5/25/2021
On June 1, 2021, Ferrum College will welcome Lydia and Justin Kitts to its campus family. Lydia will serve as the College’s senior director of Strategic Communications and Justin has been named dean of Innovation and Opportunity.
“I’m excited to join a community where good people are doing good things – guiding our students, and each other, to fulfill their purpose,” said Lydia, who has been teaching communications at Union College (Barbourville, KY) since 2017. “I can’t wait to share those stories with potential students and families, showing them the promise of Ferrum.”
Justin expressed the same anticipation. “This position marries my love of student development and desire to see students reach their professional goals. Fulfilling the promise of college not only helps our students but will also have a larger impact on the communities in which they work,” he said. Justin currently serves as dean of students at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC.
When the couple arrives at Ferrum College, it will be the first time in five years that they and their two children, Weston (6) and Lavinia (5), will be able to spend every night of the week in the same home. “We’ve ‘lived’ in the same home – but the kids and I would drive between Berea, KY and Banner Elk, NC every week, with a day of driving in between,” explained Lydia.
Justin, originally from Minot, ND, received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Lees-McRae College in 2007. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in College Student Development from Appalachian State University in 2010. Justin has served as resident director, director of Greek life, and director of Summer Conferencing at Lees-McRae (2007-2009); director of Campus Life and Recreation at Lees-McRae (2010-2013); and director of Campus Life, director of Housing and Residence Life, and dean of students at Union College (2013-2019).
Lydia, a Berea, KY native, received her Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts Studies from Lees-McRae in 2012. She earned a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Kent State University in 2017. She has a professional background at Union College as an admissions counselor (2013-2014); coordinator of communications (2014-2017); director of digital marketing (2014-2017); and lead graphic designer (2015-2017).
“My passion has been working with students in the Appalachian Mountains. As a child I learned a great deal about these mountains from those who call them home, in particular, the value of family and the importance of support,” explained Justin. “Throughout my career I have sought opportunities that allowed me to give back to the mountains and her people. My drive has always been student-focused, supplying students with the right amount of challenge and support to ensure they not only reach their goals but also exceed them.”
“Over the past few years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into teaching students how to think, connect, and create strategically, all while running my own business doing the same on the side,” said Lydia. “I’ve been consulting with institutions and nonprofits throughout Appalachia as they develop strategic storytelling and communications plans. Now I’m thrilled to support Ferrum College as we bring the new strategic plan to life.”
5/24/2021
EPD 202 students sit on the steps they built leading to the Dr. Carolyn Thomas memorial bench during the three week May 2021 E-Term. Dr. Bob Pohlad photo.
During a three-week Environmental Planning and Development (EPD-202) Experiential Term (E-Term), led by Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck and Professor Emeritus of Biology and Horticulture Bob Pohlad, seventeen Ferrum College students built, repaired, and beautified three sites on campus. In the process, they donated almost $5,600 in labor to the College, and one recent graduate even landed a job thanks to his involvement.
Alumnus Stephen Murphy completed the EPD-202 E-Term just days after earning his Bachelor of Science in environmental science this May 2021. He was then offered a job as a maintenance technician with Bedford Regional Water Authority. “My work with the E-Term and my previous job experience were key contributors for me to get the job,” Murphy explained. “During the interview, I was able to point to many examples of working with my group, and the collaboration between all of the E-Term groups. BRWA was impressed with my experience and that Ferrum has such a hands-on program.”
“This class was an excellent opportunity for our students to participate in experiential learning at its best,” said Heck. “They were able to learn about concepts of sustainability, engage in the work of repairing, building, and creating garden and riparian spaces, and develop a sense of pride in their efforts, their project, and the campus.”
For the first four days of the E-Term, the students assessed the sites: the memorial bench honoring Pohlad’s wife, the late Professor Emerita of Biology and Environmental Science Carolyn Thomas, and the riparian buffer zone and garden, all at Adams Lake; the conifer garden and the Jess Goode memorial garden, both in the campus community arboretum area; and the pond and stream feature, and wedding gazebo and garden, also in the arboretum area. Students thought about lighting and electricity aspects, hardscapes, soil types, and plant design.
The rest of the E-Term was spent in approximately 200 hours of field work. After the work was complete, the students presented to the community their processes, before and after photos, maintenance plans, next steps, and donation opportunities on Friday, May 21, 2021 in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room. A tour of the sites followed.
“After all these years of teaching, it still amazes me how well the students respond to the opportunities of experiential learning,” said Pohlad. “I saw the same enthusiasm and pride in their work this year as I saw over the last twenty. By doing these types of projects, each student leaves a legacy for future students to learn from and a place to honor the memories of those who have been an important part of our Ferrum community family. Their efforts and comments on work around Carolyn’s bench were especially touching to me.”
“This E-Term was lots of fun, lots of hard work, sweat and tears, but overall it was rewarding. We took a project that had been going on for over twenty years, worked on by many Ferrum students, faculty, and staff, and now we get to add our names to that legacy,” said rising senior Lauren Ries. “We walked into E-Term not knowing much about the projects but we walked away knowing more about landscaping, hard work, and ourselves. And we have tons of good memories. Hard work does pay off!”
“The students discovered and recovered hidden treasures, while creating their own,” said Heck. “They built memories, skills and connections that will last a lifetime.”
See photos from the EPD 202 E-Term here.
Learn more about Ferrum College E-Terms here.
Read the Roanoke Times’ coverage of the students’ presentation on May 21.
5/12/2021
On May 1, 2021, eight graduate degree students were honored during Ferrum College’s 105th commencement ceremony. These students are the first graduate degree recipients in the institution’s history.
“It was such a joy and honor to be able to call the names and watch our first graduate students be hooded on stage at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Dean of the School of Online Graduate and Education Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science Sandra Via ’04. “I am so proud of these students for their hard work and dedication in these graduate programs and to Ferrum.”
The Master of Science in psychology and the Education Specialist Degree (EdS) in Teacher Leadership and Coaching programs are completely online and offer graduate students the chance to complete the curriculum in just one year. Each program prepares students for career advancement or to enter a doctoral program.
Leya Deickman, who received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ferrum in 2019, is a proud member of the first graduate degree class. True to its promise, the program took Deickman a year to earn a Master of Science in psychology. Because of her organized and energetic nature, she was also able to work full-time at the College as an area coordinator for the Office of Student Life and Engagement, compete for the women’s wrestling team, and remain a dedicated mother to her young son Kendall.
“Being a full-time graduate student, staff member, student-athlete, and still managing my home life was extremely demanding,” said Deickman. “There were many days where Kendall would have to come to practice and there were days where I went to my office an hour early to just get some quiet time to do homework. But the beauty in online courses is that you can shape your schedule however you would like. Having the freedom to do that enabled me to be all those different things at once.”
Deickman enjoyed the curriculum of Ferrum’s graduate program. “I have been in other online programs before and they were very much regurgitation of information. While I still learned things, I was not as excited to learn. Ferrum’s program has been the opposite. I am always challenged and learning new things. The structure of each class is unique but is clearly laid out from the first day of class. I am learning about my own interest while being able to learn about psychology branches and research,” she said.
Ferrum College’s Senior Enrollment Officer Eric Grundman agrees with Deickman’s assessment. While working full-time for the College, Grundman enrolled last summer as a full-time graduate student, and also earned a Master of Science in psychology two weeks ago.
“Speaking from the perspective of the senior enrollment officer at Ferrum College, being a member of the first cohort and graduating class in Ferrum College history with an M.S. in psychology has been an incredibly positive experience,” said Grundman. “The past year has been truly enriching and fulfilling in every way. I’ve been able to gain knowledge as well as expand my professional network while working together with classmates who will be friends for a lifetime.
Grundman will always feel grateful for his graduate school experience at Ferrum. “The faculty and staff have worked with me and my fellow classmates to guide us through this intensive online program with a level of compassion and a personal touch that might not otherwise be offered at larger institutions,” he said. “One of the greatest honors of my life is that I am able to say I am now a proud Ferrum College alumnus.”
Learn more about Ferrum College’s online graduate degree programs here.
5/12/2021
A few of the virtual ENG 461: Professional Writing students were able to pose for a photo. From left to right: Chelsea Zizzi, Ashley Dalton, Dr. Allison Harl, Bella Bettilyon, and Shela Muriel.
Last semester, ENG 461: Professional Writing students collaborated with the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (SVCAC) to write two professional reports, which could be used to acquire and retain grant funding for the non-profit agency.
“Collaborations like these benefit both the College and local non-profit organizations in a win, win relationship,” said Associate Professor of English Allison Harl, who led the professional writing course which was held virtually during the spring semester.
One group of students surveyed local constituents’ perception of the SVCAC’s ability to meet the community’s needs in four categories: diversity (defined in the study as “the mixture of people within the community and offices), equity (“being impartial to all who are involved”), inclusion (“equality of obtaining services and practices that are needed”), and justice (“fairness within the programs for all communities”).
