Ferrum, VA, October 23, 2024 — Ferrum College is pleased to announce this year’s three annual alumni awards: Rachel Wells ’16, Outstanding Young Alumni; Keith E. Fisher ’68, Distinguished Alumni; and Baxter F. Phillips, Jr. ’66, Beckham Medallion. The 2024 award recipients were recognized during Homecoming Weekend along with members of the Class of 1974, who were honored as this year’s Golden Panthers, and the 1974 NJCAA National Championship football team.
The alumni awards tradition began decades ago with recognition of several College founders and leaders from the 1920s. Recipients are nominated by alumni, faculty or staff, reviewed by the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors, and approved by the president. Mr. Glynn Loope ’86, Alumni Board of Directors president, presented the awards in Saturday’s ceremony on behalf of the College.
The Outstanding Young Alumni award is given to an alumna or alumnus who has graduated within the last 15 years and who has demonstrated outstanding promise and success in a professional career and has made a significant impact on cultural, civic or charitable groups, including the College. Rachel Wells ’16 was a student-athlete who earned titles such as Sophomore of the Year (2014) and the NCAA Sportsmanship Award (2013). She was recognized four times as an NCAA Academic All-Conference athlete for her achievements both on the tennis court and in the classroom, serving as the captain of the Women’s Tennis Team from 2014 to 2016. She earned a Masters of Business Administration degree at Clark University in 2023. Wells has worked at Public Consulting Group for six years, consulting primarily within the school systems in the state of Virginia. During her time at PCG, she has received national recognition for her work as a medicaid consultant. She also runs a wedding and floral business in Floyd, Virginia.
Ferrum College’s Distinguished Alumni Award is chosen after a rigorous review of a nominee’s lifelong impact and embodiment of the College motto “Not Self, But Others,” with consideration of a high standard of ethics, principles, social and societal impact, and career attainment, along with overall commitment to the ideals and ethos of Ferrum College. This year’s recipient is the Golden Panthers Chair, Keith Fisher ’68. Fisher played football at Ferrum for two years under legendary coaches Han Norton and Rick Tolley, before completing his college degree at Lynchburg College in 1971. His professional career is marked by his service of working for 20 years at the YMCA of Central Virginia and 10 years at the Bedford YMCA. Fisher also served 15 years as a Treatment Program Supervisor of Buckingham Correctional Center. Following his retirement, Fisher has been highly active in the College community, serving on Ferrum College’s Sports Hall of Fame Committee and chairing the Golden Panthers. In 2011, he was inducted into the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame.
Ferrum College’s highest tribute is the Benjamin M. Beckham Medallion, named for the College’s first president. Each year it is bestowed upon an alumnus or alumna whose life has consistently demonstrated the highest forms of achievement. Recipients are widely recognized for contributions to their chosen careers and civic leadership or church commitment, as well as a character that exemplifies the spirit of “Not Self, But Others.” Baxter Phillips, Jr. ’66 earned his B.S. in Management from Virginia Commonwealth University after graduating from Ferrum Junior College. In the banking industry for the first portion of his career, he worked for what is now known as Truist Bank, the American Security Bank, and the Virginia Retirement System. He then worked with A. T. Massey Coal, rising up the ranks to President and CEO of the company, and President and CEO of its parent organization Massey Energy Company. Phillips now devotes his time to mentoring students at Virginia Commonwealth University, striving to guide young minds towards success. He and his wife have also worked to create a new scholarship endowment program at Ferrum College.
