During her time at Ferrum College and with the support of a Boone Honors Program travel scholarship, Maines studied abroad in both Seville, Spain in summer 2019 and in Havana, Cuba for the fall semester. For Maines, both of the experiences were life-changing and some of the best times she experienced while in college. Maines said that in addition to helping her language skills, studying abroad taught her a lot in general and she loved every second of it.
Lana Whited, professor of English and director of the Boone Honors Program, remembers Maines’ time at Ferrum College fondly. “I would say that the most interesting thing about Suzie is that she possesses a very quiet, introverted demeanor but is one of the most adventurous people I have ever met. She is also a talented photographer and contributed a Chrysalis cover photo a few years ago,” said Whited.
Sandra Via, former dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and associate professor of Political Science, recognized Maines’ love of other cultures and travel the moment she stepped into the classroom. “Suzie is such an inspiration to me and others. Her thirst for learning about other cultures and her drive to pursue that passion through her travels and career reflect what Ferrum is all about. She truly entered with promise and is now pursuing her purpose.”
Maines loves both her job and Madrid. “The culture, food, and social life here are simply amazing. Maybe not the summer, but that’s because Madrid’s heat is especially unbearable. I’ve renewed my contract with the Ministry of Education and I’ll be doing the same program again at the same school for the 2022-2023 school year,” she said.
Maines reflected on how the Boone Honors Program impacted her life, the extra opportunities the program added to her educational experience at Ferrum College, and how honors education benefited her upon graduation and beyond. “The Boone Honors Program gave me the opportunity to make friends and [meet] professors who inspired me to make the most of my time at Ferrum. I still keep up with my friends from my very first HON-100 class and I cherish the time we spent together,” said Maines.
“Now that I’ve graduated from Ferrum, I continue to seek out new opportunities abroad. Currently I am living in Madrid, Spain teaching English as a language assistant at a high school called I.E.S. Las Veredillas in Torrejón de Ardoz. This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the experiences I had in Ferrum and in the Boone Honors Program,” concluded Maines.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Professor Emeritus of Religion David Howell and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley. Currently under the direction of Professor of English Lana Whited, it is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program committed to challenging students enrolled in the program, and the campus culture as a whole, to strive for excellence. Students in the program have the opportunity to study language through the intermediate level, take small multidisciplinary seminars for some of their general education requirements, work closely with professors in courses within their major or minor, present research at undergraduate research conferences, attend special dinners with visiting campus guests and speakers, and participate in special Honors social activities and trips. Besides the academic opportunities, benefits include friendships with faculty and other students from across the college who may share similar interests and passions, chances to examine and clarify values and ideals, having stimulating and broadening cultural experiences, and getting a head start on preparing for graduate school or one’s career. In addition, every student in the program is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in travel scholarship for a study abroad experience.
Ferrum College is pleased to announce this year’s three annual alumni awards: Young Alumni, Distinguished Alumni and Beckham Medallion. The awards are part of a tradition begun with recognition of several college founders and leaders from the 1920s. Winners are nominated by alumni, faculty, or staff, vetted by the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors, and approved by the president.
The 2022 recipients will be recognized in an awards ceremony during the Homecoming Weekend festivities Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room located in Franklin Hall. All Ferrum College alumni are invited to attend.
The Young Alumni award is given to a young alumnus/ae who has demonstrated professional and personal success since graduating from Ferrum College within the last 15 years.
Matthew Woods, a resident of Rocky Mount, Virginia, has served over twelve years assisting students, educators, and schools in a variety of roles. His professional experience includes being a high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, director of student support services, adjunct professor, and field instructor at the collegiate level for student-teachers. Additionally, Woods hosts an education podcast, Leading Out The Woods, and is an accomplished keynote speaker and educational consultant.
Woods’ leadership and innovative approaches have led him to be recognized by numerous organizations including ASCD (Emerging Leaders Class 2021) and recipient of LG’s Happiness League Award. Woods earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Social Studies from Ferrum College, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Virginia Tech, a graduate certificate in Education Law and Policy, and an Educational Specialist in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia. Woods is in the process of completing his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership and Administration from Radford University with an expected graduation date of December 2022.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient exemplifies a record of exceptional career achievement and service to their community, church or other organizations; were active in college life; and remain involved and supportive of Ferrum College as alumni.
Carthan F. Currin, III, a resident of Richmond, Virginia, graduated from Ferrum College with a degree in Public Administration. A native of Petersburg, Virginia, his distinguished career in public service and economic development includes executive positions with the City of Petersburg, the County of Brunswick, and the City of Richmond. Experience in the private sector placed Currin in the forefront of economic and commercial development, infrastructure improvements, utility regulation, education, and work-force training.
Currin’s cumulative work with the General Assembly, governors of Virginia, and mayors of Richmond and Petersburg led to his appointment by Governor Jim Gilmore as the first executive director of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. In this role, he directed more than $390 million in investments in the tobacco region supporting economic development, research and development, tourism, workforce development, higher education, technology, and agribusiness.
Currently, Currin serves as the president of the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges, an organization to which he has long-standing ties, first as a board member and then as chairman of the board. The Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges is a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and leveraging economic development and public and private sector alliances on behalf of Appalachian School of Law, Averett University, Bluefield University, Eastern Mennonnite University, and Ferrum College.
In addition to his professional achievements, Currin has served on the boards of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Southside VA Community College Foundation, Scenic Virginia, Battersea Foundation, and the Ferrum Alumni Association.
The Beckham Medallion, named after Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham, the first president of Ferrum College, is the highest tribute bestowed upon an alumnus/a. The distinction honors those who exemplify the College motto, Not Self, But Others and who have demonstrated exceptional career success, service to their community, and dedication to Ferrum College.
Phyllis Karavatakis, a resident of Union Hall, Virginia, is a proven C-suite executive recognized for driving organizational change, business transformation, and continuous improvement. For more than twenty-five years, Karavatakis has been a senior/executive level manager, responsible for achieving financial performance and strategic objectives for Carter Bank & Trust, a community bank with $4 billion in assets, in Virginia and North Carolina. With direct responsibility for 110 branches and more than 600 employees, Karavatakis led retail and commercial lines of business, sourced and managed a successful multi-billion dollar loan portfolio, and maintained oversight accountability for marketing, mortgage and loan servicing operations.
A graduate of Franklin County High School, Karavatakis earned an Associate Degree from Ferrum College, a Bachelor Degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Richmond, and completed the Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management through the University of Virginia. She has held multiple executive appointments including chairman and Audit Committee chairman of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees; president and board director of Southside Business Technology Center/The Launch Place; chairman of the Foundation Committee of Piedmont Arts; chairman of the Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce; and a board member of United Way of Martinsville & Henry County, Patrick Henry Community College Foundation, and Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority. Karavatakis has also been honored with multiple awards and distinctions including the lifetime achievement award at Carter Bank & Trust; the Heck Ford Leadership Award at Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce; and president of the largest community bank at Women in Executive Leadership.For additional information about the Ferrum College Alumni Awards Ceremony and to RSVP by October 5, 2022, click here.
Wright and his teammate, Taehoon Song, created their award winning model by combining a popular statistical model (the logistic-growth model) with a popular biological predictor (growing degree days or GDD). The judges appreciated the simplicity and interpretability of this approach, with one remarking that the team provided “a wonderful demonstration of the power of using the simplest possible model that captures the key biological aspects of the question.”
Ferrum College Professor of English and Director of the Boone Honors Program Lana Whited stated, “Josh’s success in this competition obviously required the application of critical thinking skills drawn from multiple academic disciplines and really illustrates the benefits of liberal arts education.”
Inside Rockefeller Center, David Garten looks outside his office window at the bustling city streets of Manhattan. Despite working in one of the most iconic areas of New York City, Garten reminisces of the beauty seen in the night sky above Ferrum College. “At night you see more stars than you ever could possibly believe,” recalls Garten.
Born and raised in Orlando, FL with strong family roots in West Virginia, Garten ’98, was recruited by Coach Dave Davis to play football at the College. He describes his first visit to campus as arriving in an oasis within a beautiful landscape of mountains. It was different than anything he had seen in Florida, but he immediately felt at home with the coaches and his teammates.
Garten credits the College for instilling in him a certain amount of resiliency and grit. Having played football the entire four years he attended, Garten says, “We practiced on a field covered with rocks everywhere, and we did that every single day, all through the fall.” He adds that, “You grow really close to one another. You’re doing it day-in and day-out, in the mud on the rocky field.”
The resiliency and discipline he learned on the football field spilled over to his other pursuits as well. After graduating from Ferrum College with a B.S. in Social Work, Garten worked in the juvenile justice and specialized foster care system before attending graduate school at Columbia University. At Columbia, he earned dual master’s degrees in social policy and public administration and quickly found himself working on Capitol Hill for former U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton of New York.
Garten’s time in D.C. and New York politics prepared him for his current gig: New York real estate. He is currently employed by RXR, a real estate and infrastructure development company in New York City, as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs.
Garten draws a straight line from his time at Ferrum to his professional success, stating, “It has been instrumental in helping me navigate from the worlds of bareknuckle D.C. and New York politics to [the world of] New York real estate.” At RXR, David works with a dynamic team advancing one of the largest and greenest office buildings in New York City history, a new terminal at JFK International Airport, the redevelopment of a city’s downtown, and much more. “I’ve been really fortunate to work with some amazing and dedicated people throughout my career. And it has been incredibly rewarding to work alongside so many individuals on the RXR team who embody what Ferrum is all about.”
