Dr. Braaten,

I just wanted to personally thank you and your entire staff for everything that was done yesterday by yourself and the entire staff of Ferrum College. I have also sent emails thanking the Franklin County Sheriff’s office and the Virginia State Police for their outstanding work.

Our son, Seth Thomas, is a full time commuter student at Ferrum. His first class was to begin at 8:00am yesterday morning. He arrived on campus around 7:45am and parked in the commuter lot. He gave me a call at work because he had noticed that while traveling on Route 40, he was being passed by a large number of State Police vehicles and while parked in the parking lot, he noticed that more law enforcement cars were continuing to pass by. While still waiting in his car, the campus siren went off. He was still on the telephone with me and I instructed him to leave campus immediately since he had not gotten out of his car at this time.

Although we knew our son was safe and off campus at this time, our concern for the safety of those remaining on campus in “lock down” was eased by the amount of law enforcement officials responding to the emergency, the communication from Ferrum concerning what was occurring and the way the entire incident was handled. We actually only signed up to receive text messages from Ferrum College yesterday around 8:30am and immediately started receiving information about what was happening and what procedures to follow.

I know that there had to be a lot of planning and preparation done to be able to handle this unfortunate incident so well. I am so very thankful that no one was injured during all of this and realize that law enforcement officers risk their lives each day for our safety, but on this day it hit very close to home. Praying that this type of thing never happens again, I as a parent give to you and to your faculty and staff my sincere thanks for everything that you all did yesterday to protect the students.

Parent of Student

Jennifer,
I appreciate everything you have done and continue to do to lead and inspire us. You make all the difference.

Ferrum Staff Member

Yours is the first e-mail address I came across through the website. My son is a student a Ferrum College. I want to take a minute to tell you how impressed I was with both your immediate response to a security and safety concern and with your ability to keep the students, parents and community informed. Please convey my appreciation and sincere thanks to the Ferrum faculty and staff.

Parent of Student

Jennifer,
I wanted to let you know that I and others here have had our colleagues at Ferrum on our minds since yesterday. If we can help, we stand ready.

An Educator

Jennifer:

Please know that we are keeping all of the Ferrum College family in our prayers this morning.

A Friend

Jennifer, I’ve been thinking about you today, and my respect for you just grows and grows. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

An Educator

Dear Dr. Braaten,
I thought you might like to see this forwarded note from a South African friend of mine (now living in Canada.) Her words are totally correct. You were indeed very impressive yesterday. I have had calls from California , New York and Colorado, and e-mails from such far flung places as Korea. Many of our former students and friends said the same thing about you. Thank you for dealing with the potential tragedy so perfectly and for representing Ferrum College so well.
With Great Respect and Thanks,
A Ferrum Faculty Member

Hi xxx,
Your president is impressive! I think of you and all of the Ferrum community.... yikes.... in such a beautiful, peaceful place .... be safe.
love
A Friend

My prayers are with you. Your image on CNN was "perfect" as an educator and as a person who is very human and professional.

A Friend

Dear Dr. Braaten,

On behalf of United Methodist across the Danville District (and Virginia), I want to congratulate the students, faculty, staff and YOU for the peaceful way that Tuesday's crisis on campus was resolved. As you know, we consider Ferrum to be "our school," too! Your calm but commanding and assuring presence at the news conferences stilled many an anxious parent's/spouse's anxieties as the day progressed. Thank you.

Please know that an untold number of prayers for the Ferrum family and you were (and continue to be) lifted on your behalf.

May God's richest blessings continue to shower upon you.

In Christ's Service,

A Friend

Dear Jennifer:

Walt and I are currently at our son's home in Bedford, so we have been able to follow closely yesterday's events at Ferrum. From the TV and newspaper accounts, I can tell you and your staff have done an excellent job of handling a veyr difficult situation, and I congratulate you. You can be assured that Ferrum College was in our prayers throughout the day, and I thank God that things have turned out well.

No answer is needed - you will have more than enough to do today!

Blessings,

A Friend

Dr. Braaten,
I wanted to take a moment to express to you how proud I am of the Ferrum College community for the actions taken in light of the incidence that took place on our campus today. I know that the events that unfolded today have taken a toll on the campus community, and yourself. The purpose of my writing this evening is to let you know that my wife, Julie (also a Ferrum Alum) are praying for the campus community, law enforcement, and you. In the hours, days, and weeks ahead, may God continue to bless, and guide you.

An Alumnus

Jennifer,

Congratulations, I think the whole matter was handled in an exemplary manner. It showed everyone that:
1. The Ferrum staff people are well trained and vigilant
2. reporting suspicious behavior will bring an immediate and measured response
3. Adequate resources are available in the area to handle any emergency on campus
4. All responders work together including local, state and Federal agents
5. Administrators, faculty and staff really do put the welfare of students first
6. Students were supported all the way through and not left to fend for themselves,
7. Ferrum has a plan and follows it to a completion, even if others might want to cut corners,
8. Press conferences came frequently and despite an occasional "harried" look, it was easy to see that everything was under control

I know many people had a hand in developing the plan that went so smoothly today and they should all be commended. It is fortunate that everything ended well, but, it has given everyone a chance to see that the campus leadership is ready in the event that another crisis should strike the College.

I expect that the video of the press conferences will be used as training materials for other colleges. You all conveyed that a plan was in operation, student safety was the main concern, and everything was under control.

Congratulations on a job well done.

A Ferrum Faculty Member

Dear Jennifer--

Just wanted you to know that you and everyone at Ferrum have been in my thoughts and prayers since yesterday. Know that it has been a difficult time. From this distant vantage point, I applaud and appreciate how the situation has been handled.

Warm regards,

An Educator