Ferrum College News

March 2026 Update

Dear Panther Family,

As we move through the spring semester towards commencement, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience, dedication, and heart demonstrated across our campus. March has been a month of meaningful progress—academically, athletically, spiritually, and operationally. The strength of this community continues to shine through in the care we show one another and in our unwavering commitment to our students. For that, I am most grateful.

This month, we were honored to welcome the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Agriculture, The Honorable Katie Frazier, who spoke at the Agripalooza event. My sincere gratitude to Dr. Dane Fausnacht, Ms. Hailey Turner, and all who worked so thoughtfully to bring this meaningful event to Ferrum College. It was a powerful reflection of our commitment to agriculture, community, and experiential learning.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Emily Blankenship-Tucker, Rebecca Crocker, and Rachel Blankenship-Tucker for their outstanding leadership of The Music Man. I also sincerely thank all of the performers and everyone who contributed to making this production so memorable for our campus and community. Over four days of performances, they brought our campus and community together, with several shows nearly or completely sold out—showcasing the remarkable talent and spirit of Ferrum College.

I am equally proud to share that our May Commencement speaker will be Dr. Belle Wheelan, who served as President of SACSCOC for over 20 years and brings deep ties to the Commonwealth through her leadership as President Emerita of Northern Virginia Community College and as Secretary of Education under then-Governor Mark Warner. We are truly honored and excited to welcome her home to Ferrum College.

In an effort to streamline this update, I am pleased to share the following highlights in bullet format, reflecting key accomplishments and updates as provided by the members of our Senior Leadership Team. These points capture the important work taking place across the College and the collective efforts that continue to move Ferrum College forward.

Academic Affairs

Faculty continue to distinguish themselves through scholarship, innovation, and engagement:

• Dr. Allison Harl presented on the four-day workweek and faculty burnout.
• Drs. Eric Vanden Eykel, Dane Fausnacht, and Abigail Jamison presented on innovative uses of AI in General Education at CHEP.
• Campus welcomed guest speakers:
  • Author Aaron Fagan (Prof. Patrick Dacey)
  • Sports journalist Andy Bitter (Prof. Amy Loeffler)
• Dr. Vanden Eykel submitted a new manuscript: Avoiding Antisemitism: A Guide for Christians

Student success efforts remain strong and data-informed:

• 276 coaching appointments and 971 proactive outreach efforts
• 4,156 study hall hours this semester (20,465 annually)
• 193 peer tutoring sessions year-to-date
• Continued support for 143 STAR students
• Only 14 students remain in failing status following midterm interventions.

SAVE THE DATES

• Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference (April 3)
• Upcoming campus visit from author Kenneth Rosen (April 6–8)
• Continued collaboration on undergraduate research through AURA initiative
• April 15 and April 16 – Days of Service
• April 17 – Academic Awards Ceremony at 4 pm
• May 1 – Baccalaureate at 4 pm
• May 1 – Graduate Reception at Stratton House at 5 pm
• May 1 – Nurse Pinning at 6 pm
• May 2 – Commencement, Hart Plaza at 9 am

Athletics

Panther Athletics continues to excel both competitively and academically.

Team Highlights

• Wrestling: 14 qualifiers competing in NCWA National Championships
• Baseball: First conference sweep over Shorter University; in position for postseason
• Women’s Flag Football:
  • Ranked #13 nationally
  • 9–2 overall, 4–0 in Conference Carolinas
• Football: Secured 2027 FCS contract vs. North Carolina A&T (guarantee contest)

Honors & Recognition

• Coaches of the Year
  • Patrick Corrigan (Basketball)
  • Blake Roulo (Wrestling)
• National distinction: Ezekiel Keel (#1 wrestler in the nation)
• Multiple Players/Freshman of the Week, Academic and All-Conference recognitions

Student-Athlete Success

• Academic All-District honorees across men’s and women’s basketball
• Strong retention: 88.09% of student-athletes retained

Business Office

The Business Office achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the FY24–25 audit. I am so very grateful to Jessica Luther, Lola Cannaday and the Business Office team for exceptional work.

