As we close out the first month of classes, we celebrate a season of new beginnings and historic milestones for Ferrum College.
This first month has been marked by welcome ceremonies, convocations, student engagement activities, and the joy of seeing smiling faces across campus. We’ve heard the laughter of our students echoing in our halls and gathering spaces, seen the dining hall filled to capacity, and witnessed classrooms buzzing with eager minds. These sights and sounds remind us daily of why we do what we do: because the heart of Ferrum College is our students. To all of you who made this first month so very special for everyone – THANK YOU!
Saturday, our Panthers made history as they stepped onto the field for our very first NCAA Division II football game. They did not walk out simply as Panthers; they represented #FerrumRising: a movement of pride, excellence, and excitement that is sweeping across our campus and community.
We are also making history in the classroom and across campus life. This fall, we welcomed the largest incoming class since 2018 – a remarkable group defined by both its strength and its diversity. Our newest Panthers come from coast to coast and across the globe: from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, and Florida, to name a few – to England, Uganda, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil. Their presence enriches our community and underscores Ferrum College’s growing reach and reputation.
As we continue this momentum, our Senior Leadership Team is actively exploring bold initiatives to continue to differentiate Ferrum College and ensure that we remain the destination of choice as we begin our 2026 recruitment season. We ask each of you to join in this important work. Please continue to speak proudly about Ferrum College and, whenever possible, refer prospective students to our Admissions Team.
Should you have questions, know someone interested in visiting, or would like to visit a nearby high school to share your passion and inspire students in your discipline, please reach out to Admissions – they would be delighted to assist and appreciative of your efforts. In the meantime, I am attaching a reminder of some of Ferrum College’s distinctive qualities that you may find helpful to highlight in your messaging. Your engagement can make a meaningful difference in helping students see Ferrum College as the place to pursue their education and passions.
Recruitment is only the beginning. Retention is our calling. Our faculty play the primary and distinctive role in this mission – nurturing, challenging, and inspiring students to grow and excel academically and in their personal development. Thank you for the passion and dedication you bring to this mission. Coaches and staff, too, are critical to ensuring that our students – both this large, gifted incoming class and our outstanding returners – are supported, guided, and encouraged every step of the way. Together, we are all here to transform their lives so they can go out and transform the world.
This momentum is also reflected in our fundraising. Support for Ferrum College has been extraordinary, with FY2026 giving off to a powerful start. In July alone, giving was 383% higher than in July of 2024. Thus far, August is tracking 13% higher, and overall, year-to-date giving is already 56% higher than the same time last year. This generosity is a clear affirmation that others believe in and are investing in our roadmap to success.
We also continue to work closely with our external auditors to complete our yearly audit. Thanks to collaborative, campus-wide efforts, it appears that our deficit will be further reduced this year by 44% – building on last year’s 46% reduction. Step by step, we are moving toward our goal of a balanced budget, creating a foundation of strength that will allow us to continue attracting dedicated faculty, staff, and students.
Right now, we are also in the midst of our Athletic Fundraiser – a spirited opportunity to directly support our Panthers. Where possible, please consider joining in and spreading the word to help strengthen the foundation of excellence we are building in Panther athletics: https://app.launchfundraising.com/launchathonFundraiserHome/fundraiser/FE4Z6M
Every gift makes a difference. We are off to a good start; we need everyone’s support to help get us across the goal.
Finally, we are excited to share that Ferrum College will be featured on television! Our VPM spot will air 60 times throughout September and October – so be on the lookout for it!
You can also view the spot here: https://vpm.files.com/f/c93178d2684f6a67.
This wonderful opportunity was made possible by the generosity of a donor who believes in our mission and was eager to help us share Ferrum College’s story with a wider audience.
This is our time. This is our moment. This is FerrumRising – a movement defined by the excellence of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, the passion of our alumni and friends, and the vision of a College boldly stepping into its future.
Together, we rise. Together, we make history. Together, we are Ferrum College. Together, we are #FerrumRising.