After several weeks of research and the completion of the surveys, the first group found that SVCAC demonstrates strong diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The only recommendation the students made was that the agency find out more about those beyond the Hispanic population that speak English as a second language.
“Of course it’s not an easy thing to write about child abuse and the process alongside it, but this research has made me feel better about these situations because overall it was a good outcome with the SVCAC and their standing with the community,” said Ferrum junior Chelsea Zizzi ’22.
The other group collected data involving the social implications, particularly on children, of two casinos being built in the region, in Danville and Bristol. The students focused on the potential increase in violence, drugs, child trafficking, and other effects on children’s safety and wellbeing. This group found that violence and crime, including theft, illegal drug distribution, and child trafficking, typically increases in areas where casinos are built.
“The Southern VA Child Advocacy Center provided an experiential community partnership opportunity for the Ferrum College Professional Writing students to practice their skills beyond the classroom,” said Harl.
Learn more about SVCAC here.
173 seniors from 12 different states earned degrees from Ferrum College during the 105th commencement ceremony on May 1, 2021.
5/1/2021
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, 173 Ferrum College graduates from 12 different states crossed the commencement stage at Adams Stadium during a socially distanced graduation ceremony.
The night before, on Friday, April 30 at 6 p.m., the College hosted an in-person ceremony, also at Adams Stadium, for the class of 2020. This ceremony followed last year’s commencement exercises, which were held virtually due to COVID-19. Friday’s keynote speaker was Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year Anthony Swann. Class of 2020 graduates dressed in regalia and took photos with Ferrum College President David Johns. See photos from that event here.
The class of 2021’s commencement exercises began on Saturday at 10 a.m. and included award presentations under mild, sunny skies. The keynote speaker was New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo, who has written about higher education for more than two decades.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the historic Schoolfield Hall bell by President Johns and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato. Afterward, Sposato opened the commencement ceremony with a warm welcome to the graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff. She noted that “each graduate has a special person or many people that have supported them throughout the past four years,” and thanked them for “sending care packages at just the right time, enduring virtual classes on Zoom, and sometimes getting late night phone calls accompanied by a few tears, doubts, and challenges.”
Following the invocation given by Reverend John Heck of Saint Peter’s-In-the-Mountains Episcopal Church, Johns took the podium to welcome the crowd and remind the graduates to thank their families for the support they received over their years at Ferrum.
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…Through your work, make the world healthier, happier, more free and just. Make it better.”
Ferrum College Board of Trustees Chair Scott Showalter ’73 and Alumni Association member Beth Simms ’09 each gave greetings on behalf of their respective boards. Afterward, Professor of Religion David Howell, who is retiring after 23 years of service in teaching, was recognized.
The presentation of awards followed. Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck received the Exemplary Faculty Award, which recognizes a Ferrum College faculty member who embodies excellence in and commitment to teaching, demonstrates concern for student welfare in areas beyond academic studies, and is recognized as a competent scholar. Heck received numerous nominations for her service to the College and the greater community.
The Senior Academic Excellence Award was presented to Alexzondra Mattson ’21 of Virginia Beach, VA. This award is based on grades earned in all college courses by a full-time student, including those taken at Ferrum, as well as those received in transfer from other colleges or universities. Mattson maintained a 4.0 GPA and has earned a Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences with a pre-med emphasis. She has been accepted to multiple Juris Doctor of Law programs and plans to make a decision soon.
Jack Sheehan ’21 of State College, PA, received the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award, which is presented annually to the senior chosen by the faculty who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, initiative, honor, and outstanding character. Recipients of this award must also hold an excellent academic record, have participated in extra-curricular activities, and shown creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live. His next step is to attend graduate school at Utah State University.
The Lillie Warwick Slaven Award was presented to Mia Brower ’21 from Kernersville, NC. The award is given to a student who exemplifies the ideals of the ministerial profession and is recognized as an outstanding student leader at Ferrum College.
Christian Haley ’21 of Boones Mill, VA, received the James T. Catlin Citizenship Award, which is given each year to the student who has best demonstrated qualities of citizenship and leadership.
Mattson was awarded one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. The other went to Jacob Wilson ’21 from South Boston, VA. Recipients of this award are of noble character, spend their time bettering humankind, and apply fine spiritual qualities to their daily living. Wilson’s future plans involve teaching science in a secondary education setting.
