11/15/2021
Ferrum College has made some strategic staffing changes to enhance the student experience and promote community engagement. Associate Professor of Psychology and former Dean of the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences Angie Dahl has been named vice president of Student Development and Campus Life. Dahl has master’s degrees in both religion and psychology, an educational specialist degree in school psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Utah State University. She brings to the position an understanding of student development, expertise in mental health and trauma, and a passion for Ferrum College and its students.
Former Assistant Dean of Students Vanessa Stone has been named the dean of students. Stone has a master’s degree in human services, executive leadership, and has worked within student affairs at Ferrum College for the last ten years. Dahl shared, “Vanessa understands our students’ needs for safety and connection. She brings this focus and her love for Ferrum to this position.” Vanessa will lead both Residence Life and Student Accountability teams.
Associate Director of Graduate and Online Programs and Transfer Student Coordinator Jill Adams will assume the role of dean of Campus Life and Title IX coordinator. Adams has a master’s degree in human services, health and wellness, and has worked in student affairs throughout her career, most recently as assistant dean and Title IX coordinator at Averett. “Jill has a history of infusing energy into all things Ferrum. She will be focusing on providing opportunities for connection and belonging for all of our Ferrum community and leading up our Title IX response,” said Dahl.
Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05 has been named chair of the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Muse has a master’s degree in human services, executive leadership and has worked with student activities at Ferrum for 14 years. “Justin understands the real need for all members of our community to engage with each other and have meaningful conversations on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and learn to work together,” said Dahl.
The team’s focus will be to support the Ferrum College community holistically. Dahl shared, “We will center our efforts on supporting student development in multiple dimensions- intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, and physical, and emphasizing opportunities for connection, understanding and engagement across our community. The pandemic only highlighted the importance of supporting each other and providing opportunities for each member of our community to find purpose, progress in their own development, and ultimately, flourish.”
Read more about the College’s plans in this Franklin News-Post article.
From left to right in the photo: Ferrum College students Mikayla Floyd, Andre Williams, Ahjaley Henderson, and Damon Curry, with Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05.
10/20/2021
From Thursday, September 30 through Saturday, October 2, four Ferrum College students voluntarily attended the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Leadership Conference held in Winston-Salem, NC.
During the conference, the students networked with other student groups from other colleges, attended training sessions and honed leadership skills, and previewed performances and demonstrations from engaging speakers and programs which could be brought to Ferrum’s campus.
“The NACA Conference was a fun experience, it was my first time going and I enjoyed every second of it,” said Andre Williams ’22, who serves as senior class president. “It was helpful talking to other schools and getting to know how they do things and comparing ideas. I hope the ideas we gathered will help us bring some freshness to campus. I’m thankful to Ferrum College for this opportunity.”
“The NACA conference was an excellent experience for our student leaders,” said Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05. “They learned how to plan activities in order to receive the most engagement and create unity on campus. It was a pleasure to accompany them to this conference.”
10/6/2021
Ferrum College has announced the new Student Government Association (SGA) cabinet officers for the 2021-22 academic year. For the senior class, Andre Williams ’22 was named president and Damon Curry ’22 was named vice president. Kelsey Smith ’23 was named junior class president. She will serve alongside Jazmin Scarberry ’23 as vice president, Jess Bollinger as secretary, and Cameron Hawkins ’23 as treasurer. To enter the SGA election, students must run together as a cabinet and submit a petition for election showcasing 100 signatures.
“I’m looking forward to working with this group of students this year,” said Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05. “They’ve already hit the ground running and have been bouncing around great ideas to implement. We’re going to have an exceptional year!”
Meet the 2021-22 class officers below.
Senior Class President – Andre Williams ’22Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Major: business administration
Why he loves Ferrum College: “The students and professors at Ferrum are some of the best I’ve ever known. I wanted to serve as senior class president to be their voice and to help Ferrum stay great.”
Senior Class Vice President – Damon Curry ’22Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Majors: business administration
Why he loves Ferrum College: “I love Ferrum because of the opportunities it’s given me to showcase my leadership skills. I’m fortunate to do a lot on campus and meet a lot of people. I look forward to working with you!”
Junior Class President – Kelsey Smith ’23Hometown: Gretna, VA
Major: sociology
Why she loves Ferrum College: “Ferrum College is a second home to me. I have made a lot of friendships that I know will be lifelong. I can be a voice for the junior class because of my love and devotion to better the place I call home.”
Junior Class Vice President – Jazmin Scarberry ’23Hometown: Bluefield, VA
Majors: ecotourism and history
Why she loves Ferrum College: “I love Ferrum College because it makes me feel at home. It is such a tight knit community where everyone is so caring and welcoming. I enjoy being greeted everywhere with a smile and a wave. I believe the voices of the students are what makes a difference.”
Junior Class Secretary – Jess Bollinger ’23Hometown: Bedford, VA
Majors: political science and history
Why she wants to serve as a class officer: “I am excited to help my classmates voices be heard. I’m also able to interact on campus in a new way.”
Junior Class Treasurer – Cameron Hawkins ’23Hometown: Sparta, NC
Major: psychology
Why she wants to serve as a class officer: “I love how Ferrum College creates events and activities to do right here on campus. I wanted to make my own college experience great, and make others’ experiences better, as well. I also want to build and strengthen my leadership skills for my responsibilities in the future.”
8/13/2021
In celebration of a new semester, Ferrum College is inviting its campus community to an All-Campus Welcome on Monday, August 16. The day’s events, which will be hybrid in nature, will be devoted to getting to know campus members, building community, and connecting with each other.
A link will be provided to the campus community to watch a virtual welcome video prior to returning to campus and participating in the All-Campus Welcome. The video will provide updates about new faces on campus, major projects on the horizon or in the works, and some fun news from each department.
Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05 will also host two virtual Kahoot! trivia sessions, with prizes, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Login instructions will be emailed on Monday morning.
The day will close with a 1 p.m. ice cream social in the Panther’s Den on campus. Everyone must follow Ferrum College’s physical distancing protocols and wear masks while inside (except when eating) regardless of vaccination status. The patio will be open for those who wish to be outdoors.
