Ferrum, VA, May 22, 2026 — Ferrum College President Mirta M. Martin has announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Grant as the College’s Provost. He has served as interim provost since January and his appointment also includes a position as Professor of Physics.
A native of Canada, Dr. Grant holds a B.Sc. degree in physics from University of Toronto. He also earned an M.S. in aerospace, physics, and space sciences from Florida Institute of Technology, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from Old Dominion University. He has worked as a research assistant and scientist, and taught physics at Roanoke College and several other institutions.
At Roanoke College Dr. Grant served in a variety of administrative roles as well as faculty member since 1996. They include, over the past decade, Associate Vice President for Student Success, Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Initiatives, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, and Director of Experiential Learning. A strong believer in the benefits of hands-on learning, he has managed a number of large grants for science facilities, research projects, and teacher training.
“I am honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Provost of Ferrum College,” said Dr. Grant. “Ferrum’s commitment to student-centered learning, meaningful mentorship, and preparing graduates to lead lives of purpose strongly resonates with my own values. I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, and students to strengthen academic excellence, expand opportunities for experiential learning, and advance initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. It is a privilege to join the Panther community, and I am excited for the work ahead.”
Dr. Grant’s past scholarship focused primarily on physics education and research on surface corrosion processes. In addition to contributing to a number of publications on teaching methods, he has worked extensively with developing instructional materials and physical science workshops for teachers in grades K-12, striving to make science education more fun, interactive, and effective for both teachers and students. At Roanoke College he received both the Dean’s Exemplary Teaching Award and the Dean’s Exemplary Service Award.
President Martin said, “We are profoundly grateful and excited to welcome Dr. Richard Grant to Ferrum College as our new Provost. Dr. Grant is a deeply respected scholar, visionary academic leader, and passionate advocate for student success whose career has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to helping students discover purpose and reach their fullest potential. His extraordinary experience spanning academic affairs, student success, experiential learning, strategic planning, and transformational campus initiatives makes him uniquely equipped to lead Academic Affairs into its next chapter of growth and distinction.”
The provost is Ferrum College’s chief academic officer, and Dr. Grant will oversee all operations of the programs of study, faculty, and academic services for students. Dr. Martin added, “Dr. Grant understands the heart of higher education—that our work is ultimately about transforming lives, opening doors of opportunity, and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the world. We are blessed and excited to welcome him to the Panther family.”
About the photographs:
Dr. Martin and Dr. Grant lead 2026 graduates to their commencement ceremony.
Dr. Grant at his first Ferrum College baccalaureate service in Vaughn Chapel.
Dr. Grant gets acquainted with the puppet collection of the Music and Theatre program at the spring Pet-a-Puppet activity.
