Dear Panther Family,
What a wonderful and history-making Homecoming we’ve just experienced—our first as an NCAA Division II institution—followed by the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, which brought thousands of visitors to campus and highlighted Ferrum College’s cultural and regional leadership. I am deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, and students whose hard work and dedication made these milestones possible, and to our alumni whose return filled Ferrum with energy, pride, and a profound sense of home. These celebrations reminded us all what it truly means to say Welcome Home!
October was marked by continued academic engagement and preparation for the close of the semester. Building on the success of the September 25 Majors Fair, students participated in Advising Week and Spring Registration, both of which benefited from the dedicated in-person support provided by our Advising Dream Team. New dynamic forms were rolled out to simplify key academic and administrative processes, improving access and efficiency for students, faculty, and staff alike. The College also welcomed a new Work Integrated Learning Manager, who will strengthen our Student Employment program and create expanded opportunities for work-based learning.
Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival highlighted Ferrum College as a hub of cultural and regional engagement, bringing together music, folklore, food, artisans, and attractions. The event also offered the College an opportunity to share its creativity and talents with a wider audience, further reinforcing Ferrum College’s role as a center of learning and cultural enrichment in the region.
Our Agriculture and Environmental Science programs welcomed regional high school students for hands-on learning experiences, while the Carter Center for Student Success and Stanley Library collaborated on a Halloween-themed outreach event to connect students with end-of-semester support services. These events demonstrated Ferrum College’s commitment to experiential learning, community connection, and vibrant campus life.
Ferrum College faculty continue to exemplify excellence in scholarship, creativity, and engagement across disciplines.
Dr. Sara Evers, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, published two peer-reviewed journal articles in 2025: “Simulating with Care: Some Thoughts on Mitigating the Potential for Harm in Social Studies Simulations in the Annals of Social Studies Education Research for Teachers,” and “Doing Things Differently: Social Studies Preservice Teachers’ Conceptions of and Experiences with Creativity in Teaching and Learning” in The Journal of Social Studies Research. Dr. Evers also presented in a national webinar hosted by the Right Question Institute, focused on accessible and rigorous approaches to historical inquiry. Later this fall, she will present multiple papers at leading international and national conferences, including the Making Histories Project in Braunschweig, Germany, and the Annual Meeting of the National Council for the Social Studies in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Todd Fredericksen, Associate Professor of Forestry and Wildlife, co-edited “Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in Forest Habitat,” a 2025 special issue of the international scholarly journal Forests, as well as co-authoring an article with an alumnus, furthering Ferrum College’s reputation for leadership in scientific study and publication.
Dr. Patrick Dacey, Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing, will publish new work this fall and present a workshop and reading at the 2025 Corridors Conference.
The College’s Music and Theatre faculty marked a milestone year by producing both the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Jack Tale Players and Faith of Our Fathers, an original play by Professors Rex Stephenson and Emily Blankenship-Tucker honoring 100 years of Schoolfield Hall.
Also in the Arts and Humanities, Professor Brian Suttell led students to the North Carolina Folk Festival in Greensboro, expanding their engagement with living traditions. Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine continues to host coffee houses while preparing to release its fall issue, and The Iron Blade (https://ironbladenews.com/) continues to showcase student journalism and creative expression.
October was a vibrant month for Panther Athletics as Ferrum College celebrated its first NCAA Division II Homecoming. The event honored several milestone teams, including the 1965 National Championship team (60th anniversary) and the 2005 USA South Championship teams in football, baseball, and softball. Alumni returned to campus to participate in events across multiple sports, reflecting the enduring pride and connection within our athletics community.
The Athletics Department also completed a draft presentation for the upcoming NCAA Provisional Year #1 visit scheduled for February 2026 and finalized the department’s fundraising menu, a vital step toward strengthening our DII foundation.
Thanks to the remarkable support of alumni, faculty, staff, friends, parents, and fans, our Athletics “Launch-A-Thon” exceeded its goal—raising $202,319 from 2,161 unique donors to fuel our student-athletes as they continue #TheJourney in the inaugural year of NCAA Division II competition.
