To join us for the open house, please register here.
After more than a century of educating students as a training school, junior college, and four-year institution, Ferrum College will now offer graduate degree programs, which will begin in fall 2020 and will be administered as online courses.
The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved Ferrum College as a level four school, allowing the addition of two graduate programs: a Specialist in Education (EdS) in teacher leadership and coaching, and a Master of Science in psychology.
“This is an important and historic moment for Ferrum College,” said President David Johns. “We have been listening to our students and to our region, and as we have in the past, we grow and change when there is need. We are part of this community, and we are committed to helping the community thrive.”
“Ferrum College is excited about offering graduate-level programs which will provide access to advanced education in the areas of psychology and teacher education. In the coming weeks and months, the faculty will be creating additional programs and certificates to meet the needs within our community,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato.
Alumna Sandra Via has been named director of the School of Graduate and Online Studies. Via is a 2004 graduate of Ferrum College and has served the College for ten years as an adjunct professor, an associate professor of political science, and as the program coordinator of international studies. She will direct the implementation and logistical coordination of the graduate programs.
Via earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Ferrum College. She holds a Master of Arts in political science from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in planning, governance, and globalization, also from Virginia Tech.
“I am honored and excited to be able to implement Ferrum College’s first graduate programs,” said Via. “Our new graduate degree programs embody our mission by promoting the intellectual, ethical, and civic growth of students into leaders that serve their community and the world. Like our undergraduate programs, these graduate programs incorporate a personalized learning experience, specialized and caring attention from faculty, and an experiential learning experience for which Ferrum College is known.”
The Master of Science in psychology will attract graduate students who wish to prepare for research and teaching careers that require an advanced degree, such as working at non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, governmental agencies, social services agencies, educational institutions, and community outreach organizations.
The Education Specialist degree is geared toward students who already hold a master’s degree and wish to advance their professional knowledge in either teacher leadership or coaching.
Both programs could also serve as a stepping stone to a doctoral program in either discipline.
Ferrum College will begin accepting applications for enrollment in its graduate programs in January. The College plans to launch additional graduate degree programs within the next two years.
Learn more about the graduate programs here.
Read the article that appeared in The Roanoke Times here.
More about Ferrum College’s history:
Ferrum Training School was founded in 1913 as many young people in the Blue Ridge area had no access to public education. The training school’s first classes began in September 1914 under the leadership of its first principal, Dr. Benjamin Beckham. In 1939, the Virginia Department of Education accredited Ferrum Junior College and its name officially reflected this level change in 1948. Ferrum Junior College was then accredited by the Southern Association of College and Secondary Schools in 1960 and instituted a two-plus-two four-year academic structure in 1974. The first four-year degree was awarded in 1976.
“Today, nearly forty percent of students who graduate from a Virginia community college need three or more additional years to finish a bachelor’s degree because their new college will not accept many of their credits. This is not what they expected–it’s frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive,” said Ferrum College President David Johns.
The College already guarantees admission from all 23 community colleges in Virginia. The “Ferrum Promise” is the College’s next step to become even more transfer friendly and applies to all students who are enrolled full-time, enter with an appropriate associate’s degree from a Virginia community college, and meet certain academic requirements.
This promise encompasses many majors offered by Ferrum College, including its signature programs:
“We are excited to offer transfer students a seamless transition to Ferrum College where they will receive individualized course mapping with our faculty,” said Provost Aimé Sposato.
“Ferrum College is student-centered and future-focused, and because of this, we are making a promise to our transfer students that will dramatically impact their future,” said Johns. “We support a vision of making college affordable, accessible, and even a little more predictable, and we promise to make this a reality for students who transfer to Ferrum College.”
Visit here to learn more about the “Ferrum Promise” and transferring to Ferrum College.
Dr. Dave Wiggins
After more than twenty years former Ferrum College counselor Dave Wiggins has returned to campus, this time in the role of the College’s new dean of Student Success.
Originally from Waynesboro, VA, Wiggins relocated to the area to serve as Ferrum College’s counselor from 1996 to 1997. “It was a great opportunity to work with outstanding people who really cared about the students,” Wiggins remembered.
In 1997, Wiggins left Ferrum College to take a job at Lewis-Gale Hospital in the Employee Assistance Program. He also taught psychology at night as an adjunct professor at Jefferson College of Health Sciences and worked part-time counseling children, teens, and adults, specializing in marital and group counseling.
He accepted a full-time counseling position at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 1998, and eventually moved into the role of associate dean for Student Services. “I really enjoyed the position, especially working with younger students who came from disadvantaged backgrounds or older students who were returning to college to pursue a position in health care as a second career,” said Wiggins. In 2011, Wiggins returned to his private counseling practice where he worked full-time until arriving at Ferrum College again in August 2019.
Wiggins graduated from Emory and Henry College with a Bachelor of Arts in business. He also earned a Master of Education from James Madison University and a specialist degree in education from the University of Virginia. He received his doctorate degree in counseling from Virginia Tech after completing his dissertation, a clinical study involving students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Wiggins has many layers. He enjoys playing the bass guitar, hiking, restoring old houses, photography, and reading. A favorite companion is Elsa, a German shepherd he rescued about five years ago. “Her hobbies are chasing tennis balls, waking me early in the morning before the sun comes up, being obnoxious, and eating,” said Wiggins.
Now that he’s back at Ferrum College, Wiggins is making plans. “I want to work with administration, faculty, and staff to make a difference for the College community, especially in helping students be successful. I am particularly interested in pursuing opportunities with advising, First and Second Year Experience Programs, and working with athletes,” he explained.
Wiggins is pleased to be on campus again: “The faculty, staff, and administration are very dedicated and caring and provide outstanding services for our students. My door is always open. Please feel free to stop by and visit.”
Director of the Second-Year Experience Ronda Bryant is a perfect example of a product of the diverse and explorative learning environment Ferrum College provides its students.
Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Education in counselor education from Wake Forest University. She received her doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Virginia, and is proud to be a first-generation college student.
She is piloting the Second-Year Experience, a newly developed program focused on guiding sophomores – students in the “middle” stage of college – successfully through the second half of their higher education experience. She also oversees the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program; helped develop the Ask ME First Center which works with first-generation college students; taught Gateway freshman seminar courses; and founded the Sister4Sister student organization for women on campus. It’s safe to say helping students succeed is high on her priority list.
Bryant has another passion, a second intriguing layer. “Health and wellness are very important to me,” she explained. “I used to be a lot heavier in my twenties and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle when I turned thirty. I have been able to maintain a roughly eighty pound weight loss. For me, fitness is a lifestyle. I have the same cravings and struggles as everyone else. I work very hard to stay balanced and consistent. I want to enjoy the benefits that come from being healthy, like being pain- and medication-free.”
Bryant got hooked on Zumba in 2010 and became an instructor in 2011. She has been teaching Zumba classes at Ferrum College’s YMCA twice a week since 2013. “The Zumba classes I teach here are for everyone – students, faculty, staff, and the community. We don’t require dance experience and we welcome all fitness levels. When you come to my classes, you’re likely to hear everything from salsa and Latin rhythms, to African beats and hip-hop, to Caribbean music,” she explained.
In 2017, Bryant began exploring bodybuilding. “A couple of trainers mentioned that I should look into possibly entering a bodybuilding show,” she said. “I got a coach and started working with a friend who was a trainer, and they were critical in getting me ready.” Preparing for her first show took about five months and required lifting weights, cardio, a strict diet, and learning how to post and present herself on stage. Bryant did well in her first show and earned a Pro Card in the Figure Masters category, but hasn’t competed as a professional yet. She plans to compete again this spring.
Dr. Bryant sits with two PAL tutors, sophomore Savannah Farris and senior Jamie Gilbert.
Originally from Kinston, NC, Bryant cherishes her family and visits them often; she is a proud aunt of three nieces and one nephew. She is also a singer and recently traveled to Germany, France, and Switzerland to perform with a group of her college friends. Despite her many activities and interests, Bryant always comes back to her mission to help students navigate higher education: “At Ferrum, what I love more than anything else are the students. To watch students figure out this whole ‘college-thing,’ and then thrive and excel and ultimately earn their degrees, is very important to me,” she said.
Learn more about the ARC’s special academic programs here.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s YMCA and see a workout class schedule here.
Ferrum College’s Academic Resources Center (ARC) offers a number of support programs, including peer tutoring. Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) tutors must be recommended by a member of the faculty for the class they wish to tutor. They must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and an A or B in the course they wish to tutor. PAL tutors apply for the position and are trained before they begin tutoring in the ARC. They have regular contact with professors and even stop by classes when they can. Most frequently make the Dean’s List.
“I am fairly certain that the students we hire are among the busiest, most involved students on campus,” said Ronda Bryant, PAL tutor coordinator and director of the Second-Year Experience, a program focused on successfully guiding students through the second half of college. “They are student leaders, athletes, and very hard working young people who provide an invaluable service to their fellow students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with them.”
Tutoring is available Tuesday through Thursday nights until 9 p.m., and Monday and Friday until 5 p.m., in the College’s ARC.
Learn more about PAL tutoring and the Academic Resources Center.
Meet some of Ferrum College’s PAL tutors, below.
History 101/102
Nia Pettiford is a Ferrum College senior from Bel Air, MD. She is majoring in pre-professional science and minoring in biology. Nia loves lacrosse, pizza rolls, and tea!
Business 230, Economics 201/202
Reina Balderas, from Axton, VA, is a senior majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing. She is also minoring in Spanish. “I enjoy helping others and would like to see everyone succeed this school year,” said Reina.
Biology 254, Chemistry 301/302, Honors 213
Alex Mattson is a junior from Virginia Beach majoring in pre-professional health science. She plays soccer and is a member of Boone Honors Program, the Lions Club, and Minds-N-Medicine. Alex enjoys writing and yoga.
Biology 254
Natasha Shelton is a first generation college student from Richmond, VA. She is a senior majoring in health science and health and human performance. Her goal is to become a physician’s assistant.
Biology 254
Kyndra Powell of Roanoke, VA, is majoring in health and human performance and minoring in sociology. She will become a doctor of physical therapy. Kyndra is a leadership ambassador and works in the library.
Chemistry 103/104, 105, 301/302; Math 208
Catie Hodges of Moneta, VA, is president of both the senior class and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Catie is triple-majoring in biology, chemistry, and pre-med, and plans to attend medical school in fall 2020.
Psychology 201/211
Brie Martin of Salem, VA, is studying psychology and social work. She is president of Psi Chi and the Psychology Club. Brie is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Social Work 201
Jada McLaughlin of Newport News, VA, is majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. She is a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, the cheerleading squad, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Theatre Arts 222
Jordan Thompson from Penhook, VA, is majoring in health and human performance. She wants to teach physical education upon graduation. At Ferrum College, she is a member of the tennis team and enjoys anything outdoors.
Music 111/117
Amber Scott of Stuart, VA, is a liberal arts major with minors in elementary education, psychology, and music. She is a member of National Society of Leadership and Success, Kappa Delta Phi, and color guard.
Religion 151
Jamie Gilbert, originally from Williamsburg, VA, will graduate in May with a degree in musical theatre, music, and religion. She is a member of Zeta Chi Epsilon and sings in the College’s choirs. She enjoys her cat, hiking, and camping.
Biology 111
Marcus Trotman of Baltimore, MD, is majoring in biology and chemistry. He plans to earn his master’s degree with a career goal of working for the National Institutes of Health. His hobbies include listening to music and playing soccer.
Environmental Science 102
Savannah Farris of Callaway, VA, is majoring in pre-professional health sciences and biology, and minoring in chemistry and One Health. She plans to become a physician’s assistant. She is a Boone Honors Program member and enjoys fishing and kayaking.
Biology 111
Renee Alleyne from District Heights, MD, is a sophomore double-majoring in pre-medicine and biology. She is minoring in chemistry and aspires to become an anesthesiologist. She loves dogs and has 13 piercings!
Chemistry 103/104
Taylor Darnell of Rural Hall, NC, is studying chemistry, horticultural science, and business. He is swim team captain, president of the Chemistry Club, and a member of Alpha Chi and National Society of Leadership and Success.
Classes ended for summer break in May, but Ferrum College’s faculty continued to learn and educate throughout the summer months with trips to Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Brazil.
Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel
Assistant Professor of Religion Eric Vanden Eykel spent nearly a week in Rome from June 29 through July 5. During his self-described “incredibly short and fast-paced trip,” he attended the Society of Biblical Literature’s annual international meeting, which gives scholars around the world a chance to connect with one another to learn about current trends in biblical studies. Vanden Eykel was also able to visit other landmarks including Ostia Antica, the port city of ancient Rome, and Pompeii, one of the cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 B.C.
Vanden Eykel described his time in Italy as “like stepping in and out of time capsules. One minute you’re walking down a crowded street, and the next, you’re standing in a building nearly 2,000 years old. It is a city of layers, and a fantastic opportunity to experience the past.” See photos from Vanden Eykel’s trip here.
Dr. Patty Suppes
Associate Professor of Spanish Patty Suppes received a faculty development grant to present her papers at two July conferences in Valencia, Spain: “Leyenda, tradición, y violencia en El león dormido de Marian Izaguirre” at the Congresos Internacionales de Literatura Hispánica, and “Rosario Ferré y su ‘Cocina de la escritura’: Una alternativa al canon como modelo de composición” at the Asociación de Estudios de Género y Sexualidades. Between conferences, Suppes was also able to visit family and friends with her son who accompanied her on her trip. She was also excited to run into Taiki Sawabe and his wife Mizuho at the Barcelona airport; the couple previously spent two years at Ferrum College with the Japanese Outreach Initiative program.
“I’m so grateful for the faculty development grant that allowed me to participate in two conferences in Valencia, Spain, and I’m glad that I was able to do some site visits in between the conferences,” said Suppes. “The opportunities for students to study and intern abroad are tremendous, and I can’t wait to meet with faculty in various majors to talk about how to help students participate.” See photos from Suppes’ trip here.
Gregory Rock (second from left)
Gregory Rock, Ferrum College’s Iron Mountain Brass director and adjunct music faculty member, traveled to Salzburg, Austria in late July 2019 to take part in the Salzburg Music Festival. Rock played the sackbut or Baroque Posaune – a trombone from the Renaissance and Baroque eras – in a collaborative project with players from UNC Chapel Hill; University of the Arts of Bremen, Germany; Schola Cantorum of Basel, Switzerland; and Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria. The group provided music for Catholic Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral on Sunday morning, July 28.
Although most of the musicians had not played together before, Rock was struck by music’s common language: “There were many languages spoken among the musicians from German to Austrian, to even Russian and French as well as English. The language of music prevailed and we were able to put together a substantial music project in just a very short time.” See photos from Rock’s trip here.
Read more about the Salzburg Music Festival here.
Dr. Tina Hanlon
Professor of English Tina Hanlon spent 24 days in four Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. During the biennial Congress of the International Research Society for Children’s Literature held in Stockholm, Sweden in August, Hanlon presented her paper, “Female Voice, Power, and Agency in the Appalachian Folktale ‘Whitebear Whittington’ and its International Antecedents.” Four other speakers from different countries presented along with Hanlon; “We had no contact in advance but our papers fit together very well and all dealt with images of women in different fairy tale traditions,” she explained.
Hanlon also participated in additional conference activities including receptions, tours, a mentoring lunch spent with a young Hungarian woman, and a big buffet in the Golden Hall of Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually in December. “[I was] excited to learn more about the folklore and literature of Scandinavia and share new insights in my E-Term course on World Folktales and Literature. I feel very lucky to have [had] this opportunity to meet with colleagues from all over the world at the IRSCL Congress,” she said. See photos from Hanlon’s trip here.
Rio de Janeiro. Photo by Dr. Chris Mayer.
Chris Mayer, associate professor of recreation leadership, traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in May, to give four presentations at the International Conference on Interpretation on his book, You Can Do It! Your guide for developing non-personal interpretive products in Brazilian protected areas. Mayer’s book, co-authored with Ryan Finchum and Lorena Brewster, was written to help protected area managers plan and create interpretive products that contribute to public support for the conservation of biodiversity in conjunction with the Partnership to Conserve Biodiversity in the Amazon. He explained the conference’s theme of “Acting Locally, Connecting Globally,” gave attendees the opportunity to link their efforts across professional boundaries, international borders, and cultural differences.
“The International Conference welcomed interpreters from around the world to share ideas and inspiration and discuss the latest global trends in this important field,” said Mayer. “It was the most impressive conference I ever attended because of the open exchange of ideas and experiences among the multi-national attendees.” See photos from Mayer’s trip here.
Learn more about the International Conference on Interpretation here.
The new Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education comes with the state education board’s approval of 53 new teaching preparation programs. With this new major, Ferrum College students interested in teaching in an elementary school setting will be able to earn a degree focused in elementary education. Previously, the College was bound by Virginia state regulations to require students interested in teaching at an elementary school level to major in liberal arts and minor in teacher education.
“The mission of the Ferrum College Teacher Education Program is to develop caring, lifelong reflective learners who are committed to teaching,” explained Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Teacher Education Program Director Christine Christianson. “We provide a rigorous program of study that includes an internship experience in Franklin County Public Schools for each semester that education courses are taken, and we are proud to produce educational leaders who personify the Ferrum College motto, ‘Not Self, But Others.’”
Also beginning in fall 2019, Ferrum College will offer a Bachelor of Arts in music, with two focus tracks: music business and music performance. This degree will incorporate woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, voice, and Appalachian folk instruments. While earning their degree, students will be able to intern for artist management agencies around the country, public relations agencies, concert venues, and record labels.
“I am very excited to get this program off the ground,” said Assistant Professor of Music and Music Department Chair Sixto Montesinos. “Ferrum College is in a region where music thrives, especially Appalachian folk music, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our students.”
For years, Ferrum College offered ecotourism as a minor only. Beginning in fall 2019, Ferrum College students may now earn a Bachelor of Science in ecotourism. “Graduates of the ecotourism program will be able to find careers as ecotourism entrepreneurs, guides and as interpretive rangers with land management agencies like the National Park Service,” said Assistant Professor of Recreation Leadership and coordinator of the ecotourism degree program Chris Mayer.
To qualify for Dean’s List, a student must be full-time with a grade point average of at least 3.4 out of a possible 4.0. Students named to President’s List are full-time with a grade point average of 4.0 at the end of the spring and fall semesters.
Read more and find a list of spring 2019 Dean’s List students here and President’s List students here.
Find a list of student-athletes named to Dean’s List and President’s List here.
