Ms. Loretta McGhee, Dining Services Cashier

Loretta McGhee is best known to the Ferrum College community as “Ms. Loretta.” She was hired in the College’s salad room in the cafeteria in 1986. An injury forced her to begin working at the front door as the dining services cashier. Ms. Loretta remained at Ferrum College for 32 years and retired in May 2019 at the age of 87. She still resides in the area with her son.

“Every day at Ferrum was my favorite memory,” said Ms. Loretta. “I counted every day as a blessing to be there. I didn’t go in complaining because I got to see all those students and teachers, and they were all so sweet. Everyone in the cafeteria was. Every now and then a student would come in and not be so nice. But I kept speaking to them and hugging them and they got out of acting like that!”

She specifically remembers working with Jeff Gring and Mike Ferguson: “Mike is one of the nicest people in the world. He and Jeff always helped me when I didn’t understand something. I don’t know what I would’ve done without the two of them.”

Ferrum College is a special place, made even more special because of people like Ms. Loretta.

Dave Newcombe, Director of Student Leadership & Engagement

Dave Newcombe arrived at Ferrum College in 1986 as the director of Residence Life. In June 1989, he was asked to serve as the dean of Student Affairs. “This was my ‘dream job’ when I was in college and grad school,” said Dave. “I wanted to be a dean of students at a small college.” In 2007, Dave became director of Student Leadership and Engagement, a position he held until his retirement in August 2015 after 29 years of service.

“At Ferrum, we had faculty and staff teams in softball and basketball. We played in the student intramural program until we were too old to compete. What a great way to get to know students, and they really enjoyed our participation and the bond that the games created,” remembered Dave. “I also became a great fan of Panther athletics, theatrical plays, musical events, and the fun programs provided for students, the College, and the local community. I tried to attend as many of these events as possible. It was fun for me, but more importantly, I supported our students.”

“My ‘dream job’ was a joy. The relationships I made with students, alumni, staff, and faculty are truly a blessing and continue into my retirement,” said Dave. He and his wife Patricia remain in the Ferrum area. “We love Ferrum College so much we decided to pay off our home here and stay!”

Ferrum College is a special place, made even more special because of people like Dave.

Dr. Bob Pohlad, Professor of Biology, Horticulture, & Environmental Science
Dr. Carolyn Thomas, Professor of Environmental Science & Biology

Dr. Bob Pohlad arrived at Ferrum College in 1978 as a biology professor. He spent the next 41 years at the College teaching biology, horticulture, and environmental science. His wife Dr. Carolyn Thomas joined him at Ferrum in the fall of 1979 where she spent 40 years as a professor of environmental science and biology. They taught together, engaging Ferrum College students in world-wide travels to Africa, the Virgin Islands, Ireland, and more countries, as well as showcasing nature in our own backyard. The couple retired together in May 2018. In January 2020, Dr. Thomas passed away at the age of 71. “Being at Ferrum College, on a campus such as ours, she embraced every place as her outdoor laboratory,” Dr. Pohlad remembered. “If she could get outside and get students in the creeks or pond, she knew that they would learn to love what she did.”

Ferrum College will always be a special place to Dr. Pohlad. “Carolyn and I could teach together, side by side, raise our family in a wonderful community of people, develop close and lasting ties to so many students and colleagues, and feel the joy of their successes over all these years,” he said. “We both loved to provide everyone the opportunity for experiential learning and share our love of travel and discovery with them.  Seeing that look of joy on their faces when they lived a new experience was such a pleasure. I think that goes for both of us.”