These gifts will directly support team travel, training, equipment, gear, and more—ensuring that our Panthers have the resources they need to compete at a higher level and excel in their sport, their studies, and their lives.
A major highlight came when the Women’s Flag Football team captured the NCFFL Fall Classic Championship in Washington, D.C.—a remarkable achievement that included MVP recognition for Kali Jacobs.
Athletic engagement continues to flourish, with 505 student-athletes currently enrolled and a fall retention rate of 96.15%. Recruiting remains robust, with 165 campus visits recorded to date as we continue to build competitive teams for 2026 and beyond.
The Business Office continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism as it manages the financial operations of Ferrum College. In addition to keeping the College on track toward a balanced budget and ensuring careful stewardship of resources, the team is actively collaborating with external auditors to complete the annual audit. Their diligence, attention to detail, and tireless commitment to fiscal responsibility are evident in every task, and their work is deeply appreciated.
Ferrum College continues to build remarkable momentum. Building on a strong fall enrollment, Ferrum College welcomed 415 new students at deposit and 398 at census—our largest incoming class since 2018. These numbers reflect the growing confidence families have in Ferrum College’s mission and the transformative education we provide—and they’re choosing to be part of this Panther family in record numbers.
Ferrum College’s momentum is also evident as we enter the critical recruitment season. The Admissions and Financial Aid teams have been working tirelessly—hosting families, visiting schools, and processing applications at record pace. Their dedication has kept us ahead of last year’s numbers, even as national trends show increasing competition for college-bound students.
A Black and Gold Transfer Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Let’s please extend a warm Panther “Welcome Home” to all our guests and help them feel the spirit of Ferrum College!
We are encouraged by this progress; yet, we cannot lose sight of our goal. Every encounter, on campus or in the community, remains an opportunity to help prospective students and families see Ferrum College as their home.
Spring 2026 Enrollment
Fall 2026 Enrollment
While the data reflect encouraging trends, particularly compared to 2024, these gains cannot make us complacent. Converting applications to deposits and ensuring personalized followup will be key in the coming weeks. Recruitment is an all-campus effort—each faculty and staff member as well as every student plays a vital role in making prospective students feel seen, valued, and wanted here at Ferrum College.
We extend deep gratitude to our Admissions and Financial Aid teams, and to every Panther who continues to greet visitors, host tours, and engage with families. Your warmth and hospitality embody the very best of Ferrum College and will make all the difference as we work together toward meeting our enrollment goals.
The Office of Human Resources continued its forward progress in October with a strong focus on supporting employee well-being and institutional growth. Virtual benefits meetings were held on October 14 and 28 in preparation for open enrollment (now underway).
A new medical plan option was introduced to expand access to affordable coverage. HR has received positive feedback thus far regarding the new addition. Physical Plant employees received the information during a dedicated meeting tailored to their schedules, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to review and ask questions in person. The HR team remains available throughout the week to provide guidance and address any additional questions from employees as they navigate their benefit selections.
In addition to continuing to provide resources, support and engagement opportunities to students, the month of October was full of energy as Student Affairs supported a vibrant Homecoming schedule and celebrated the opening of the new Wellness Center in Lower Roberts.
Student leadership and involvement were evident through the Homecoming Court celebration and the Student Government-hosted dinner with the Class of 1975 alumni. Intramural flag football drew strong participation, with eight teams and roughly 200 students attending nightly.
Teladoc enrollment reached 34 students, with 15 total uses: 4 for medical and 11 for mental health support. In addition, the team launched The Red Flag Campaign in late October, to continue the promotion of Teladoc counseling services, and to partner with Tri-Area staff to coordinate spring athletic physicals.
Following an incident that displaced students from Moore Hall, the Student Affairs team responded with remarkable speed and care, ensuring that more than 30 students were safely relocated within hours. Their thoughtful coordination maintained students’ access to essential resources and minimized disruption to daily routines. The professionalism, empathy, and teamwork demonstrated by these staff reflect the heart of Ferrum College, and we are profoundly grateful for their dedication and commitment to student well-being.
Campus Police maintained their strong focus on safety and readiness in October. The department successfully completed the annual Clery Report. K9 Erika also achieved recertification in bomb detection, ensuring continued readiness for campus events.
Looking ahead, the department is updating AEDs campus-wide, awaiting final approval for a camera grant to enhance surveillance capabilities, and launching a new Safety Committee schedule that includes tabletop exercises to strengthen emergency preparedness across campus.
The Physical Plant team–Facilities, Grounds and Housekeeping—demonstrated exceptional support throughout October, managing set-up and logistics for both Homecoming and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensured that these events ran smoothly and reflected the College’s pride and professionalism. The team also submitted documentation for freeze damage claims for reimbursement and continues campus-wide clean-up and maintenance following the season’s major events.
Regrettably, as many of you are aware, Moore Hall was recently damaged when water from the sprinkler system cascaded through the building. At this time, the College’s insurance adjusters and investigators are reviewing footage and conducting a comprehensive forensic investigation. Our highest priority has been the safety and well-being of our students.
The Physical Plant has been working diligently with outside vendors to mitigate the damage, dry the building, and prepare it so students can return safely. Realistically, with the end of the semester just around the corner, occupancy will be scheduled for the spring semester. We are very grateful for all faculty and staff who have shown compassion and grace to the students displaced and for the work of those involved in the response and mitigation teams.
Our Institutional Advancement team has once again demonstrated exceptional dedication and heart. Over the past weeks, they have managed, led, and staffed multiple major events, often concurrently held, each designed to welcome our alumni home and strengthen the ties that bind our Panther Family. Their ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on engagement speaks volumes about their professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to Ferrum College.
Highlights for Institutional Advance achievements include the following:
The work of our Institutional Advancement team has been nothing short of extraordinary. They went above and beyond to ensure that every alumnus felt valued, every event reflected our mission, and every moment reinforced the spirit of “Welcome Home.” I am deeply grateful for their tireless efforts, creativity, and grace under pressure–together, we continue to move Ferrum College forward.
The Marketing and Communications team continues to be the creative heartbeat of Ferrum College, capturing the spirit, pride, and momentum of our campus community. This fall, they managed an extraordinary scope of work, from milestone celebrations to key publications, all while balancing multiple priorities with professionalism and grace.
Their efforts brought Homecoming 2025 to life—celebrating the 100th anniversary of Schoolfield Hall, the 50th anniversary of the Jack Tale Players, and the 60th anniversary of our 1965 National Championship football team. Through videos, photography, social media, and event coverage, the team ensured that the stories and faces of Ferrum College were shared far and wide. Similarly, their work on the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival showcased Ferrum College’s proud heritage and strengthened our visibility across the region.
At the Campus Store, the team’s creative rebranding and merchandise strategy produced record-breaking sales—topping $10,000 in gross sales on Homecoming Day alone, while operating with half the usual student staffing. Their work is a testament to their innovation and resourcefulness.
The team also launched a new podcast for athletics, continued improving our website, and led major projects such as the 2025 Impact Report with support from our partner, AccessU, and the design of new admissions and fundraising viewbooks. Their 20 coordinated news releases this fall have shared the many ways Ferrum College is moving forward. We hope you have enjoyed these updates and found them informative on the remarkable progress across campus.
Amid their many responsibilities, the MarComm team continues to elevate Ferrum College’s story with creativity, quality, and heart. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and for the light they shine on the people, programs, and traditions that make Ferrum College so special.
October has been a month of pride, progress, and purpose for Ferrum College. From the spirit of our Division II Homecoming and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, to the record engagement of our alumni and students, to faculty and staff engagement with students, our community continues to live out our mission with energy and hope.
Thank you all for the vital roles you play in advancing Ferrum College and for carrying the spirit of Ferrum Rising forward together.
Onward and Upward, with gratitude and pride.
M3
