Ferrum, VA, January 26, 2026
Dear Panther Family,
It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our Chaplain, Pastor Michael Little.
During his time at Ferrum College, Pastor Little exemplified unwavering faith, integrity, and compassion. He touched the lives of our students, faculty, and staff through his steadfast guidance, gentle wisdom, and sincere care. He offered comfort in times of need, encouragement in moments of uncertainty, and spiritual counsel to all who sought it.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Little was a visible and uplifting presence across campus. He could be found at athletic events, campus revivals, Spring Fling, and countless other gatherings–always ready to lend a hand, offer a word of encouragement, or cheer on our students with enthusiasm. His dedication to being present for the life of the College made him deeply beloved and respected by all.
A memorial service to celebrate Pastor Little’s life will be held on campus. He will be laid to rest in his family’s plot in West Virginia. Additional details regarding arrangements will be shared as they become available.
Our Assistant Chaplain, Pastor Dave, will continue to lead Bible study classes and provide pastoral and spiritual support to our students and the Panther family. Once the College reopens, Sunday evening services will also continue, as offered during the fall semester.
Please keep Pastor Little’s family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his life in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With gratitude for his life, faith, and service, and grateful for all of you,
M3
Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D.
President
A memorial service, open to the community, will be held at Vaughn Chapel, Ferrum College, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1 p.m., with friends received afterward at the Stratton House on campus. The family sincerely appreciates the support and kind messages received during this difficult time.
Click here to read Pastor Little’s obituary.
Chaplain Michael Little came to Ferrum in August 2023 and after that he was likely to turn up at any place and time around campus–wherever a prayer and encouragement may be needed–from predawn athletic practices and field trip departures to opening night of a college play and, of course, Sunday worship services in addition to the formal ceremonies of the academic year. Having grown up in a West Virginia coal town before serving in a variety of ministries across the country, Pastor Little liked the small community and rural setting at Ferrum. Most of all he loved working closely with students and made building relationships the cornerstone of his ministry at the College.
As chaplain, Pastor Little led the Office of Spiritual Life, which provides a variety of opportunities for students to celebrate life and faith, and explore God’s intention for human living. To that end, Pastor Little’s efforts ranged from one-on-one counseling to involving students in national organizations. He established Ferrum chapters of both Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He led students in prayer walks and enjoyed seeing as many as 20 students gather in Franklin Hall’s Virginia Room for Bible rap sessions.
When he was interviewed by Institutional Advancement staff in October 2024, Pastor Little was asked about how he connects the journey to DII with the needs of everyone across the College to nurture body, mind and soul. He said that “everything on campus is impacted by spiritual life.” Athletes often attend Bible study as well as individual counseling sessions, and he believed that getting acquainted with coaches is also important.
Inspirational music is another hallmark of Ferrum College that Pastor Little supported. The Office of Spiritual Life organized a Gospel Explosion on campus in April 2024 with churches from California to West Virginia participating.
These are activities he valued most in his work at Ferrum–the “bonds you build with students knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.” President Mirta Martin praised his “passion to serve others and provide spiritual guidance,” adding that “Pastor Little is a relationship builder and an inspirational leader.” Pastor Little summed up his hopes for Ferrum with confidence that “Faith, hope, and love will be the three things that take us all to the next level. GO Panthers!”
While discussing student leaders early in the 2024-25 year, Pastor Little praised two returning students in particular, Ethan Coates ’25 and Joshua Austin. He watched both excel at getting other students involved in group chats and evening Bible study groups that they managed. Pastor Little believed he “can see how God has a plan for them already–spiritually so. They are leaders.” Connecting his work with students to the way his own family was oriented toward people and loved humanity, Pastor Little said, “I love my job.”
