FERRUM, VA, February 23, 2024 – Ferrum College, Virginia’s Opportunity College nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, proudly announces a transformative shift in its academic structure for Fall 2024. In a strategic move to better align with the evolving needs of industry and the aspirations of today’s students, Ferrum College is proud to unveil the expansion of its academic framework from three schools to six distinct and dynamic schools, each offering specialized programs tailored to cultivate the talents and aspirations of a diverse student body.
Dr. Mirta Martin, President of Ferrum College, expressed her enthusiasm for the institution’s expansion of the academic framework, stating, “Our decision to restructure our academic framework underscores our dedication to providing students with a dynamic and forward-thinking education that prepares them for success in an increasingly complex world. By embracing innovation and embracing change, Ferrum College is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve.”
“This bold initiative marks a pivotal moment in the history of Ferrum College, reflecting our unwavering commitment to providing a world-class education that empowers individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. The restructuring not only amplifies our academic offerings, but also enhances the depth and breadth of educational opportunities available to our students,” Martin said.
At the forefront of this transformation is the establishment of the School of Arts and Humanities, a vibrant hub of creativity and intellectual exploration. Here, students will embark on a journey of self-discovery, honing their talents and cultivating a deep appreciation for the beauty and richness of thought cultures across the globe and all forms of human expression, including but not limited to the performing and visual arts as well as religious and international studies.
In recognition of the ever-expanding role of technology in our society, Ferrum College introduces the School of Business and Technology. A testament to Ferrum College’s enduring legacy of nurturing future leaders and innovators, this school will continue to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as journalists, entrepreneurs, and social change agents. Students will engage in immersive learning experiences that blend cutting-edge technology with timeless business principles, preparing them to thrive in the rapidly evolving global marketplace.
In response to the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, Ferrum College proudly introduces the School of Nursing and Allied Health. With a focus on hands-on training, this school will serve as a beacon of hope, producing the next generation of compassionate caregivers and healthcare leaders. Within the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the nursing program accepts students as freshman in order to onramp them quickly into the profession. To date, two classes of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students have joined the many Ferrum graduates who have gone on to become compassionate pharmacists, physician assistants (PAs) and other allied health professionals. The new School will offer an enriched learning community focused on the next generation of health care professionals our communities so desperately need.
The School of Sciences and Agriculture pays homage to Ferrum College’s rich heritage as a pioneer in environmental science and agricultural studies. Leveraging the resources of an on-campus working farm, as early as their first semester at Ferrum College, students engage in hands-on, experiential learning exploring the intricate connections between humans, nature, and sustainable agriculture, preparing them to tackle pressing environmental challenges facing our world.
With a tradition of excellence spanning generations, the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences will continue to offer students the opportunity to delve into the complexities of human behavior and learning, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in classrooms and communities alike. Most Ferrum graduates from the programs within the school remain in the region providing essential services in school systems, law enforcement, as well as social and mental health services; they teach, care, and address the needs of their communities while inspiring the next generation to dream big and continue their learning and training so they can make a difference as well.
Last but not least, the School of Graduate and Online Studies reaffirms Ferrum College’s commitment to lifelong learning and accessibility. With an array of flexible programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, Ferrum College empowers individuals to pursue their academic and career goals on their own terms while enjoying a community of learning and one-on-one academic advising from esteemed program directors in Education, Athletic Coaching, and Psychology.
“I am thankful for the leadership of our board of trustees, our executive leadership team, and the creativity and forward-thinking skills of our faculty. They continue to leverage Ferrum College’s ability to be nimble and passionately pursue the necessary changes to strengthen our capacity to deliver unparalleled educational experiences. It is because of their relentless pursuit of excellence that Ferrum College continues to meet the ever changing needs of students and industry. At Ferrum College, we prepare students to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society by providing a superb education in a unique and beautiful learning community.”
“As Ferrum College embarks on this exciting new chapter, we invite students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to join us in celebrating this historic milestone. Together, we will continue to inspire excellence, foster innovation, and shape the leaders of tomorrow,” said Martin.
On Monday, September 13, 2021, the U.S. News & World Report released the 2022 Best Colleges Rankings. Ferrum College was ranked number eight in the category of Undergraduate Teaching – Regional Colleges South.
