Ferrum College will honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, November 11, at 11:30 a.m. in Vaughn Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
The ceremony will feature remarks by Lt. Col. David Taylor, United States Air Force (Ret.). He brings to Ferrum more than four decades of experience in military service, national defense, executive leadership, education, and Christian ministry. Taylor was appointed Chaplain of Ferrum College in 2026 and serves as pastor of Maple Grove Church in Ferrum.
Members of Ferrum College’s Orchestra Appalachia will perform musical selections during the ceremony. The program will also recognize veterans and active-duty service members from across the College community in appreciation of their service and sacrifice.
A native of Chester, Virginia, Pastor Taylor graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1981 with bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He later earned a master’s degree in operations research from North Carolina State University. His military career included assignments supporting strategic missile-warning systems, military space operations, and senior-level defense planning. He completed 22 years of service in the Air Force, spanning active-duty and Air Force Reserve assignments.
Taylor’s military decorations include three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, and six Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards. Beyond his military service, Taylor has held executive roles in the defense industry; founded Next Summit Advisors, a veteran-owned leadership coaching and consulting firm; and taught mathematics, science, and leadership at colleges and universities for more than 40 years. He is also an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach.
Since Veterans Day is on Wednesday this year, this event is also listed as the Inquiring Minds program for this week. Inquiring Minds offers free presentations and activities on various interesting topics for the entire community. Stanley Library at Ferrum College presents the series on most Wednesdays during the academic year, in the campus’s community hour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
