to-day classroom setting, she plays an important mentoring and supportive role with younger, less experienced students, as she is ‘the tide that floats all boats.’ Her quiet nature belies her considerable impact on this community.”
Upon graduation this spring, McGovern plans to enter an MFA program for creative writing.
Hanlon’s site can be accessed here.
Article written and contributed by Assistant Professor of English & Journalism David B. Campbell.
For Bryan Slater, every day is Labor Day.
But it’s not a holiday.
Slater (Ferrum ’82) was recently tapped by Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin to be the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Labor.
The appointment came on Jan. 6, accompanied by a ringing endorsement from the Virginia’s Head of State.
“Workforce development will play a crucial part of jumpstarting our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Youngkin said upon selecting Slater. “Bryan’s experience and leadership will be critical to the development of talent, training of workers, and protection of Virginia’s right-to-work laws that will attract investment to Virginia. Bryan will be a key partner in fixing the Virginia Employment Commission and delivering results for the Commonwealth.”
Slater brings a wealth of experience to the governor’s administration.
He served as Secretary of Administration for Governor James Gilmore (R-VA) and as Director of Administration for the Attorney General’s Office under Attorney General James Gilmore.
He also was the White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Labor under President George W. Bush, where he managed all non-career appointee hiring, and as a congressional relations officer for the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush.
Most recently, he served as Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management at the U.S. Department of Labor and Assistant Secretary of Administration for the U.S. Department of Transportation under President Trump.
It’s now been barely a month since Slater got the nod, and already his docket is full, as the General Assembly has been in session, and he has been pulled in multiple directions. Still, he took time to reflect upon his time on campus.
“The foundation for my career began at Ferrum,” he said. “It’s where I got involved in politics and where my interest in government and politics began.”
As Slater reminisced about Panther life, his thoughts turned toward some of his former professors.
“Dedicated faculty members like Richard Smith, Doug Foard, Sasha Saari, and others took the time to get to know me as a person, as well as a student,” he said. “Their guidance and mentorship made a significant difference in my life.”
Former classmate Carthan F. Currin (Ferrum ’84) and president of The Virginia College Fund, spent quite a bit of time on campus with Slater.
“I first met Bryan in an honors western civilization class taught by Dr. Richard Smith in 1980, and from those early days at Ferrum, Bryan has enjoyed a stellar career in public service, having served two Virginia governors, and three United States presidents,” Currin said. “The foundation that Ferrum provided was the key for Bryan’s success in his career and life.”
And now, after more than 20 years in politics, Slater still credits Ferrum as the kick start to his career.
“Ferrum gave me a chance to prove myself. If it hadn’t been for Ferrum, none of this would have been possible,” he said. That same possibility is an opportunity he hopes to create by paying it forward.
“I want to make sure that others can enjoy the benefits of a Ferrum education that I received,” Slater said. “My parents were hard-working, blue-collar folks, and I feel fortunate to be in a position to make sure current Ferrum students have the same opportunities that I had during my time there.”
Article written and contributed by Assistant Professor of English & Journalism David B. Campbell.
8/26/2021
Students and community volunteers work on Ferrum College’s campus. Photo courtesy of Dr. Bob Pohlad.
On the morning of Saturday, August 21, the Ferrum College campus quad held over 180 first-year students, employee volunteers, and members of Ferrum Forward, a local organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life and the sense of community throughout the village of Ferrum. The crowd was ready to launch a “Morning of Service.”
“This was the first of what we hope will become an annual tradition for new students,” said Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Psychology Kevin Reilly, who designed and orchestrated the event.
College employees volunteered to work with Ferrum Forward members to lead service projects aimed at beautifying the campus and benefiting local businesses. Students packaged two weeks of meals for Ferrum Elementary children in need. They began two murals in Ferrum, one at Hidden Treasures and one at Sun Kist Tanning and Salon. They sorted donated clothes at the St. James Center and cleaned grounds at the local elementary school. Students worked on the College’s Titmus Agricultural Farm; cleared the disc golf course, hiking trails, and Arboretum; and even painted panther paw prints on campus sidewalks.
Ferrum Forward chairman Don Vineyard shared that their organization was pleased to be involved – and that our Ferrum community can be proud of the event. He went on to say, “Saturday’s ‘Morning of Service’ was exactly the kind of event Ferrum Forward was created for. I think the involvement of so many of the folks who took part on Saturday shows just the beginning of what could be a great partnership.”
“This was a wonderful collaboration between Ferrum College volunteers, first year students, and Ferrum Forward,” said Reilly. “This project would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the members of Ferrum Forward.”
See photos from the “Morning of Service.”
Learn more about Ferrum Forward.
Panther Nation:
Welcome to the first day of class and the beginning of fall 2020!
For all students new and returning: we have been waiting for you and are eager to begin a year of discovery, challenge, and opportunity.
For all faculty and staff: today is the day we have been working toward and I am so proud of what we have accomplished and will accomplish together.