Following the awards presentations, Selingo addressed the graduates, telling them to “get ready to navigate the ambiguity of life, heed the forces that take you in different, even opposite directions, and focus on what’s most meaningful to you…and in all your decisions, small and large…be patient, optimistic and yes, have a little faith.”
Student Government Association President Kintwon Pettiford ’22 of Hillsborough, NC then greeted the crowd and introduced Brower as the senior class speaker. She sent best wishes to the graduates and serenaded the crowd with a beautiful a cappella song.
Johns and Sposato conferred degrees on the eight first-ever Ferrum College graduate students receiving the degrees of Master of Science in Psychology and Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership and Coaching. The degrees were awarded by Dean of the School of Graduate and Online Education Studies Sandra Via.
Fifteen Boone Honors Program (BHP) graduates were also individually recognized and awarded a medallion by the program’s director, Professor of English Lana Whited. This year marks the highest number of honors medallion recipients, with a previous record of ten recipients in 2014. Read more about the fifteen BHP graduates here.
After the conferring and awarding of undergraduate degrees by Johns and Sposato, the crowd was asked to join in the singing of the College’s “Alma Mater.”
See photos of the 105th Ferrum College commencement ceremony here.
Davon “D” Robinson ’21 and Morganne Flinkstrom ’21 were featured in Roanoke Times and Franklin News-Post articles by Karen Dillon. Read about D here and about Morganne here.
Jack Sheehan ’21 received the President’s Cup. Read about him in this Franklin News-Post article.
4/28/2021
President David Johns and Board of Supervisors Chairman & Blue Ridge Supervisor Tim Tatum cut the ribbon during the ceremony that dedicated the new Ferrum Pedestrian Bridge.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors, Ferrum College, and the community celebrated the completion of the Ferrum Pedestrian Bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. Over 50 people attended the outdoor event, which took place on the Timber Line Road side of the pedestrian bridge in Ferrum.
The 360-foot-long bridge connects the Ferrum College campus sidewalk to the Dollar General Store located on the Virginia Route 40. The separate pedestrian bridge runs parallel to the narrow Sheriff Shively Bridge and is essential to keeping Ferrum students and other pedestrians safe as they cross the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks.
“We are proud to partner with the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, VDOT, and the Village of Ferrum to create a safe walking space for our students and community members,” said President David Johns. “This pedestrian bridge is an important asset for Ferrum, for business and for recreation, and it is going to strengthen ties in our community for years to come.”
“The new pedestrian bridge is very important to the community, and the College,” said Franklin County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman and Blue Ridge Supervisor Tim Tatum. “It is something that the community and College have promoted for some time. The recent Ferrum Village Plan identified this as a need to create a more walkable community that would benefit the community, the College, and the businesses in the area.”
The County successfully secured funding for the project through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s revenue sharing program and local matching funding from Franklin County and Ferrum College.
“Processes like this tend to be slow and that’s okay as long as we get there,” said Ferrum community member Bobby Thompson, who has been a longtime advocate for the construction of the pedestrian bridge. “We’ve experienced a really good partnership between the college community, VDOT, and the county. The Ferrum community is more connected now.”
4/23/2021
Dr. Lana Whited, BHP director and English professor at Ferrum College, stands with 15 BHP graduating seniors.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, members of the Boone Honors Program were honored during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Special recognition went to the fifteen graduating seniors, the largest group of graduates in the program’s two-decade-long history (the previous record was ten in 2014). Of the fifteen seniors, twelve are or have been intercollegiate athletes and some competed in multiple sports. Their names are listed below.
After a welcome from BHP Program Director and Professor of English Lana Whited, President David Johns greeted guests and thanked the seniors for their efforts during their time at the College. Each senior 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 was lots of laughter with a few tears. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato closed the program with heartfelt well wishes.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of David Howell, dean of arts and humanities, professor of religion, and director of faculty development, 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.
Elina Matilda Baltins ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
swimming, track and field
Bryce Daniel Beard ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Cayla Morgan Berry ’21
Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, emphasis in criminology
women’s soccer
Jacob Alan Blaukovitch ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
Bachelor of Science in biology
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Samuel Ammon Chappell ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Robert Sean Grande, Jr. ’21
Bachelor of Science in political science
football
Dakota Alexander Fletcher ’21
Bachelor of Science in computer information systems, emphasis in computer networks and cybersecurity
Jenna McKenzie Janicki ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise and sport studies
women’s soccer
Suzanne Huiwen Maines ’21
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Camden Vinson Mariotti ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise science
football
Alexzondra Lena Mattson ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
women’s soccer
John Francis Sheehan, IV ’21
Bachelor of Science in social studies
men’s lacrosse, football
Nancy Kathryn Shoaf ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Hannah Elizabeth Smith ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Victoria Katherine Wagner ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-therapy
swimming
4/22/2021
Assistant Professor of Nursing Lisa Pendleton (center) stands with nursing students Casey Raggett ’22 (left in photo) and Jennia Candy ’22 (right).
