9/1/2021

Senior Daniel Lamb applies painter’s tape prior to painting at Hillcrest Apartments. Photo by Coach Cleive Adams ’02.

Over the summer, the Ferrum College campus community continued to live out its motto, Not Self, But Others.

Just in time for students to arrive back on campus, two Ferrum College housekeepers voluntarily refreshed the Chapman Residence Hall parking lines. Also, under the direction of Head Football Coach Cleive Adams ’02, a group of students painted Hillcrest Apartments on campus after the units had been renovated.

Housekeepers Dot Crook and Cindy Hudson, who are responsible for cleaning Chapman Hall each day, wanted to make their building look as good as possible. They noticed that the parking lot lines needed repainting, so the pair used the change they had found while cleaning Chapman to purchase paint and supplies. Then they set to work hand painting lines and making sure the lot was as fresh as their building. 

“They also trim bushes, weed plant beds, and more,” said Director of Physical Plant Brad Bishop. “Even though the Housekeeping staff is quite busy, they perform these jobs as they find a few minutes here and there throughout the year.”

Coach Adams’ group of students painted Hillcrest Apartments after contractors completed updates to the HVAC system, with lighting updates, new metal doors, and upgrades to bathrooms and the exterior buildings.

“My vision is to have 30 young men stay on campus each summer, working to help take care of our campus. Retention is the most important ingredient to sustain a program over time and the momentum of having young men excited about staying all summer can be contagious,” explained Adams. Regarding the work his players did, Adams said, “Once we finished a few units, we developed a game plan and took advantage of what certain guys did well, utilizing their strengths as we moved through each unit. We put a lot of paint on the walls up there!”

Bishop is also proud of his team. He said, “There are a lot of Physical Plant staff, as well as many across this campus, that go above and beyond the responsibilities that are defined in their job descriptions. In my opinion, they are the embodiment of Not Self, But Others.”

Over the last month, Ferrum College staff members have added more responsibilities to their already full spring schedules during what President Johns has coined a “diaspora”, a scattering of the Ferrum family in an attempt to social distance during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Office of Student Life & Engagement

Office of Student Life and Engagement

In addition to learning how to provide their normal services electronically, the Student Life and Engagement staff are also closely monitoring student traffic on campus, which includes keeping track of those who are leaving and when. This office is also charged with enforcing campus policies, taking care of anyone who is sick*, and following up with students in crisis. Staff members are also working to prepare buildings for consolidation and to turn some buildings over to public safety in the event that additional housing is needed for various purposes. 

Dean of Student Life Nicole Lenez is grateful to work with such capable staff in such an unprecedented time. She noted her admiration for Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his explanation of the African word “ubuntu”, which loosely translates into a concept of being generous, hospitable, friendly, caring, and compassionate.

“The Student Life and Engagement team has ‘ubuntu’,” said Lenez. “They are the embodiment of ‘Not Self, But Others’. They’ve worked tirelessly and without hesitation through this crisis. Their compassion, honesty, and creativity has been so appreciated as we navigate uncharted waters and their love for Ferrum College and the students has carried us when we needed it. There are no words that can truly express the gratitude I have for them and the work they’ve been doing, especially lately.”

*There are no positive cases of COVID-19 on Ferrum College’s campus at this time.

Lonnie Thompson prepares Clark Hall for student consolidation.

Physical Plant Department

The Physical Plant Department includes Housekeeping, Grounds, Maintenance, and the Mail Room staff. In addition to their normal cleaning routine, Housekeeping is focusing on disinfecting common areas and frequently touched objects like doorknobs and light switches. Floors have been stripped and waxed, and Clark and Dyer Halls have been prepared to consolidate students still on campus.

Maintenance has completed a number of preventative tasks and continues to meet student, faculty, and staff needs by keeping building systems operational. The Grounds crew is working hard to keep campus beautiful by mowing, planting, mulching, trimming, and preparing for the day our students, families, and guests return. Our Mail Room staff continues to ensure students, faculty, and staff receive mail and packages in a timely manner.

“I have so much respect for the Physical Plant staff at Ferrum College,” said Director of Physical Plant Brad Bishop. “I cannot say enough good things about each person in the department. For them to come to campus every day during these most uncertain times is a testament to their character. They truly care for Ferrum College, its students, its faculty, its staff, and the entire Ferrum community. These folks work so hard day in and day out, and I have been so unbelievably blessed just to be a part of this team.”

Office of Admissions

Due to Governor Northam’s Executive Order requiring Virginians to shelter-in-place, and to protect faculty, staff, students, and the community, the Office of Admissions has suspended all campus tours. Instead, this office has developed virtual tours which take viewers all over campus, from Vaughan Chapel, to the Norton Center, and through the residence halls. 

Prospective students who participate in these online events can qualify for the Campus Visit Scholarship, which provides a $1,000 scholarship per academic year.  The Admissions Office has moved the decision deadline to July 1 to give more time to prospective students and their families due to the unusual circumstances brought about by COVID-19.

Financial Aid counselors are holding one-on-one appointments with students through Zoom. This department is also using the go-live FaceBook feature as a platform to inform families about the financial aid process. 

“We are working closely with faculty, coaches, and other departments on campus to create alternative pathways for prospective students to explore Ferrum College. We are adjusting to the changing times each day, and I am proud to work with such a capable and invested group of people,” said Dean of Admissions Jason Byrd. 

Visit campus virtually on the Experience Ferrum webpage! By clicking here, viewers can take a tour of campus, learn more about the College’s online graduate programs during a virtual Graduate Program Open House scheduled for April 15 at 1 p.m., and explore academic programs and hear from program coordinators.