Ferrum, VA, March 12, 2026 — Ferrum College is proud to congratulate Major Isaac D. Slone ‘11, one of two recipients at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) of a 2025 Faculty and Staff Award from the Southern Conference. Slone has been commended for “over 13 years of dedicated service” in “key roles, including Echo Company TAC Officer, Head Coach of the Rock Climbing Team, and Director of both indoor and outdoor training facilities.”
A native of Roanoke, Slone was a varsity soccer player at Ferrum College and majored in Recreation Leadership. He also participated in Alpha Phi Omega service organization and Ferrum Outdoors. “The Recreation Leadership major gave me hands-on experience building programs from start to finish and leading people across diverse skill levels, preparing me to lead effectively in my professional career,” said Slone. He earned an M.B.A. at Salem University in West Virginia in 2016 and a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, Management and Operations from Harvard University in 2023.
Program Coordinator Dr. Dan Caston said, “Isaac stood out in the Recreation Leadership major for his ability to lead with purpose, collaborate effectively, and apply classroom learning to real-world recreation challenges—skills that have translated seamlessly into professional success and a meaningful life.” Slone served as a community engagement coordinator and assistant site director at Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Roanoke before he began work at VMI.
“These outstanding faculty and staff members exemplify the excellence and commitment that define the Southern Conference,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross in the award press release. “Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, leadership and service, their contributions to their institutions, and their positive impact on students and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and help make each SoCon campus a special and exceptional place.”
VMI recognized the value of Slone’s “broad experience” that strengthened his perspective on leadership. When he received the staff award, Slone said, “This recognition truly reflects the strength of the team I serve on here at VMI. Our focus is on supporting cadets who face unique academic, military, and athletic demands, and our successes are the result of shared commitment and hard work.”
A VMI social media post in 2021 describes in detail Slone’s “unique, challenging, and arguably fun role on post: overseeing VMI’s leadership, challenge, and obstacle courses. An avid rock climber, Slone had a career in backpacking and rock climbing before coming to post. His role is a perfect fit for him, combining his passions, degrees, and love of VMI.” Slone said in that post, “Being able to work with cadets and put them in extremely challenging situations, such as the high ropes course, and really see them stretch and grow, that is a huge payoff.”
Keydets Athletics honored Major Slone and Col. Jeffrey Smith as members of the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team for the 2025-26 academic year on January 17 at a VMI home basketball game against The Citadel.
Click here for information about the Recreation Leadership program at Ferrum College.