The number eight ranking was bestowed upon Ferrum College after top college administrators completed a survey in spring and summer 2021, which ranked institutions across the nation according to a set of performance measures indicating excellence. Ferrum’s counterparts that ranked in the Undergraduate Teaching category received the most votes from the college administrators for focusing particularly on undergraduate teaching.
Read more about the Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs here.
8/19/2021
Dr. Ed Hally
Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration Ed Hally has been appointed to the position of Boone Honors Program (BHP) assistant director. He will serve alongside Professor of English Lana Whited, who has directed the program for the past 13 years.
“With a keen intellect and a heart for service, Ed Hally is an ideal candidate for honors education,” said Whited. “I am delighted about his appointment and grateful for his willingness to take on this new role.”
“I have a soft spot for honors programs, in general,” said Hally. “They were an important part of my own college career and development as a scholar.”
The BHP, an interdisciplinary program committed to challenging students, and the college campus as a whole, to strive for excellence, has continued to grow since its 2001 inception under the leadership of now-retired Dean of Arts and Humanities and Religion Professor David Howell. In May 2021, the program graduated 14 honors medallion recipients, its largest-ever group. This fall, BHP will welcome its largest entering class of 25 honors students. (An SAT score of at least 1200 and a GPA of at least 3.5 are required to join BHP as a Ferrum College freshman.)
Hally has worked closely with BHP for more than a decade, and has taught the introductory honors seminar (Honors 100) eight times. His role as BHP assistant director will evolve over time as the program’s needs are determined, but will mostly involve program assessment, mentorship, service on the BHP steering committee, and continuing to teach the Honors 100 seminar.
In 2020, Hally began directing the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which seeks to engage the student body in ways that will lead to even more student success. He will continue directing the QEP as he navigates his new role as BHP assistant director.
“The students are the main reason to work so closely with the BHP,” said Hally. “The classes are always rewarding to teach because the students always surprise and impress me with their creativity, their talent, and their ability to work as a team.”
Read more about the Boone Honors Program.
8/6/2021
I hope you are as excited as I am for a new year of connection, growth, and community. There are great opportunities for us in the months ahead, and I am eager to get underway.
As we navigate through this pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we work together to follow the guidelines I am sharing with you today. Many of these guidelines are familiar to us by now, and exercising them together with civility and grace will benefit us all as we continue to live with our new normal.
We are stronger together.
We are ready to welcome the entire Ferrum College family back to campus for the 2021-22 academic year — students, faculty, and staff. We’ll have some challenges along with our opportunities, to be sure, but as we have seen time and again, when we work together as one, we triumph as one.
Last year, our hard work and determination paid off. Together, we kept each other safe and healthy, and we upheld our motto: not self, but others. I am proud of how well we did last year, and while the world is making progress, we are not wholly through this pandemic. I wish we were, but we are not. Thus, we will need to continue caring for each other, so we can continue spending time together.
EFFECTIVE MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021
Vaccines
At this time, Ferrum College strongly encourages all members of our campus community to get vaccinated. We will host a vaccination clinic on campus soon, and urge all students, faculty, and staff (who are able) to get vaccinated. You can also find a vaccination location near you here. Vaccinations are available at no cost to you and they are our best defense in stopping the spread of this virus and getting back to normal.
Testing
If you aren’t feeling well, get tested for COVID-19 at a pharmacy or health care provider’s office. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please refrain from participating in campus activities and get tested. Find a testing location near you here. In the future, additional testing may be required.
Face Coverings
As COVID-19 variants are now impacting both vaccinated and unvaccinated people: all students, employees, and visitors must wear face coverings while indoors at this time – regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings are strongly recommended outdoors when social distancing is not feasible or realistic.
We will communicate adjustments regarding face coverings if they change; we are hopeful vaccinated students and employees will not need to wear face coverings in the near future.
Self-Monitoring
Continue to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. If you notice symptoms, find a testing site near you right away and get tested. Students contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement. Employees contact Human Resources.
Classes and Campus Life
Most classes at Ferrum have returned to in-person instruction with some protocols from our previous semesters remaining in effect for the Fall. Some classes will be offered online or in a hybrid format. Reasonable accommodations will be available for those who cannot attend in-person due to quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Key protocols: Face coverings while indoors and continued practice of social distancing. Face coverings are strongly recommended outdoors when social distancing is not feasible or realistic.
The Dining Hall will be open for indoor dining and takeout options will be available. Dining Services employees and diners will need to follow College protocols regarding face coverings when not eating or drinking.
Events, Visitors, and Athletics
Everyone will be required to wear face coverings during indoor events. For outdoor events where social distancing is not possible, face coverings will be strongly encouraged.
Ferrum College welcomes prospective students and their families, alumni, friends of the college, and vendors to campus. Face coverings are mandatory for all visitors while indoors and are strongly recommended outdoors if social distancing is not possible.
All Ferrum Athletics teams will be competing as scheduled, and student-athletes and athletic staff will follow conference guidance. Currently, spectators are permitted to attend games and must follow Ferrum College’s visitor protocols.
Continued Monitoring
Ferrum College will continue to monitor and adjust protocols based on campus and regional COVID-19 activity, as well as recommendations from the CDC, local department of health, and the Governor’s Office.
I want to thank you all in advance for your help with these guidelines.
We all want to return to normal as quickly as possible, and we are nearly there — in person classes, athletics, campus events and activities; it is awesome to be back together! Let’s work together to squash this virus and maintain a campus environment that is safe and healthy for the entire Panther family. I strongly encourage all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated to help us avoid additional restrictions. We are always stronger together, and I am looking forward to a dynamic and rewarding academic year.
Sincerely,
David L. Johns, Ph.D.
President
Learn more about Ferrum College’s plans for fall semester 2021 by visiting www.ferrum.edu/stronger-together.
7/8/2021
While the College is not requiring students, faculty, or staff to receive the vaccination at this time, President David Johns said that the institution is strongly encouraging it. Ferrum has joined the White House COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge which seeks to vaccinate as many young adults as possible prior to them returning to campus for fall classes. This means that Ferrum has committed to taking the following action against the virus: engaging every student, faculty, and staff member by providing resources to get vaccinated; organizing its college community by implementing a vaccination plan; and delivering vaccine access for all.
“We will definitely host at least one flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus, ideally in early September, where students, faculty, staff, and the community can get either or both vaccinations,” explained Dean of Student Life and Pandemic Coordinator Nicole Lenez. “Or if it is easier for a community member to get vaccinated elsewhere, we’ll help them find a clinic. All they need to do is reach out to our Student Life office by calling (540) 365-4461 or emailing studentlife@ferrum.edu.”
More information about upcoming vaccination clinics will be available in the near future.
Additionally, the College is preparing for fall courses to begin on August 23. The semester will offer 14-week courses as well as two seven-week sessions, with all courses ending on November 23 prior to the Thanksgiving holiday break. The majority of courses will be delivered in the classroom (face-to-face) or through a hybrid method (50 percent virtual, 50 percent in-person). Ferrum faculty have completed an intensive online teaching certification to provide high-quality instruction both in the classroom and online.
On campus, physical distancing will be encouraged and sanitizing protocols will be maintained, including twice-daily disinfection of high-touch areas like light switches, bathrooms, and door handles. The College will not require masks indoors for individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Likewise, masks will not be mandated for anyone attending outdoor events unless three feet of distance cannot be maintained.
Athletics will return to normal competition this fall, with Panther football taking on Averett University on Ferrum’s campus on September 4 at 6 p.m. For more updates, check the official Ferrum College athletic website.
“The pandemic’s most pernicious work has been to separate us, keeping us from many of the things and people we enjoy,” wrote Johns in a campus-wide email. “What we learned so well over this past year will help us as we prepare for the year ahead: we are always stronger together.”
View Ferrum College’s plan for the 2021-22 academic year, and sign up to receive news and updates, on the Stronger Together website.
Learn more about the White House COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge by visiting here.
7/7/2021
The following article was written by Director of Academic Outreach and Athletics Initiatives Tom Steele, who also directs the Ferrum Foundations program.
A group of Ferrum Foundations students.
Having a strong academic foundation is a cornerstone of success in college. The Ferrum Foundations program provides academic strategies that will ensure success at Ferrum College and beyond. Many first-year students come to college without the mindset and skill set required to transition from high school academics to the demands of the college-level classroom. Foundations helps bridge this academic gap. During the program, students learn academic strategies from successful upperclassmen, Ferrum professors, and staff members. The goal of Foundations is to make the transition to college life and academics less daunting.
Ferrum Foundations is a two-day experience. This year, students will arrive on August 16, 2021 to begin the program, which will take place August 17 and 18. Students will learn about developing relationships with professors and advisors, where to find academic success resources on campus, and how to employ strategies to reach their scholarly potential. The program is fast-paced, filled with useful information, and offers fun evening opportunities to round out the experience.
Rising senior Chelsea Zizzi ’22 participated in Foundations as a freshman and served as a peer mentor as a sophomore at Ferrum College. Chelsea shared, “I met some of my best friends through the Foundations program, who have been able to help me in both the academic world and the social world.” Making connections and developing success strategies are the focus of this two-day head start on success.
To learn more and to register for Ferrum Foundations, visit this webpage, which includes information about the program and an online application. For additional information, contact Tom Steele at tsteele@ferrum.edu.
5/24/2021
EPD 202 students sit on the steps they built leading to the Dr. Carolyn Thomas memorial bench during the three week May 2021 E-Term. Dr. Bob Pohlad photo.
During a three-week Environmental Planning and Development (EPD-202) Experiential Term (E-Term), led by Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck and Professor Emeritus of Biology and Horticulture Bob Pohlad, seventeen Ferrum College students built, repaired, and beautified three sites on campus. In the process, they donated almost $5,600 in labor to the College, and one recent graduate even landed a job thanks to his involvement.
Alumnus Stephen Murphy completed the EPD-202 E-Term just days after earning his Bachelor of Science in environmental science this May 2021. He was then offered a job as a maintenance technician with Bedford Regional Water Authority. “My work with the E-Term and my previous job experience were key contributors for me to get the job,” Murphy explained. “During the interview, I was able to point to many examples of working with my group, and the collaboration between all of the E-Term groups. BRWA was impressed with my experience and that Ferrum has such a hands-on program.”
“This class was an excellent opportunity for our students to participate in experiential learning at its best,” said Heck. “They were able to learn about concepts of sustainability, engage in the work of repairing, building, and creating garden and riparian spaces, and develop a sense of pride in their efforts, their project, and the campus.”
For the first four days of the E-Term, the students assessed the sites: the memorial bench honoring Pohlad’s wife, the late Professor Emerita of Biology and Environmental Science Carolyn Thomas, and the riparian buffer zone and garden, all at Adams Lake; the conifer garden and the Jess Goode memorial garden, both in the campus community arboretum area; and the pond and stream feature, and wedding gazebo and garden, also in the arboretum area. Students thought about lighting and electricity aspects, hardscapes, soil types, and plant design.
The rest of the E-Term was spent in approximately 200 hours of field work. After the work was complete, the students presented to the community their processes, before and after photos, maintenance plans, next steps, and donation opportunities on Friday, May 21, 2021 in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room. A tour of the sites followed.
“After all these years of teaching, it still amazes me how well the students respond to the opportunities of experiential learning,” said Pohlad. “I saw the same enthusiasm and pride in their work this year as I saw over the last twenty. By doing these types of projects, each student leaves a legacy for future students to learn from and a place to honor the memories of those who have been an important part of our Ferrum community family. Their efforts and comments on work around Carolyn’s bench were especially touching to me.”
“This E-Term was lots of fun, lots of hard work, sweat and tears, but overall it was rewarding. We took a project that had been going on for over twenty years, worked on by many Ferrum students, faculty, and staff, and now we get to add our names to that legacy,” said rising senior Lauren Ries. “We walked into E-Term not knowing much about the projects but we walked away knowing more about landscaping, hard work, and ourselves. And we have tons of good memories. Hard work does pay off!”
“The students discovered and recovered hidden treasures, while creating their own,” said Heck. “They built memories, skills and connections that will last a lifetime.”
See photos from the EPD 202 E-Term here.
Learn more about Ferrum College E-Terms here.
Read the Roanoke Times’ coverage of the students’ presentation on May 21.
5/12/2021
“It was such a joy and honor to be able to call the names and watch our first graduate students be hooded on stage at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Dean of the School of Online Graduate and Education Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science Sandra Via ’04. “I am so proud of these students for their hard work and dedication in these graduate programs and to Ferrum.”
The Master of Science in psychology and the Education Specialist Degree (EdS) in Teacher Leadership and Coaching programs are completely online and offer graduate students the chance to complete the curriculum in just one year. Each program prepares students for career advancement or to enter a doctoral program.
Leya Deickman, who received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ferrum in 2019, is a proud member of the first graduate degree class. True to its promise, the program took Deickman a year to earn a Master of Science in psychology. Because of her organized and energetic nature, she was also able to work full-time at the College as an area coordinator for the Office of Student Life and Engagement, compete for the women’s wrestling team, and remain a dedicated mother to her young son Kendall.
“Being a full-time graduate student, staff member, student-athlete, and still managing my home life was extremely demanding,” said Deickman. “There were many days where Kendall would have to come to practice and there were days where I went to my office an hour early to just get some quiet time to do homework. But the beauty in online courses is that you can shape your schedule however you would like. Having the freedom to do that enabled me to be all those different things at once.”
Deickman enjoyed the curriculum of Ferrum’s graduate program. “I have been in other online programs before and they were very much regurgitation of information. While I still learned things, I was not as excited to learn. Ferrum’s program has been the opposite. I am always challenged and learning new things. The structure of each class is unique but is clearly laid out from the first day of class. I am learning about my own interest while being able to learn about psychology branches and research,” she said.
Ferrum College’s Senior Enrollment Officer Eric Grundman agrees with Deickman’s assessment. While working full-time for the College, Grundman enrolled last summer as a full-time graduate student, and also earned a Master of Science in psychology two weeks ago.
“Speaking from the perspective of the senior enrollment officer at Ferrum College, being a member of the first cohort and graduating class in Ferrum College history with an M.S. in psychology has been an incredibly positive experience,” said Grundman. “The past year has been truly enriching and fulfilling in every way. I’ve been able to gain knowledge as well as expand my professional network while working together with classmates who will be friends for a lifetime.
Grundman will always feel grateful for his graduate school experience at Ferrum. “The faculty and staff have worked with me and my fellow classmates to guide us through this intensive online program with a level of compassion and a personal touch that might not otherwise be offered at larger institutions,” he said. “One of the greatest honors of my life is that I am able to say I am now a proud Ferrum College alumnus.”
Learn more about Ferrum College’s online graduate degree programs here.
5/12/2021
A few of the virtual ENG 461: Professional Writing students were able to pose for a photo. From left to right: Chelsea Zizzi, Ashley Dalton, Dr. Allison Harl, Bella Bettilyon, and Shela Muriel.
Last semester, ENG 461: Professional Writing students collaborated with the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (SVCAC) to write two professional reports, which could be used to acquire and retain grant funding for the non-profit agency.
“Collaborations like these benefit both the College and local non-profit organizations in a win, win relationship,” said Associate Professor of English Allison Harl, who led the professional writing course which was held virtually during the spring semester.
One group of students surveyed local constituents’ perception of the SVCAC’s ability to meet the community’s needs in four categories: diversity (defined in the study as “the mixture of people within the community and offices), equity (“being impartial to all who are involved”), inclusion (“equality of obtaining services and practices that are needed”), and justice (“fairness within the programs for all communities”).
After several weeks of research and the completion of the surveys, the first group found that SVCAC demonstrates strong diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The only recommendation the students made was that the agency find out more about those beyond the Hispanic population that speak English as a second language.
“Of course it’s not an easy thing to write about child abuse and the process alongside it, but this research has made me feel better about these situations because overall it was a good outcome with the SVCAC and their standing with the community,” said Ferrum junior Chelsea Zizzi ’22.
The other group collected data involving the social implications, particularly on children, of two casinos being built in the region, in Danville and Bristol. The students focused on the potential increase in violence, drugs, child trafficking, and other effects on children’s safety and wellbeing. This group found that violence and crime, including theft, illegal drug distribution, and child trafficking, typically increases in areas where casinos are built.
“The Southern VA Child Advocacy Center provided an experiential community partnership opportunity for the Ferrum College Professional Writing students to practice their skills beyond the classroom,” said Harl.
Learn more about SVCAC here.
173 seniors from 12 different states earned degrees from Ferrum College during the 105th commencement ceremony on May 1, 2021.
5/1/2021
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, 173 Ferrum College graduates from 12 different states crossed the commencement stage at Adams Stadium during a socially distanced graduation ceremony.
The night before, on Friday, April 30 at 6 p.m., the College hosted an in-person ceremony, also at Adams Stadium, for the class of 2020. This ceremony followed last year’s commencement exercises, which were held virtually due to COVID-19. Friday’s keynote speaker was Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year Anthony Swann. Class of 2020 graduates dressed in regalia and took photos with Ferrum College President David Johns. See photos from that event here.
The class of 2021’s commencement exercises began on Saturday at 10 a.m. and included award presentations under mild, sunny skies. The keynote speaker was New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo, who has written about higher education for more than two decades.
The ceremony began with the ringing of the historic Schoolfield Hall bell by President Johns and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato. Afterward, Sposato opened the commencement ceremony with a warm welcome to the graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff. She noted that “each graduate has a special person or many people that have supported them throughout the past four years,” and thanked them for “sending care packages at just the right time, enduring virtual classes on Zoom, and sometimes getting late night phone calls accompanied by a few tears, doubts, and challenges.”
Following the invocation given by Reverend John Heck of Saint Peter’s-In-the-Mountains Episcopal Church, Johns took the podium to welcome the crowd and remind the graduates to thank their families for the support they received over their years at Ferrum.
Johns then commended the graduates on their dedication and progress. He instructed them to use what they had learned, saying “We are all given this one life; it is precious, a gift. I urge you to invest your life in healing the world. One of the hallmarks of a Ferrum College graduate is that we are committed to our motto – Not Self, But Others…Through your work, make the world healthier, happier, more free and just. Make it better.”
Ferrum College Board of Trustees Chair Scott Showalter ’73 and Alumni Association member Beth Simms ’09 each gave greetings on behalf of their respective boards. Afterward, Professor of Religion David Howell, who is retiring after 23 years of service in teaching, was recognized.
The presentation of awards followed. Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck received the Exemplary Faculty Award, which recognizes a Ferrum College faculty member who embodies excellence in and commitment to teaching, demonstrates concern for student welfare in areas beyond academic studies, and is recognized as a competent scholar. Heck received numerous nominations for her service to the College and the greater community.
The Senior Academic Excellence Award was presented to Alexzondra Mattson ’21 of Virginia Beach, VA. This award is based on grades earned in all college courses by a full-time student, including those taken at Ferrum, as well as those received in transfer from other colleges or universities. Mattson maintained a 4.0 GPA and has earned a Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences with a pre-med emphasis. She has been accepted to multiple Juris Doctor of Law programs and plans to make a decision soon.
Jack Sheehan ’21 of State College, PA, received the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award, which is presented annually to the senior chosen by the faculty who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, initiative, honor, and outstanding character. Recipients of this award must also hold an excellent academic record, have participated in extra-curricular activities, and shown creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live. His next step is to attend graduate school at Utah State University.
The Lillie Warwick Slaven Award was presented to Mia Brower ’21 from Kernersville, NC. The award is given to a student who exemplifies the ideals of the ministerial profession and is recognized as an outstanding student leader at Ferrum College.
Christian Haley ’21 of Boones Mill, VA, received the James T. Catlin Citizenship Award, which is given each year to the student who has best demonstrated qualities of citizenship and leadership.
Mattson was awarded one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. The other went to Jacob Wilson ’21 from South Boston, VA. Recipients of this award are of noble character, spend their time bettering humankind, and apply fine spiritual qualities to their daily living. Wilson’s future plans involve teaching science in a secondary education setting.
Following the awards presentations, Selingo addressed the graduates, telling them to “get ready to navigate the ambiguity of life, heed the forces that take you in different, even opposite directions, and focus on what’s most meaningful to you…and in all your decisions, small and large…be patient, optimistic and yes, have a little faith.”
Student Government Association President Kintwon Pettiford ’22 of Hillsborough, NC then greeted the crowd and introduced Brower as the senior class speaker. She sent best wishes to the graduates and serenaded the crowd with a beautiful a cappella song.
Johns and Sposato conferred degrees on the eight first-ever Ferrum College graduate students receiving the degrees of Master of Science in Psychology and Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership and Coaching. The degrees were awarded by Dean of the School of Graduate and Online Education Studies Sandra Via.
Fifteen Boone Honors Program (BHP) graduates were also individually recognized and awarded a medallion by the program’s director, Professor of English Lana Whited. This year marks the highest number of honors medallion recipients, with a previous record of ten recipients in 2014. Read more about the fifteen BHP graduates here.
After the conferring and awarding of undergraduate degrees by Johns and Sposato, the crowd was asked to join in the singing of the College’s “Alma Mater.”
See photos of the 105th Ferrum College commencement ceremony here.
Davon “D” Robinson ’21 and Morganne Flinkstrom ’21 were featured in Roanoke Times and Franklin News-Post articles by Karen Dillon. Read about D here and about Morganne here.
Jack Sheehan ’21 received the President’s Cup. Read about him in this Franklin News-Post article.
4/26/2021
Brooke Turner ’21 poses with research snails.
Ferrum College senior, STEM scholar, and Franklin County native Brooke Turner has been named an Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford scholar for 2021. Turner received a $1,000 stipend to fund her undergraduate research project, titled “Using Approach-Avoidance to Study Addictive Behavior in Snails.”
Turner will use the scholarship money to study the addictive behavior of pond snails by injecting the snail’s food with nicotine. “In psychology, approach-avoidance is known as a conflict because the goal is both appealing and unappealing,” she explained. “I will use approach-avoidance to observe if the snails approach or avoid the nicotine. By observing the behavior of the snails, I will be studying the addictive effects of nicotine.”
In September 2021, Turner will submit her research findings and a video recording of her final project presentation which will be posted on the ACA website.
Turner has been working with Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry and Physics Jason Powell on this project for over a year. “The pandemic delayed her work, but the Ledford award she received from the Appalachian College Association will mean that she is able to continue her work into the summer,” said Powell. “I am honored to have been able to help shape her research question as she pursues this independent research project.”
“I hope to finish my research over the summer and publish my findings in an undergraduate research journal,” said Turner.
Turner will graduate a semester early, in December 2021, when she will earn a Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences with an emphasis in pre-medicine. She is triple-minoring in biology, chemistry, and psychology.
According to the ACA website, “the Ledford Scholarship, named for Colonel Lee B. Ledford, offers financial assistance for summer research projects to undergraduate students enrolled at ACA member institutions. Undergraduate students from all disciplines, applying various methodologies, are eligible.”
4/23/2021
Dr. Lana Whited, BHP director and English professor at Ferrum College, stands with 15 BHP graduating seniors.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, members of the Boone Honors Program were honored during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Special recognition went to the fifteen graduating seniors, the largest group of graduates in the program’s two-decade-long history (the previous record was ten in 2014). Of the fifteen seniors, twelve are or have been intercollegiate athletes and some competed in multiple sports. Their names are listed below.
After a welcome from BHP Program Director and Professor of English Lana Whited, President David Johns greeted guests and thanked the seniors for their efforts during their time at the College. Each senior chose a professor, not necessarily in their field of study, to share comments about the senior’s time at Ferrum College as they progressed through coursework. There was lots of laughter with a few tears. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato closed the program with heartfelt well wishes.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of David Howell, dean of arts and humanities, professor of religion, and director of faculty development, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley.
See photos from the event on the College’s Flickr album.
Elina Matilda Baltins ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
swimming, track and field
Bryce Daniel Beard ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Cayla Morgan Berry ’21
Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, emphasis in criminology
women’s soccer
Jacob Alan Blaukovitch ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
Bachelor of Science in biology
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Samuel Ammon Chappell ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Robert Sean Grande, Jr. ’21
Bachelor of Science in political science
football
Dakota Alexander Fletcher ’21
Bachelor of Science in computer information systems, emphasis in computer networks and cybersecurity
Jenna McKenzie Janicki ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise and sport studies
women’s soccer
Suzanne Huiwen Maines ’21
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Camden Vinson Mariotti ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise science
football
Alexzondra Lena Mattson ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
women’s soccer
John Francis Sheehan, IV ’21
Bachelor of Science in social studies
men’s lacrosse, football
Nancy Kathryn Shoaf ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Hannah Elizabeth Smith ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Victoria Katherine Wagner ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-therapy
swimming
