Ferrum, VA, February 13, 2026 — Ferrum College welcomed more than 350 students to the Spring Career & Internship Fair on Thursday, February 12, in Franklin Hall, marking an increase over last year’s student attendance. The strong turnout reflected growing student engagement and interest in internships, full-time employment, and professional networking opportunities.
More than 60 employers participated in the annual event, representing career pathways in criminal justice and public safety, healthcare and human services, education and youth development, business and finance, government, nonprofit service, and parks and recreation. Local, regional, state, and federal agencies joined private-sector businesses, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and community-based organizations to connect with Ferrum students.
The fair provided students with opportunities to build professional relationships, learn about career options in their fields of study, and explore internship and post-graduation employment pathways. Most of the employers also shared colorful swag and sweets on their tables for students to take away some treats.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the strong turnout at this year’s Spring Career & Internship Fair,” said Leslie Holden, director of Career Development at Ferrum College. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to network with potential employers, explore job and internship opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their professional goals. We sincerely appreciate the employers and students who participated and helped make the event so successful.”
Alumni Director Corretta Patterson ’97 said she was pleased to greet alumni from different decades of Ferrum College history who participated. Emma Loughrey ’23, for example, who had gained experience as a student intern at the College’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, said she enjoyed returning to Ferrum to recruit for the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Tim Pohlad-Thomas ’08, who works for PLAY Roanoke, showed off his new Ferrum College pin that Patterson gave him.
Associate Vice President of Student Success John DeVault thanked staff, athletic coaches, and faculty for making the fair “a resounding success.” He said, “The feedback from visiting businesses has been fantastic. Employers specifically highlighted the high caliber of our students and the welcoming culture of our campus.” Acknowledging the work of Holden and staff member Sophia Fonseca, he said, “Their meticulous planning and hard work were evident in every detail of the day. This event truly embodied our mission of ‘Not self, but others,’ keeping our student body at the heart of everything we do.”
President Mirta Martin praised both the students and the community partners for making the event a success. “Our Spring Career & Internship Fair is a powerful reflection of Ferrum College’s commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and professional success,” said Martin. “We are deeply grateful to the many employers who invested their time in our students, and we commend our students for showing up prepared, engaged, and ready to take the next step toward their futures.”
The event’s continued growth underscores Ferrum College’s focus on experiential learning, career readiness, and strong partnerships with employers throughout the region and beyond.