I would like to offer a few words as we launch this new year.
First: Ferrum College is a community, a family that is always stronger together. This has never been more true than it is today. We need to draw on that strength and that togetherness to have a successful semester and to stay safe and healthy. What we do on campus and away, what we do on the clock and off, impacts everyone else in our Panther Family. We have some challenges ahead, but hard does not mean impossible!
Second: Ferrum College is an institutional citizen in the Village of Ferrum, Rocky Mount, and the surrounding community. People are watching to see if we are practicing off campus what we are preaching on campus. So, I ask you, please wear a mask, maintain physical distance, and be respectful when shopping or eating in one of our local businesses. Understandably, some are nervous about all of us coming back to campus. Let’s show our neighbors that we think of their wellbeing also when we say: “Not Self, But Others.”
Third: Ferrum College is a diverse family, and this is one of our great strengths. No matter who you are–faculty, staff, student–take time this year to get to know someone from a background different than your own, someone with interests you know little about, and someone whose ideas lie somewhere else on the continuum than do yours. Through simple gestures like these we build a just and sustainable future.
Without a doubt, we are living through a very strange time in the world’s history–a once in a century public health challenge. Many great Ferrum folk are working hard to be sure that our life on campus is safe and healthy. But I want you to remember this: the COVID-19 pandemic will pass. We don’t know when, but it will not last forever. Of course, being neck deep in chaos every day can be discouraging, but never forget that there is ‘the other side’ of this time.
All of us at Ferrum College are committed to living, to thriving, and we will not be defeated! What we do here matters, and it is worth our effort to make it happen. “Ferrum Means Iron,” and as we know, iron is tough and resilient…and so are we.
Let’s have a great semester!
David L. Johns, Ph.D.
President
FERRUM COLLEGE
P.O. Box 1000
Ferrum, VA 24088
540.365.4202
president@ferrum.edu
Follow me: @ferrum_prezThe Ferrum College Fall Convocation was held virtually on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Watch the archived video below!
The Ferrum College Horticulture program is offering a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, and house plants during its Spring Plant Sale. Plants may be ordered by downloading the catalog and price list and then emailing orders to Sarah Isley at sisley@ferrum.edu. A curbside pick up time at the Titmus Agricultural Center (370 Ferrum School Road Ferrum, VA 24088) at a pre-arranged time. All social distancing protocols and safety measures will be followed to ensure the safety of workers and customers.
On Tuesday, July 23, Ferrum College Police will host an “Active Attack Integrated Response” scenario day in partnership with Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. I realize many of you will be off-campus, but I want you to be aware of what is happening as there will be several police departments and fire and rescue teams on-campus at this time.
During the training, you will likely see several emergency vehicles in our parking lots and see some movement outside of Garber Hall and Beckham Hall. Most activity will be out of public view. We anticipate 40-50 participants. Along with signs on Rt 40 notifying the public about the first responder training the buildings being used will be posted with signs the training is occurring.
If there are other questions or concerns please contact Ferrum Police Chief Jim Owens at 540-420-3027.
Ferrum College is making final preparations to host the 2019 NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championships, to be held Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, at The Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia.
This year marks the first time that the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships have been contested in the Commonwealth of Virginia. One previous NCAA Wrestling Tournament has been held in Virginia, back in 1936 when Washington and Lee University hosted the event as an all-divisions tournament. This is the first time Ferrum College has hosted a national championship in any sport.
Ferrum Coach Nate Yetzer saw three of his wrestlers qualify for this year’s NCAA Tournament with top-three finishes at the Southeast Regional in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Freshman Levi Englman won the 133-pound weight class, junior Mario Vasquez placed second at 141 pounds and senior Blake Rosenbaum was the 174-pound champion. All three will be making their first NCAA appearances.
“Our entire group of guys wrestled so well at the NCAA Southeast Regionals last weekend at Lycomong College, and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Head Coach Nate Yetzer. “Levi, Mario and Blake all punched tickets to the NCAA Tournament with semifinal wins, and we had freshman 125-pounder Jalen White come close with a fourth-place finish. We’re looking forward to hosting the championships this close to campus and plan to make it a quality experience for the entire field of competitors. Fans will be treated to a show, NCAA Division III wrestling is so competitive today and we’ll see some exciting action.”
The NCAA Tournament begins Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Session I. Session II begins at 6:00 p.m. Friday, and will be preceded by the opening ceremonies at 4:45 p.m. Session III is set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Saturday evening, the Parade of All-Americans begins at 6:15 p.m. and will be followed immediately at 7:00 p.m. by the championship finals. Complete Schedule
Visit Ferrum’s championship host site above for information of tickets, schedule and media credentials. Ticket prices are as follows:
A total of 180 wrestlers from six regionals across the country qualified for the NCAA Tournament. In order to qualify, wrestlers must place in the top three at one of six regionals. NCAA Tournament Qualifiers Announcement