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Ferrum College Nursing Program students dressed in their scrubs to assist in vaccinating the campus community against COVID-19.
The College partnered with the Virginia Department of Health, Carilion, Franklin County Public Safety, and the Ferrum Nursing Department to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in the Fitness Center on campus.
The clinic, which was free and open to campus members and members of the community who had previously registered, distributed ninety-five doses of the Moderna vaccine in three hours, from 12 – 3 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist our campus community members in protecting their health, as well as the health of others around them,” said Dean of Students and Pandemic Coordinator Nicole Lenez. “After a very dark year, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
See photos from the clinic here.
Learn more about Ferrum College Nursing here.
Students from the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences received academic awards in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on April 16, 2021. Malcolm Lofton photo.
4/21/2021
Ferrum College celebrated its students during Academic Awards Ceremonies on Friday, April 16, 2021 in Vaughn Chapel and in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room. The traditional single ceremony was split into two ceremonies to accommodate COVID-19 capacity and social distancing guidelines for indoor gatherings.
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly presided over the ceremony for the School of Arts and Sciences, which took place in Vaughn Chapel. Dean of Health Professions and Social Sciences Angie Dahl presided over the ceremony for the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences that took place in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room.
President David Johns and Athletic Director John Sutyak presented the President’s Cup to senior John “Jack” Sheehan, IV, from State College, PA. Sheehan is about to receive a Bachelor of Science in social studies with minors in history and secondary education. Awards were then presented to students during both ceremonies 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.
The Iron Blade Editor Commendation
Mary Stout
The Chrysalis Editor-in-Chief Award
Abigail McGovern
The Chrysalis Staff Member of the Year Award
Abigail McGovern
The Hamblin Accounting Award
Lola Cannaday
The Outstanding Student in Agricultural Sciences Award
Lindsay Koogler (equine studies)
Hunter Wimmer (agricultural education)
Zoey White (agribusiness)
Jarred Collier (crop sciences)
Macey Vest (animal science)
The Outstanding Student in Finance Award
Jeremiah Valentine
The Outstanding Student in Management Award
Matthew Yarbrough
The Outstanding Student in Marketing Award
Reina Balderas
The Outstanding Student in Sports Management
Mia Holmes
Outstanding Student in IoT Lab
Mason Hamer
Outstanding Student in Programming
Nicholas Johns
Outstanding Student in CIS Public Speaking
Helen Ogbole
CIS Academic Award
Nicholas Cook
Dakota Fletcher
The Eric Lee Baker Award for the Outstanding Student in English
Abigail McGovern
The Outstanding Student in Environmental Science Award
Alexis Davidson
Michelle Musick
Katie ShoafThe Jasse Scholarship in History Awards
Demontay Wimbush
Daeshawn Barrett
Andrew Hill
Charles Tisby
The Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar in History Award
Christian Haley
Fern Stough
The Outstanding Student in Music Award
Julio Salazar
The Academic Achievement in Music Award
Kiersten Jones
The Acey-Wood-Rose Award for Excellence in Religious Studies
Lauren Ries
Outstanding Student in Spanish Award
Suzanne Maines
Douglas W. Foard Award of International Studies
Suzanne Maines
The Theatre Arts Achievement Award
Erica Leed
Alyssa Robles
The Dance Achievement Award
Sarah LaLiberte
2021 Dr. Ken McCreedy Outstanding Criminal Justice Graduating Senior Award
Cayla Morgan Berry
The Outstanding Student in Health and Human Performance Award
Camden Mariotti
The Outstanding Student in Exercise Science Award
Kendra Powell
The Outstanding Student in Exercise Sports Studies Award
Jenna Janicki
The Frank Benjamin Hurt Award
Robert Sean Grande
Mikayla Thorpe
Outstanding Student in Pre-Professional Health Science Pre-Med Award
Elina Baltins
Alexzondra Mattson
Camryn BurkeThe Pre-Professional Health Science Pre-Therapy Award
Joshua Greenway
The Outstanding Student in Biology Award
Camryn Burke
The Outstanding Student in Psychology Award
Alexzondra Mattson
The Jane Addams Social Work Achievement Award
Mia Brower
The Jennie West Outstanding Social Work Senior Award
Madison Brown
The Dr. Betty N. Bailey Silver Weaver Award
Mallory Scott
Delta Kappa Gamma Outstanding Woman in Education Award
Amber Scott
Charles A. and Marion C. Skinner Awards for Excellence in Education Award
Elementary Education
Sarah Ellis
Secondary Education
Jack Sheehan
All-Level
Cade Rouse
President’s Cup
John F. “Jack” Sheehan, IV
4/13/2021
Last year, Ferrum College introduced the first ever virtual Panther Toast to maintain connections in the Ferrum family during isolation and social distancing. The College is continuing the tradition this Saturday, April 17, by inviting members of campus, alumni, and friends to join in on the second annual virtual Panther Toast. All day long, participants are invited to toast each other by pouring any beverage and posting a photo of their toast to social media, tagging #FerrumCollege, #PantherToast, and fellow Panthers, former professors, and athletic coaches.