• Unmodified (“clean”) opinion
• No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies
• Auditors commended the professionalism and cooperation of the management team.

Financial performance remains strong.

• 91% of budgeted revenues collected (vs. 76% prior year)
• 68% of budgeted expenses utilized (vs. 63% prior year)

Student Accounts continues to work closely with students to establish payment plans and support continued enrollment.

Compliance (Registrar & Financial Aid)

• Strong operational progress and student-centered support:
  • Completed Summer/Fall 2026 schedules prior to advising and registration
  • Advanced 2026-27 catalog development and policy updates
  • Favorable VASAA supervisory audit completed
  • Focused outreach to students with incomplete financial aid files
• Key initiatives:
  • Yield season outreach (FAFSA completion and admissions alignment)
  • Continued improvements to systems, reporting, and workflow efficiency

Enrollment Management

Enrollment momentum continues through strategic and targeted efforts.

• Fall 2026
  • Total Applications: 1874
  • Up 84 (5%) from 2025
  • Up 158 (9%) from 2024
• Total Admits: 1605
  • Up 236 (17%) from 2025
  • Up 84 (5%) from 2024
• Total Active Deposits: 150
  • Up 18 (14%) from 2025
  • Up 30 (25%) from 2024

Strategic Initiatives

• Direct admit campaign (5,557 letters; 8,545 postcards)
• Launch of “Fast Track” one-day admissions model
• Enhanced digital engagement and segmented communications
• Collaboration with partners to strengthen recruitment pipeline

Institutional Advancement & Marketing

Philanthropic support and institutional visibility continue to grow.

• Total gifts received (FY26 YTD): 3,372 – 62% increase (compared to 2,085 gifts same time last year)
• Total gift amount (FY26 YTD): $1,703,150 – 5% increase (compared to $1,619,733 same time last year)
• Processed 154 gifts
• Received funding to endow three additional scholarships
• Four grant applications and one congressionally directed $1.58M
• Spending requests were submitted during March 2026 totaling a possible $1.58M

Marketing & Communications advanced strategic priorities:

• Recruitment Support
  • Integrated marketing campaigns supporting Enrollment Management
  • Admissions-focused video production and event promotion
  • Launch of Ferrum College TikTok and expanded digital outreach
  • Strengthened Admissions social media presence and recruiter support
• Institutional Impact
  • Increased promotion of student engagement opportunities to support retention
  • Targeted campus store campaigns contributing to revenue
  • Enhanced alumni visibility and engagement
  • Continued high-quality storytelling and brand management to elevate Ferrum College’s reputation

Operations

Operations teams continue to ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-functioning campus.

• Campus Police
  • Ordered replacement AEDs; CPR/AED certification underway
  • Exploring active shooter response training (CRASE)
• Human Resources
  • Expanded employee wellness and leadership development initiatives
  • Launched employee wellness survey
• Physical Plant
  • Preparing campus for spring events
  • Completed insurance recovery from winter damage
  • Days of Service scheduled for April 15-16
• Student Affairs
  • Housing selection launched March 16
  • Upcoming events: Senior Salute (April 8), Spring Fling (April 17)
  • Continued improvements in student health and administrative processes

Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life continues to provide meaningful care and engagement.

• Individual pastoral meetings supporting students through personal and academic challenges
• Active programming: Bible studies, FCA, Young Life, and Sunday worship
• Increased visibility of campus worship and engagement opportunities
• Strengthened partnerships with local churches and alumni
• Early development of new student-led initiatives, including a potential Catholic student organization

Looking Ahead

March has reminded us that Ferrum College is not defined by moments of ease, but by the strength of our community and the depth of our commitment to one another. Across every division, we see dedication, innovation, and a shared belief in the transformative power of this institution.

We are building something meaningful—grounded in care, driven by purpose, and sustained by the people who call Ferrum College home. Together, we will continue to rise, to serve, and to lead with intention and heart. We are #FerrumRising.

Onward and Upward, with gratitude,

M3