FERRUM, VA, March 26, 2026 — Janine Latus, author of the nonfiction book “If I Am Missing or Dead,” will return to Ferrum College on Monday, March 30, to lead a discussion about relationship abuse. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Panthers Den in Franklin Hall and is free and open to everyone.
A journalist, author, and advocate, Latus describes herself as a “fierce warrior against sexual assault and domestic violence.” She has spoken to audiences around the world, including organizations such as the U.S. Navy and Major League Baseball, sharing her personal story and educating communities about recognizing unhealthy and abusive relationship patterns.
“I cannot wait to return to Ferrum!” Latus said. “The students are invariably engaged and respectful, and ask probing questions that allow us as a community to delve more deeply into the whole spectrum of healthy and toxic relationship patterns. I know from past years that I’ll continue to receive questions long after I leave, which means they’re still thinking about my family’s story after I’m gone, and perhaps applying what they learned to their own relationships, and to those of their friends. I’m looking forward to a warm Ferrum welcome!”
In addition to being a widely sought-after speaker, Latus is also a writing teacher and her New York Times best-selling book, “If I Am Missing or Dead,” was published in 2007. She holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Professor of English Lana Whited reflected on Latus’ previous visits to campus, emphasizing the lasting impact of her message. “I have seldom heard the undergraduate students on our campus quieter than when Janine Latus was speaking to them,” Whited said. “At the end of my class, students filed out, shaking her hand and offering their thanks. She is generous with her time and talents and unwavering in her crusade to spare others what she and her sister Amy endured. Her message resonates long after she has gone.”
Ferrum College President Mirta Martin highlighted the importance of bringing speakers like Latus to campus. “At Ferrum College, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and informed community,” Martin said. “Janine Latus brings both compassion and clarity to a difficult but critically important topic. Her willingness to share her story helps empower our students to support one another and build stronger, healthier relationships.”
The event is sponsored by the Ferrum College chapter of Help Save the Next Girl, along with the Quality Enhancement Program and the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
Help Save the Next Girl is a national nonprofit organization formed in honor of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who was abducted and murdered in 2009. The organization works to educate young women about predatory danger, foster mutual respect among young people, and support victims’ families through advocacy, outreach, and legislative efforts.
Copies of Latus’ book will be available for purchase at the event, and a reception will follow the program.
For more information about Janine Latus and her work, visit janinelatus.com or watch her TED Talk on YouTube.