See last year’s Panther Toast photos on the Ferrum College Flickr album here.
4/7/2021
The Ferrum College Office of Student Life & Engagement held Student Appreciation Week from March 29 – April 1, 2021. During the week, students were invited to reverse tie dye face masks and dunk Residence Life staff; enjoy free hotdogs, yard games, and a movie with glow accessories; participate in an Easter raffle and paint night; and relax with yoga in the Ferrum Fitness Center.
View photos from the week here.
3/26/2021
Ferrum College is excited to host two in-person commencement ceremonies this year. The Class of 2020 will be celebrated at Adams Stadium on Friday, April 30 at 6 p.m. Following that ceremony, the Class of 2021’s commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 10 a.m., also at Adams Stadium. Both ceremonies will follow the guidelines set forth in Governor Ralph Northam’s March 17 order that allows for a limited number of guests to attend outdoor graduations.
To find up-to-date commencement information for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, visit www.ferrum.edu/commencement.
Ferrum College will hold its 105th commencement ceremony in-person at Adams Stadium on Saturday, May 1, 2021. The College’s plans follow Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s March 17 announcement that allows for a limited number of guests to attend outdoor graduations.
“We are looking forward to celebrating our 2021 graduates during an in-person commencement ceremony this May,” said President David Johns. “These students have made Ferrum College history by overcoming enormous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is their time to shine.”
The College expects 165 graduates to walk across the commencement stage at Adams Stadium, which includes current seniors and the first graduates of Ferrum’s psychology masters degree and EdS programs. Each graduate may invite four guests, as per the governor’s order to keep outdoor events at 30 percent of the venue capacity. The event will be live-streamed for friends and family who are not able to attend.
The keynote speaker will be New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo, who has written about higher education for more than two decades. His latest book, Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was published in September 2020 and was named among the “100 Notable Books” of the year by the New York Times. Selingo is a special advisor for innovation and professor of practice at Arizona State University. He also co-hosts the podcast “FutureU” and is a regular contributor to The Atlantic.
Prior to the May 1 ceremony, graduates will have their class photo taken in Adams Stadium on April 24. Following the class photo, graduates will be invited to take individual photos with Ferrum College President David Johns.
The College will not host a baccalaureate and candlelight ceremony this year; however, an academic awards ceremony will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021.
Class of 2021 graduates may register and receive tickets for their guests here.
Watch the livestream of the ceremony here.
Ferrum College announced today that it will invite members of the class of 2020 to return to campus for an in-person commencement celebration on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 6 p.m. This event will precede the College’s commencement for the Class of 2021, scheduled for Saturday, May 1. The Class of 2020 made history last year when their commencement ceremony was held virtually to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Class of 2020 graduates who participate in this year’s outdoor commencement exercise will be able to invite four guests to attend as they cross the commencement stage at Adams Stadium. Graduates will be asked to wear their regalia and will have the opportunity to take a photo with Ferrum College President David Johns. The keynote speaker will be 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year Anthony Swann who teaches fifth grade at Rocky Mount Elementary in Franklin County. The ceremony will follow the guidelines set forth in Governor Ralph Northam’s March 17 order that allows for a limited number of guests to attend outdoor graduations.
In order to participate, Class of 2020 graduates must register themselves and their guests for the event by April 28 using this link.
