BOARD HOLDS FALL MEETING,
REACHES CONSENSUS ON FARM MUSEUM MOVE

     At its regularly scheduled fall meeting on November 1, Ferrum College’s Board of Trustees conducted its ongoing business and reviewed select issues, including the proposed Land Use Plan.

     In the spring of 2002, tentative plans for the commercial development of a portion of the College’s 700+ acre land-holdings, specifically the Blue Ridge Institute’s Farm Museum site, were tabled until the College’s new president took office. Upon her appointment, Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten requested broad-based community and campus input regarding the proposal.

     In her report to the Board, Braaten stated that the Farm Museum site offered historical and academic value to the College. Further, she expressed the importance of preservation of a community landmark and offered concern that displacement of the farm would negatively impact the rich, bucolic, natural beauty of the campus.

     Upon a recommendation of its Executive Committee, the Board reached a consensus that the College would not proceed at this time with a commercial development endeavor on land currently occupied by the Farm Museum.

     Through the efforts of the Land Use Committee, the Board will continue to entertain opportunities related to the proposed golf course, residential community, medical center, assisted living community and other commercial development.

     Contrary to select media reports, at no time has the College considered closing the museum or discontinuing the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #