Ferrum, VA, November 5, 2025 — Four Ferrum College student leaders attended the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from October 30 to November 1, accompanied by Associate Professor of Crop Science Tim Durham. At the convention, where they met with prospective students and alumni, chapter president Richard Marshall received an American FFA Degree—the highest award conferred by the organization.
Representing Ferrum’s Agriculture Club and Collegiate Young Farmers at one of the largest student conventions in the world were Richard Marshall, president; Abbie Pollard, vice president; Tobias Banus, secretary; and Maggie Collie, reporter. They helped manage the Ferrum College booth at the convention, reporting that they met and spoke to many enthusiastic prospective students.
When not working at the booth, Ferrum’s representatives explored the convention floor, connected with other attendees, and checked out many activities at the Indiana Convention Center, including workshops, competitions, demonstrations, rodeos, and entertainment. Hundreds of exhibitors represented agricultural fields, educational opportunities and practices, military service, and other service providers.
The organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America got its start as Future Farmers of Virginia at Virginia Tech in 1925. Today it has more than a million members, aged 12-21, in 9,407 chapters. While its current focus is broader than production agriculture, its educational mission states that “Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.”
At an awards ceremony on Saturday, junior Richard Marshall, from Mcgaheysville, Virginia, received an American FFA Degree, the culmination of his work with FFA through his secondary and postsecondary education. Collie wrote on November 1, “We had the incredible privilege of watching our chapter president, Richard, receive his American FFA Degree! [His] “hard work and dedication have truly paid off!”
According to the FFA website, “As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence.” The rigorous requirements include good academic records, community service, keeping detailed records of their supervised agricultural experience, earning and investing specific financial amounts, and staying involved at the state, chapter and community level.
Marshall noted that over 73,000 FFA advisors, students, and guests attended this year’s convention and it is an honor to reach this milestone because only one half of one percent of the membership received the American FFA Degree. “It has taken me roughly ten years to finally be able to achieve this award,” he said.
Associate Professor of Animal Science Nancy Brubaker said, “I am thankful that we get to help students attend the National FFA Convention each year, even though I cannot attend with them. It is important for students such as Richard Marshall this year and several students previously to have the encouragement and opportunity to complete their FFA degrees and stand proud, with the support of Ferrum College and their home chapters.”
According to Durham, “Richard exemplifies the agricultural ethic of selfless service and stewardship, all overlaid on his comprehensive pedigree in Environmental Science at Ferrum College.” This summer Marshall worked as a Water Quality Technician with the Ferrum College Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Project. Last spring he gave an Inquiring Minds presentation on “Plant Species of Italy” after studying abroad during the previous winter term. In July Marshall was one of two Ferrum College students who participated in a Discussion Meet when Ferrum hosted the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo.
“We are immensely proud of our Ferrum College students who showcased their leadership, talent, and dedication at the 98th National FFA Convention,” said Ferrum College President Mirta Martin. “Their achievements, including Richard Marshall earning the American FFA Degree, highlight the excellence, perseverance, and passion that define our students. From hands-on learning in our agricultural programs to representing Ferrum College on a national stage, they embody the spirit of service, growth, and innovation that make our College a place of opportunity and pride.”
Ferrum College is the only private college in Virginia to offer a four-year degree in agricultural sciences and teacher licensure in agricultural education. Click here for more information about the agricultural sciences programs.
Click here for more photos of Ferrum College representatives at the FFA Convention.