Now with his own family, Garten looks forward to visiting the College with his wife, Melanie, and their son, Rohan. From nights spent beneath starry skies, to his time on the football field, to hanging out with friends on the ground floor of Bassett Hall, Garten wants them to see what makes Ferrum so special.
“You are not only getting a unique college experience, but you also get an education that is as applicable to the classroom as it is to life,” he adds. “You’re in close proximity at a small school [and must] figure out how to get along with others who might be different than you. That’s what life is about, and that experience is something that is unique to Ferrum.”
Article written and submitted by freelance writer Amy Shelor Dye with contributions by David Garten ’98.
Ferrum College announces the addition of three new members to the Board of Trustees: alumna Amanda Cox ’04, F. Abe Dymond, and Jeffrey C. Pugh. Their terms will begin July 1, 2022.
Cox is an external affairs manager for Appalachian Power responsible for oversight and implementation of local and county governmental affairs, community relations, and providing assistance with local/regional economic development. She also serves as a registered lobbyist in Virginia and participates in the General Assembly sessions in Richmond. Additionally, Cox has taken Appalachian Power’s Rural Broadband Initiative from a study concept through to the first connection of customers, and continues to serve as a resource to a variety of stakeholders on the issue.
Prior to joining Appalachian Power, Cox served as the President/CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and its Partnership for Economic Growth where she positioned the Chamber to become the lead entity for small business development, leveraged workforce partnerships to increase the Chamber’s capacity to deliver business services, and secured a 5-Star rating with the US Chamber of Commerce for the first time in the organization’s history.
She currently serves on multiple state, regional and local boards and has a bachelor of science in Business Administration from Ferrum College and a master of business administration from Radford University.
Cox lives with her husband, Jonathan, and two children in Franklin County, VA.
Dymond received a bachelor of arts in English from Ripon College, a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law, a master of business administration with a concentration in finance from Carlson School of Management, and a master of laws in military law from The Judge Advocate General’s School.
Pugh’s most recent book, “The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the End Times: Theology After You’ve Been Left Behind,” was published by Fortress Press in 2016 as part of a series sponsored by the popular Homebrewed Christianity podcast that takes a unique approach to helping delve into key Christian concepts, figures and ideas. He has also made numerous presentations at professional meetings and conferences, written articles, book chapters and book reviews for various publications, and served eight years as a member of the board of directors of the International Bonhoeffer Society.
Pugh earned his master of divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree and doctorate in theological and religious studies from Drew University Graduate School. His graduate research focused on systematic and historical theology and he continued that work during his career at Elon. He received Elon’s Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2000 and the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2010.
“Real dear to me,” is the way Gary Ingram describes how he feels about Ferrum College. Ingram graduated with an associate degree in Chemistry from Ferrum College in 1977 when it was still a junior college. A Franklin County and a Ferrum community native, Ingram says that the College was a big influence in his life before he ever became a student. Growing up, he spent many hours on the Ferrum campus with friends whose parents worked at the College and has fond memories of playing basketball in the gym with those friends. The Ferrum College influence extended even to his extracurricular activities as his Boy Scout leader was a math and physics professor at the College.
After becoming a student at Ferrum, Ingram says that he enjoyed his math classes and even received a mathematics award during his time at the College. He also played tennis under legendary tennis coach Bud Skeens.
“Ferrum College is helpful,” Ingram says, “Like a family.” He refers to the College’s motto of “Not Self, But Others” stating that, “If you get that one principle, you will go far in life.” Ingram continues to give back to the College and urges other alumni to do the same: “Ferrum College is so important to the community. It offers students a diverse range of academics and gives so many students the opportunity to attend college that might not be able to attend otherwise.” One other attraction, he adds, is that most of the professors live and serve in the communities around Ferrum College.
Since graduating, Ingram has enjoyed a successful career in the glass and mirror industry. He has been part-owner in Finch Industries for 20 years. The company is a leading supplier in North America of decorative glass and mirror products that are used in the furniture, medicine cabinet, manufactured housing, RV, and decorative wall industries. He also helped build the Rocky Mount Bowling Center located about 12 miles north of the Ferrum College campus. He sold the business to its current owners after running it for a few years. Ingram currently lives in North Carolina near the Greensboro area with his wife of 33 years, Georgeanne. He’s also the proud dad of daughters Laura, Meg and Marci, and granddaughters Emma, Natalie, and Abigail.
Although a lot has changed since his days running around campus as a kid, he still finds time to visit. His last time on campus? The Folklife Festival in 2019. With each visit, Ingram reflects on how much Ferrum has meant to him and how much he owes to his hometown college.
Article written and submitted by freelance writer Amy Shelor Dye.
The reason Woods knew every word wasn’t because it was a radio favorite of his. The reason is because Woods wrote and recorded the song. The budding musician was hearing himself for the first time on the air waves.
“I started to get emotional,” he said. “I called everyone and told them to tune in.”
Since that time, Woods has been putting more and more time and energy into his music. And it seems to be paying off. The song is gaining airplay on Christian radio stations, he has a management and promotional group pushing his single, and he is logging more performing dates.
“I usually would do 15 live shows a year,” Woods says. “My management team and I are working on a tour schedule.”
Still, he tries to stay grounded about the industry. “Distributing a song doesn’t mean that you’re instantly going to become a big hit,” he says. “It comes with making connections and paid promotions and so much more. There’s going to be a thousand ‘Noes’ before you hear that one ‘Yes.’”
For Woods, however, the “Noes” are undaunting.
“It’s a tough business to get into,” he says. “The main thing (in order) to become very successful in the music business is to make the most connections and to be passionate about your music and to really stay focused on the course of your music.”
One aspect that has allowed Woods to focus on his music, he says, is the education he received at Ferrum. The Graphic Arts graduate credits his coursework with aiding his musical endeavors.
“Ferrum really opened up some doors to prepare me for my career. During my graphic design classes, I loved to design album covers, edit photos and make logos. With that knowledge I can now design my own album covers, edit my own photos, and create a logo for myself.”
Woods also uses those skills in more traditional settings. “Right after I graduated from Ferrum in 2020, I had four clients that I helped with designing their own personal logo for their business and editing photos/videos that were sent to me,” he recalls. “I did this for a year while doing music gigs.”
Jake Smith, Assistant Professor of Art, remembers Woods well from his graphic arts classes. “He never left the building,” Smith says. “If he wasn’t in the lab, he was upstairs (in Vaughan Chapel) playing music. He has an incredible work ethic and is genuinely a fine young man.”
Tom Steele, Director of Academic Outreach and Athletics Initiatives, also worked closely with Woods during his time on campus and echoes those sentiments. “Dalais is an amazing young man,” Steele says. “During his time at Ferrum, he was the keyboard player for the praise team band. He was also the pianist for the ‘Ferrum College Blues Group’, which consisted of faculty, staff, and student members. This guy is a monster on the keys.”
Steele recalls Woods diving heavily into the music—both writing and recording—during his final years at the college. “He has written many gospel/praise songs and is now heavily into his recording,” Steele says. “Dalais was a Dean’s List student who was an outstanding campus citizen. He was also one of the nicest, most humble young men whom I have had the pleasure of knowing.”
Steele also offers high praise for Woods’ current single. “Rejoice is a high-energy song that has a feeling of ’90s pop music with a happy message, tight harmonies, and a sweet groove. I love this song.”
The tune can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube Music, Amazon, I Heart Radio, and Dezzer. And in March, Woods will release his next single, “Follow”. He is excited about the project and the prospects it could bring.
“This is going to be my biggest working project ever!” Woods says. “(And) if there’s anything I can do to help Ferrum out please let me know. As an alum, I am here to support Ferrum in any way possible. And last but not least, all praises to God for allowing me to continue to serve and share his word!”
Article written and contributed by Assistant Professor of English & Journalism David B. Campbell.
The 2020 Sports Hall of Fame inductees (L to R): Becky Piloto Fennessy ’92, Bobby James ’84, Shelby Irving ’84, and Elizabeth Adams O’Neal ’00. Not pictured: Kathy Bocock ’84 and Jim Hartbarger.
10/30/2021
In a brisk, outdoor ceremony at the Franklin Hall Quad on Saturday, October 30, Ferrum College recognized its 2021 Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, as well as its Sports Hall of Fame inductees for both 2020 and 2021.
After President David Johns opened the ceremony, Director of Athletics John Sutyak recognized the 2020 Sports Hall of Fame inductees. These individuals excelled in one or more sports while at Ferrum College, exemplifying the highest ideals of small college athletics, sportsmanship, and the spirit of Ferrum’s motto, “Not Self, But Others.” They have since gone on to achieve significant success in a career field. They are: Elizabeth Adams O’Neal ’00 of Wake Forest, NC; Kathy Bocock ’84 of Greensboro, NC; Shelby Irving ’84 of Danville, VA; Bobby James ’84 of Rocky Mount, VA; and Becky Piloto Fennessy ’92 of Avondale, PA. Special recognition was given to Coach Jim Hartbarger of Silva, NC, who served as Ferrum’s head men’s basketball coach from 1964-67, and produced a 71-15 record.
Sutyak then recognized the 2021 Sports Hall of Fame inductees: Trica Moore Barber ’06, of Sneads Ferry, NC; Melvin Dillard ’92, of Hampton, VA; Roben Sutphin Thomas ’96, of Woodbridge, VA; Tara Toland ’05, of North, SC; and Mark White ’96, of Deltaville, VA. Special recognition was also given to Gary Holden, who is in his thirtieth year as Ferrum’s sports information director and his eighteenth year as assistant athletic director, and to Vickie Van Kleeck, who served as head softball coach for 24 years.
2021 Sports Hall of Fame inductees (L to R): Melvin Dillard ’92, Tara Toland ’05, Trica Moore Barber ’06, Vickie Van Kleeck, Roben Sutphin Thomas ’96, Mark White ’96, and Gary Holden.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was bestowed upon Rev. Dr. Burton White ’84 by Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Relations Wilson Paine ’07. White’s exceptional service to his community includes 31 years spent in ministry and the creation of Solutions Pastoral Counseling, LLC, which offers counseling services to the Ferrum community for free or a reduced cost.
Paine then presented the Outstanding Young Alumni awards to Paul Jaglowski ’12 and Ra’meer Roberts ’13. Jaglowski was an Academic All-American and the 2012 recipient of the Ferrum College President’s Cup. Jaglowski also founded Feedtrail, a software company that empowers healthcare organizations to deliver an exceptional and human-centered experience, and has served on Ferrum’s Alumni Board of Directors, as well as the board of directors for Maison Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti. In 2018, Jaglowski was named as one of the 30 Rising Customer Experience Superstars under 30 (CS 30 Under 30) by CX Network.
Outstanding Young Alumni and Distinguished Alumnus (L to R): Paul Jaglowski ’12, Rev. Dr. Burton White ’84, and Ra’meer Roberts ’13.
During his time at Ferrum College, Roberts was named to the Dean’s List, served as the College’s radio host in 2008 and 2009, and was a member of the basketball staff from 2009-12. After graduation, Roberts established the Black American Scholarship of Empowerment at Ferrum, which gives an annual gift of $250 to one male and one female African-American student. He currently works as the assistant director of residence life for conduct at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Read more about the award recipients and inductees below.
See photos from the event here.
Rev. Dr. Burton White was a day student at Ferrum College while serving as a student pastor in the Virginia Conference, United Methodist Church. While at Ferrum, he received the C.P. Minnick award and academic scholarship. After leaving Ferrum, he continued his scholarship at Duke University, Divinity School, where he received his Masters of Divinity in Theology in 1988. Later he received his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Virginia Union University in 2010.
Rev. Dr. Burton White spent thirty-one years active in the Virginia Annual Conference as an ordained Minister, serving rural and small-town churches. He worked with two mission teams for the Church in Mississippi for hurricane relief leading one team and also served as District Youth coordinator on two Districts and camp coordinator. He has served in various positions on the district level in four districts.
Rev. Dr. Burton and his wife Rev. Mary White, both live in Ferrum. Rev. Dr. Burton is still active in and pastor emeritus at St. James U.M.C. in Ferrum. Upon retirement, he formed Solutions Pastoral Counseling, LLC. in Ferrum, offering counseling services to the greater community at reduced or no fee.
Paul Jaglowski graduated from Ferrum College in 2012 with a degree in International Studies, Spanish, and Economics. While at Ferrum, Paul was recognized for being 1st Team Academic All-American 2012, Varsity Baseball Conference Player of the Year 2012, All-Region 2012, All-State 2012, Academic and Athletic All-Conference 2009-2012, and Team Captain 2010-2012. Paul was on the Dean’s List every semester and received Ferrum College’s President’s Cup in 2012.
After graduating from Ferrum, Paul worked for OnDeck Capital and Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, DC. In 2017, he co-founded Feedtrail, a software company that empowers healthcare organizations to deliver an exceptional and human-centered experience. Feedtrail has changed the way hospitals across 14 countries engage with their patients and improve their care and overall experience. In 2018, Paul was named as one of the 30 Rising Customer Experience Superstars under 30 (CS 30 Under 30) by CX Network.
During his time away from the college, Paul stayed connected by serving as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors and is a Board Member for Maison Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti. Paul represents and lives Ferrum’s motto of “Not Self, But Others” as he continues to serve the greater community around him and make a significant impact in those communities.
Ra’meer Roberts graduated from Ferrum College in 2013 with a degree in Business Administration. His education journey continued with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
During his time at Ferrum, Ra’meer was recognized on the Dean’s list, served as Ferrum College’s radio host 2008-2009, and was a member of the Ferrum College Basketball staff 2009-2012. However, Ra’meer’s relationship with Ferrum didn’t end with graduation, and he continued to live the college motto “Not Self, But Others” when he established the Black American Scholarship of Empowerment (B.A.S.E.). The B.A.S.E. scholarship gives an annual gift of $250 to one male and one female African-American student at Ferrum College. Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Wilson Paine stated, “I’ve been so impressed with his compassion and the responsibility he feels towards our students and Ferrum’s future. His commitment to turn words into action is an inspiration to us all.”
Currently, Ra’meer serves as the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Conduct at Virginia Commonwealth University. In his professional endeavors, Ra’meer is passionate about supporting students to reach academic goals as they navigate and become more accustomed to college life.
Trica Moore Barber ’06 of Sneads Ferry, NC, played softball for four years at Ferrum from 2003-06. She helped the Panthers win the 2005 USA South Tournament and earn the college’s second ever NCAA Division III Softball Tournament appearance. Moore Barber earned USA South All-Conference first team and Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State first team accolades in 2006. She also made the USA South All-Tournament Team in 2004 and 2005, and USA South 50th Anniversary Softball Team in 2015. Moore Barber holds school records for career at-bats and career home runs, and earned Ferrum batting titles in 2004 and 2006. She served two years as assistant softball coach at Ferrum after graduation, before embarking on a career in nuclear medicine technology. She currently works as a Health Physicist and Associate Radiation Safety Officer for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Melvin Dillard ’92 of Hampton, VA, played football for four years for the Panthers from 1987-91. He earned CoSIDA and Football News All-America honors in 1989, as well as Kodak & Champion All-America in 1990 as defensive back and kick returner. Dillard holds school records for game and season punt return yards, season and career interceptions, season interception return yards (146) and longest punt return. After graduation, went on to work in the mental health field with both children and adults. Melvin was employed for 22 years at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, and is now owner and operator of Dillard Lawn Care, LLC.
Roben Sutphin Thomas ’96 of Woodbridge, VA, played Ferrum softball from 1993-96 and helped the Panthers win USA South co-championships in 1994 and 1995. She was a four-time All-Conference selection in the USA South, and earned four USA South Academic All-Conference selections. She earned Academic All-District in 1994 and 1995, was a member of the VA Sports Information Directors All-State 1st team in 1996, and earned All-State honorable mention in 1995. Sutphen Thomas was the 1996 Ferrum College President’s Cup recipient. She won Ferrum’s batting title in 1995, and holds school records for single season pitching wins and for game, season, and career walks. She is married to former Ferrum football standout Zachary Thomas and they have five children. For 12 years, Sutphen Thomas volunteered at children’s schools as a mentor, tutor, and chaperon. She is employed by Prince William County Schools.
Tara Toland ’05 of North, SC, played women’s basketball four years at Ferrum from 2001-05. She holds Ferrum’s #3 spot on the all-time scoring list with 1,501 career points. Toland holds school records for season and career assists, as well as game, season and career steals. Following a stellar season in 2005, she earned USA South Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and an All-Conference first team honor, WBCA Division III All-American honorable mention and VaSID All-State first team. Toland founded the Winston-Salem Lady Warcats in 2010, a semi-pro women’s basketball team in the WBCBL and as head coach, led the Warcats to a 27-20 record with two WBCBL playoff appearances. She was named head women’s basketball coach at Allen University in Columbia, SC, in January 2021.
Read more about Toland in this article featured in The Times and Democrat.
Mark White ’96 of Deltaville, VA, played Ferrum baseball from 1991-95. He joined the Ferrum athletics staff as head cross country coach in 2018. After starting Ferrum’s track & field program in fall 2020, for which he now serves as head coach, White had his first NCAA qualifier and All-American in spring 2021. White has also coached several USA Junior National Championship qualifiers, as well as USA National Championship qualifiers, a two-time All-American and an athlete who won the silver medal for the United States in the 2014 NACAC Championships in Canada. White’s career titles have also included Middlesex High School athletic director and head football coach, and he earned Tidewater District Coach of the Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007, and Region A Coach of the Year in 2006.
Gary Holden of Ferrum, VA, has served as Ferrum’s sports information director for 30 years, and as assistant athletic director for 18. He coached men’s tennis from 1999-2008 and women’s tennis in 2002 and 2004. He was named USA South Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2006, and served four years on the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Committee from 2005-08. He served as head wrestling coach at Plymouth State University from 1988-91, and served as assistant wrestling coach from 1986-87. Holden earned New England College Conference Wrestling Association Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1990. He wrote and self-published “Black & Gold, A History of Athletics at Ferrum College,” in 2014. A former high school state champion wrestler, Holden was a four-year starter at Plymouth State, earned All-Conference three times, and was named to the Plymouth State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
Vickie Van Kleeck of Roanoke, VA, served as Ferrum’s head softball coach from 1992-2015. She served 10 years as senior women’s administrator and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee advisor, as well as five years on the NCAA Softball Rules Committee. Van Kleeck led Ferrum to USA South/Dixie regular season championships in 1994, 1995 and 2013, and to USA South Tournament titles in 2002, 2005 and 2012. She posted a 590-508-1 career coaching record with three 30-plus winning seasons, and earned the National Fastpitch Coaches Association 500-Win Milestone. Van Kleeck was the 1989 New South Softball Coach of the Year and the 2013 USA South Softball Coach of the Year. She currently serves as the NCAA Softball Rules editor, as well as the women’s basketball officiating coordinator for the ODAC.
Elizabeth Adams O’Neal ’00 of Wake Forest, NC, played soccer for four years, tennis for three years, and basketball for one year during her stint at Ferrum from 1996-00. She was Ferrum’s first-ever Academic All-American, and a four-time Dixie Conference All-Academic selection, eight-time Dean’s List member, a USA South Silver Anniversary Team member, the Ferrum President’s Cup recipient in 2000, and Ferrum’s NCAA Woman of the Year nominee in 2000. After graduation, Adams O’Neal worked for GTE in the Developer Services Marketing Integration Department in Dallas, TX. She has also worked as a payroll associate at Sunrise Senior Living, was promoted to budget analyst, and currently serves as senior director of Financial Planning and Analysis. She and her husband Keith have two daughters. After volunteering with her daughters’ ice skating team, she was also named second VP of the Triangle Figure Skating Club of NC.
Kathy Bocock ’84 of Greensboro, NC, played basketball, softball, and volleyball at Ferrum from 1981-83. After graduating, she served as head women’s basketball coach and head softball coach at Averett University from 1993-07, adding the role of Senior Woman Administrator her last 10 years. She led the Cougars to the 1995 Dixie Conference softball regular-season co-championship and was named Coach of the Year. She also led the Averett’s 2000 softball team to a 31-13 overall record and a #3 regional ranking. Bocock joined Elon University as a volunteer assistant softball coach in 2009, then served as assistant coach in 2010 and 2011. She was promoted to head softball coach at Elon in 2012, and earned more wins in her first two seasons than any other coach in school history. She has won 463 games as a head softball coach in her career at Averett and Elon combined.
Shelby Irving ’84 of Danville, VA, played women’s basketball and softball at Ferrum from 1980-84. She worked at Danville Parks & Recreation after graduating from Ferrum, then served as head women’s basketball coach at Averett University from 1985-87. In 1987, she became Danville’s first female firefighter. In 2004, Irving was promoted to assistant fire marshal and in 2005, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Danville Community College with an Associate Degree in Fire Science. She was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 2006, then promoted to chief fire marshal in 2007. Danville Community College named Irving their 2010 Outstanding Alumni recipient. Irving is a two-time recipient of the “Ruby Archie” Award for service, a Bank of America Neighborhood Champion, and a Community Strong Person of the Year. She is the first African American chief officer, and currently the highest-ranking African American officer in the Danville Fire Department.
Bobby James ’84 of Rocky Mount, VA, has been part of Ferrum’s Black Hats football program since 1979. He earned his B.S. in recreation and leisure, and also served as a team manager as a student from 1979-83, then as assistant football coach and assistant men’s basketball coach from 1984-91. James worked at Franklin County High School in nearby Rocky Mount as a teacher, assistant girls basketball coach, and assistant softball coach from 1992-05. He accepted a full-time assistant football coach position with the Panthers staff in 2006. James has served as a staff member at Camp Hanover since 1983, and has worked with camp staff on Habitat for Humanity projects, feeding at homeless shelters, and gleaning at local farms to deliver produce to local food pantries. He also spent three seasons on the football coaching staff for the Roanoke Steam, an Arena Football League 2 program headquartered in Roanoke, VA.
Becky Piloto Fennessy ’92 of Avondale, PA, played Ferrum softball and women’s basketball from 1988-92. She was a USA South (Dixie) All-Conference first team selection in 1990 and 1991, earned spots on the Dixie All-Tournament Team in 1989 and 1990, and was the Dixie Conference Tournament MVP in 1989. Piloto Fennessey is currently second on Ferrum’s all-time season batting average list with a .537 average in 1991. She won Ferrum batting titles in 1989, 1990 and 1991. She currently works as a senior director of Global Professional Services at Actifio, Inc., a software company headquartered in Waltham, MA. Prior to joining Actifio, Piloto Fennessey spent 13 years with IBM as an executive architect, and was a volunteer member of the IBM Mentor Program. She holds multiple certifications as a certified architect with Open Group, ITIL Foundation.
Coach Jim Hartbarger of Silva, NC, served as Ferrum’s head men’s basketball coach from 1964-67, and produced a 71-15 record. His teams won three straight Cavalier Tarheel Conference titles and Hartbarger was named Coach of the Year all three seasons. He also served a year as dean of students. After leaving Ferrum, he worked as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech from 1967-70 before being named head men’s basketball coach at Western Carolina University, where he spent five seasons at the helm. Hartbarger’s 1970-71 team compiled a 25-5 record. In 1975, he and his wife bought a historic inn and restaurant, The Jarrett House, located in Dillsboro, NC, which they owned and operated with their sons for 40 years. Hartbarger was inducted into the Western Carolina University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Salem (WV) College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
Homecoming 2019 tailgate at Bassett Field
9/9/2021
After the cancelation of last year’s homecoming events in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Ferrum College is excited to once again welcome alumni, students, parents, families, faculty, staff, and friends back to campus to enjoy the 2021 festivities.
Picnics, music, sports, reunions, awards, and more will begin Friday, October 15 and continue through Sunday, October 17. Weekend highlights include a family friendly bike tour at 4 p.m. on campus on Friday, a Ferrum Takeover event at Mellow Mushroom in Roanoke at 5 p.m., and events concluding at 9 p.m. with homecoming court announcements and s’mores on campus at Daniel’s Field.
Tailgating at Bassett Field will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, with the Bassett Field beer garden opening at 11:30 a.m., brought to campus by Chaos Mountain Brewery. The Norton Outdoor Canoe and Kayak Experience happens at Adams Lake at 11:30 a.m. and will feature a float for kids ages 10 and up (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). And of course, the homecoming football game between Ferrum College’s Panthers and Shenandoah University’s Hornets will begin at 1 p.m. at W.B. Adams Stadium. Saturday evening features a Young Alumni Gala, hosted by alumnus Ra’meer Roberts at Corinthian Ballroom in Roanoke from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Homecoming weekend will end with a worship service at Vaughn Chapel on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. There will also be outdoor activities available all weekend including hiking, fishing, and disc golf.
For more information regarding homecoming events, please visit here or call the Alumni Office at 540-365-4216. Register for events here.
Commemorate this year’s on-campus homecoming celebrations (October 15-17) by pre-ordering the officially licensed 2021 homecoming t-shirt by Champion. Pre-order your shirt here.
Photo by Brad Holley Photography
10/5/2021
The Ferrum College community will celebrate its Giving Day on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. The theme of this day is “The Tie That Binds,” which pays tribute to the relationships shaped at Ferrum College.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Wilson Paine, who is also a 2007 alumnus of the College, spoke about his own experience: “Ferrum College has played an intricate role in our lives beyond just the classroom. As a student at Ferrum, I met friends whom I’m even closer to now, nearly two decades later. They have been by my side through some of life’s most important milestones – my first job interview, my wedding, the birth of my children. Through it all, I’m reminded that Ferrum College has been the tie that binds us all together.”
On or before October 12, the College invites donors to honor the relationships forged at Ferrum by signing up to make a monthly recurring gift to the Ferrum Fund at www.ferrum.edu/give.
The Ferrum Fund provides current and future students with:
7/8/2021
Ferrum alumni enjoyed a Washington Nationals game (2018).
After more than a year of solitude due to COVID-19, Ferrum College alumni are now able to safely gather and reconnect per updated CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals.
“Ferrum alums are ready to get back together,” said Director of Alumni and Family Programs Tracy Holley. “We’ve all missed each other and are excited to put into action the plans we’ve been making over the last year.”
A list of upcoming alumni events follows. Some details are not finalized yet. Holley reminds everyone to continue watching the Alumni and Alumni Association Facebook pages for updates.
Additionally, the College is pleased to introduce a Build Your Own Event (B.Y.O.E.) option, in which alums are invited to create their own events, and Alumni and Family Programs will help spread the word. “We want to get reconnected with each other and our community,” explained Holley. Interested participants should email Holley at alumni@ferrum.edu to get started.
Upcoming Alumni Events:
July 15, noon: Alumni Lunch at Mac & Bob’s, Salem
July 15, 7:00 PM: Salem Red Sox Game
July 27, noon: Alumni Lunch at Golden Leaf Bistro, Danville
July 27, 6:30 PM: Greensboro Grasshoppers Game
July 21 – 25, all day: FloydFest21~Odyssey
July 30 – 31, all day: Float Trip down James River
August 12, 7:00 PM: Alumni Virtual Wine Tasting with Beliveau
August 19, noon: Alumni Lunch at P.F. Chang’s, 9212 Stony Point Pkwy, in Richmond
August 19, 6:00 PM: Alumni Event at Topgolf, Richmond
September 17: Alumni Event in Hampton (more details to come)
September 18, 4:00 PM: CNU Tailgate & Game
October 8: Alumni Event in Bridgewater Area (more details to come)
October 15, 5:00 – 8:00 PM: Alumni Kick-Off at 202 Social House, Roanoke
October 16, 8:30 AM: Homecoming & ABOD Meeting
October 16, 11:00 AM: Golden Panthers Induction
October 23, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
October 30, 11:00 AM: Alumni Awards and Sports Hall of Fame
6/9/2021
Wilkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ferrum College in 2004 and went on to receive a Master of English from UNC-Greensboro. Now, she works as a lead claims representative at Genworth Financial Services in long-term care claims, which she described as “a really wordy way to say I handle escalations.”
But her real passion was ignited during a conversation with her cousin, who is a lawyer in the district attorney’s office in Chesterfield, VA. Her cousin said she would make a good victim’s advocate, so Wilkins began looking into volunteer programs. During a Get Downtown festival hosted by her hometown of Lynchburg, she explored a victim’s advocacy program through the YWCA and Lynchburg General Hospital, and discovered a true need that she knew she could fill. Now, Wilkins receives calls from the hospital to support sexual assault victims through the forensic nurse process. “[I] offer a distraction or a hand to hold, whatever it is they might need,” she said. “I love it so much.”
