Ferrum College’s campus newspaper, The Iron Blade, has won the First Place 2021-2022 Scholastic Newspaper Award from American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). ASPA is a nationwide contest for publications ranging from magazines to yearbooks. The ASPA focuses on elevating and highlighting not only the publications produced, but the students who work tirelessly on them.
The Ferrum College Iron Blade newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and student-produced newspaper which covers the daily life and culture of Ferrum College. One print issue is published and distributed on campus each month. After every print, all articles are published online.
Assistant Professor of English and Journalism and Iron Blade Adviser David Campbell is extremely proud of the students for this achievement. “Our goal is not to win awards. Our goal is to publish a top-notch newspaper that adheres to the guidelines and criteria of quality journalism. I tell the students that if we craft our paper properly, then things like awards generally take care of themselves. It proved to be the case this time.”
Assistant Editor Brandon Mullins ’22 is honored to be part of a nationally-recognized publication. “We did have some initial setbacks, and we are a small, rural college to begin with, but we were able to succeed in the end thanks to the diligent efforts of our team. For us to reach national acclaim vouches for Ferrum’s commitment to journalistic excellence, I think. And I’m confident that the Blade will continue to shine in the times to come.”
Editor Lindsey Foster was amazed when she received notification of the award. “As editor-in-chief, I am truly honored that our team won this incredible award. We have worked so hard this past year and the program has really grown. I am very proud of our Iron Blade staff.”
Dr. Kevin Reilly, vice president of Academic Affairs, noted he is also proud of the students and Campbell for winning the award. “It represents countless hours, including late evenings and weekends, putting together a newspaper that is truly elite. It also provides evidence for the greater community of what we already know here at Ferrum College: our students, faculty and staff are exceptional.”
For more information on the American Scholastic Press Association awards, please visit https://www.asan.com/annual-yearbooks-magazine-newspapers-contest
For more information on The Iron Blade, please visit https://dev.ferrum.edu/campus-life/the-iron-blade/
About this photo: The Iron Blade student staff who recently visited The Franklin News-Post office in Rocky Mount included (front row from left) Anna Rymer, freshman; Refentse Maselwa, freshman; Bella Eddy, freshman; Editor Lindsey M. Foster, junior; Caroline King, junior; Assistant Editor Marina J. Powell, freshman; (back row from left) Sports Editor Cody Gibson, junior; Monzelle Campbell, freshman; C.J. Hughes, freshman. Not pictured are Assistant Editor Brandon Mullins, senior; Julius Asbury, sophomore; Sean Cohen, freshman; Michael Hamm, freshman; Jordan Luckey, freshman; DeeDee Tiddle, freshman; Katrina Anderson, senior.
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.
