Ferrum College

Monday Music Jam
2026-07-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-03 07:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door, or near the pavilion. When the weather allows, the jam moves from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby (or sometimes indoors in Grousbeck Hall) to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).
See the Facebook page Appalachian Music at Ferrum College for updates and more photos and video.

2026-27 Opening Welcome for Faculty and Staff
2026-08-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Garber Hall 106, 80 Wiley Drive, Ferrum, 24088, United States
All faculty and staff,
Please save Monday, August 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on your calendars for the fall semester Opening Welcome. We will plan to gather in Garber 106 to hear highlights and updates from the past year and summer. Afterwards, you are invited to lunch in the dining hall.
Kind regards,
Courtney Brown
Chief of Staff & Operations Officer,
Liaison to the Board of Trustees

Photograph of campus courtesy of Dr. Bob Pohlad

Student Check-in for Fall 2026
2026-08-07 09:00 - 2026-08-09 14:00 | Franklin Hall, 445 Ferrum Mountain Road, Ferrum, VA, 24088, United States
Fall 2026 Semester Student Arrival Information
FERRUM, VA — Ferrum College will welcome students for the Fall 2026 semester beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, with check-in and orientation activities held in Franklin Hall. Please review the important details below.
All students must check in before going to their residential hall.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7: NEW STUDENT CHECK-IN

New Resident Students (Last Names A–J): 9:00 – 11:00 AM
New Resident Students (Last Names K–Z): 12:00 – 2:00 PM
New Commuter Students: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9: RETURNING STUDENT CHECK-IN

Returning Resident Students (Last Names A–J): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Returning Resident Students (Last Names K–Z): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Returning Commuter Students: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

MONDAY, AUGUST 10: CLASSES BEGIN

HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?
Jill Adams
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Dean of Students
Franklin Hall Room 108
540-365-4541 or jadams@ferrum.edu

Book Launch for "Staying Alive in Bear Country" by Professor Emeritus Pete Crow
2026-08-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Phoebe Needles Center, 732 Turners Creek Rd., Callaway, VA, 24067, United States
Staying Alive in Bear Country is a novel based on original Old Joe Grady tales told over the years by Professor Emeritus of English Pete Crow. The book will be published July 30, one year after Dr. Crow’s death. He wrote the novel and Dr. Lana Whited helped finish it in preparation for publication, along with his family and publisher. His wife Beth Crow ’79 designed the book cover.
Published by Black Rose Writing.
A discount is available from the publisher for preorders of this book.
All are invited to a book launch at Phoebe Needles Center in Callaway.
August 8, 2026, 4-6 p.m.
Please bring an appetizer to share.
Another book launch will be held on August 9, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Church of the Nativity
8849 Ray Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27613
Website on Author Peter Crow and this book.
Note that these events are hosted by the Crow family and, in Callaway, the Phoebe Needles Center. Ferrum College is helping to publicize the book launch for a beloved professor emeritus who began telling these stories during his many years in Ferrum.

“Staying Alive in Bear Country is the magnum opus of Pete Crow’s heart, his lifelong project, and a synthesis of many of his life’s passions and experiences.”
Dr. Lana Whited
Click here for more on Pete Crow’s career.
Ferrum College news release on this book.

Opening Convocation for Students, Faculty and Staff
2026-08-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Swartz Gym, 435 Ferrum Mountain Road, Ferrum, VA, 24088, United States
The opening convocation on the first day of classes brings together students, faculty, and staff to kick off the 2026-27 academic year at Ferrum College.
Hear greetings from student, administrative, and athletic leaders in Swartz Gym and join in a lighting ceremony before enjoying a Ferrum Family Dinner in the Franklin Hall dining hall.

Ferrum College Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts & Crafts Show
2026-10-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
Join us at the longest-running folklife festival in western Virginia! Since 1973, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has presented authentic regional folk music, craftspeople, draft horse and dog handlers, car builders, tractor restorers, country cooks, moonshine tale tellers, and much more!
Always the fourth Saturday in October, this legendary festival is coordinated by the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum (BRIM), the official State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore and a major venue on The Crooked Road Music Trail.
Celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Blue Ridge region, this year’s festival will offer a full day of live entertainment, traditional demonstrations, handcrafted arts, and family-friendly activities, while introducing new artisans, interactive experiences, and expanded attractions. In a new arts and crafts show, more than 100 artisans will offer handmade jewelry, folk art, woodworking, pottery, textiles, and other unique creations.
Guests can also enjoy moonshine tastings with Five Mile Mountain Distillery and relax in the beer and wine garden. Traditional foods such as country ham biscuits and fried apple pies are always popular at the festival.
For Ferrum College alumni, this year’s festival will include an alumni breakfast and a lounge area inside Franklin Hall off the patio, instead of a tent outside. The Office of Alumni and Family Relations will provide details in upcoming publicity and the college website Alumni pages.

Homecoming Weekend 2026
2026-10-30 - 2026-11-01 | Ferrum College
Save the date for Homecoming 2026 at Ferrum College, happening Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1! Join us for a lively weekend of connection, celebration, and Panther pride. Festivities will include class reunions—highlighted by the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976 and their induction into the Golden Panthers, and the 60th reunion of the 1966 Ferrum Junior College Football Team and cheerleaders—along with athletic events, the traditional homecoming football game, tailgating, social gatherings, and plenty of chances to reconnect with friends old and new. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be back on campus—we can’t wait to welcome you home.
Check for details, registration, and updates at this link.

2025 photo by Dr. Bob Pohlad

Class of 1976 Golden Panthers Reunion
2026-10-30 16:30 - 21:00 | Franklin Hall, 445 Ferrum Mountain Road, Ferrum, VA, 24088, United States
Save the date for Homecoming 2026 at Ferrum College, happening Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1! Join us for a lively weekend of connection, celebration, and Panther pride. Festivities will include class reunions—highlighted by the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976 and their induction into the Golden Panthers, and the 60th reunion of the 1966 Ferrum Junior College Football Team and cheerleaders—along with athletic events, the traditional homecoming football game, tailgating, social gatherings, and plenty of chances to reconnect with friends old and new. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be back on campus—we can’t wait to welcome you home. More details coming soon!
Class of 1976, your reunion is part of the following event:
Friday, October 30 – All Graduating Classes – Ferrum Alumni Gathering.
We will recognize the following during this event: All Golden Panthers,
Class of 1976 50th Reunion and Golden Panthers Induction.
Also included: 1966 FJC Football Team, Mascot, and Cheerleaders (National Runner Ups – 60th Reunion).
Check in and reception for this event at 4:30 p.m., Friday
Dinner and presentation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Optional dancing until 9:00 p.m.
See separate registration for theatre option starting at 7:30 p.m.
Special events for the reunion class also include Saturday – Class of 1976 Tailgating in the field behind W. B. Adams Stadium, 1:00 p.m. – a potluck event.
Click here for registration.
Golden Panther Chairs:
Martha Arnold Phillips 1976
Chip Phillips 1977
Click here for Homecoming Weekend details.
Contact the Office of Alumni at alumni@ferrum.edu or 540.365.4216 if you want to know more about upcoming events, becoming a member of the Steering Committee, hosting an event, etc.
