L to R: Madison Cogle ’23 – 1st place, Ryan Gobble ’24 – finalist, and Laurynn Hackett ’23 – finalist.
11/17/2021
Ferrum College students commanded quite the presence when they took three of the top four places during the 14th Annual Collegiate Young Farmers Discussion Meet held on November 5 in Lynchburg, VA.
Ferrum College junior Madison Cogle ’23, from Lewis County, WV, won first place, which entitled her to a $500 scholarship from Southern Farm Life Insurance Company and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) Young Farmers. She will receive a trip to watch the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at their annual convention in Atlanta, GA, in January 2022. She will also receive a travel package to attend February’s AFBF Young Farmers Collegiate Discussion Meet in Louisville, KY.
Cogle is majoring in agriculture science with emphases in equine studies and animal science. She stated that “the end goal is vet school.” Cogle is also Ferrum’s first-ever Beckham Presidential Scholarship recipient.
Ferrum College junior Lauren Hackett ’23 and sophomore Ryan Gobble ’24 were also named finalists. Gobble and Hackett each received $150 from VFBF. Hackett is majoring in agriculture with an emphasis in animal science, and Gobble is a secondary education major with an emphasis in agriculture education.
All three Ferrum College students are members of the Boone Honors Program, and officers in the Ag Club (Hackett is president, Gobble is vice president, and Cogle is secretary). Cogle is also a member of Franklin County Young Farmers.
“I was very surprised and not at all expecting to win, but I was going for the experience and the opportunity to connect and communicate with other students in agriculture- winning was just the cherry on top,” said Cogle. “I loved talking with so many other students that had very different perspectives within the field of agriculture. I also greatly appreciate the scholarship, and I am looking forward to the travel opportunities and the possibilities to connect with other young agriculturalists.”
This year’s meeting, which was sponsored by VFBF, included four topics: COVID-19 challenges, preventive approaches to farm safety, renewable agricultural practices, and how to best enhance Farm Bureau Young Farmers Program participation. The competitors were judged on discussion skills, understanding of the agricultural issues, and ability to build consensus.
Learn more about Ferrum’s ag science program here.
Learn more about the Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers here.
Ferrum College has made some strategic staffing changes to enhance the student experience and promote community engagement. Associate Professor of Psychology and former Dean of the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences Angie Dahl has been named vice president of Student Development and Campus Life. Dahl has master’s degrees in both religion and psychology, an educational specialist degree in school psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Utah State University. She brings to the position an understanding of student development, expertise in mental health and trauma, and a passion for Ferrum College and its students.
Former Assistant Dean of Students Vanessa Stone has been named the dean of students. Stone has a master’s degree in human services, executive leadership, and has worked within student affairs at Ferrum College for the last ten years. Dahl shared, “Vanessa understands our students’ needs for safety and connection. She brings this focus and her love for Ferrum to this position.” Vanessa will lead both Residence Life and Student Accountability teams.
Associate Director of Graduate and Online Programs and Transfer Student Coordinator Jill Adams will assume the role of dean of Campus Life and Title IX coordinator. Adams has a master’s degree in human services, health and wellness, and has worked in student affairs throughout her career, most recently as assistant dean and Title IX coordinator at Averett. “Jill has a history of infusing energy into all things Ferrum. She will be focusing on providing opportunities for connection and belonging for all of our Ferrum community and leading up our Title IX response,” said Dahl.
Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05 has been named chair of the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Muse has a master’s degree in human services, executive leadership and has worked with student activities at Ferrum for 14 years. “Justin understands the real need for all members of our community to engage with each other and have meaningful conversations on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and learn to work together,” said Dahl.
The team’s focus will be to support the Ferrum College community holistically. Dahl shared, “We will center our efforts on supporting student development in multiple dimensions- intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, and physical, and emphasizing opportunities for connection, understanding and engagement across our community. The pandemic only highlighted the importance of supporting each other and providing opportunities for each member of our community to find purpose, progress in their own development, and ultimately, flourish.”
Read more about the College’s plans in this Franklin News-Post article.
Ferrum College students, faculty, staff, and community members attended the College’s annual Veterans Day ceremony in Vaughn Chapel on November 11, 2021. Ferrum College alumnus and Brigadier General (Ret.) Burt Thompson ’82 was the keynote speaker.
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant and Professor of English Melvin Macklin brought greetings to attendees on behalf of Ferrum College. After the “National Anthem” was sung, Campus Minister Laura Robinson gave the invocation and President David Johns welcomed the crowd. Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Wilson Paine ’07 introduced BG (Ret.) Thompson, who spoke about his own experience, first as a student at Ferrum College and then as a military service member. He said, “We only celebrate Veterans Day for a few minutes and then this country’s life carries on – as it should – but I think it most appropriate that we recall this occasion during the moments when we are faced with great responsibilities. Recall the contributions and sacrifices which so many men and women, and their families, have made that permits us to gather like we are today.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly recognized veterans in the audience and then Ferrum’s “Alma Mater” was sung. President David Johns ended the ceremony by speaking to attendees about veterans’ sacrifices. He said, “Do something meaningful to make life more peaceful and free.”
Ferrum College is a Yellow Ribbon school, which means that the College honors military benefits for active duty or retired military students, or dependents of military personnel. Currently, 24 of Ferrum’s students utilize military benefits.
Watch a recorded version of the ceremony here.
See photos from the event here.
More about BG (Ret.) Thompson:
BG (Ret.) Thompson served for 31 years as the Deputy Director for Strategic Plans and Policy in the U.S. Pacific Command, and retired in 2015.
As a resident of Mount Vernon, Virginia, he now serves as the president of Data Machines Corp., a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that provides solutions in data analytics, dev-ops, machine intelligence, and data science. He also supports war fighter exercises as the senior mentor and highly qualified expert for the U.S. Army Mission Command Training Program. He teaches national security decision-making and effective leadership processes as a mentor for the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute and National Security Executive Leadership Seminar.
BG (Ret.) Thompson coaches over 100 senior officers and their spouses each year on successful transition from military to civilian life as the course facilitator and instructor for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy General Officer and Flag Officer Transition Program.
After earning an Associate of Arts degree from Ferrum College in 1982, BG (Ret.) Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Norwich University. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Advanced Military Studies from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College; another Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College; and a Master of Science in Personal Management and Administration from Central Michigan University.
BG (Ret.) Thompson is also a 2014 recipient of Ferrum College’s Beckham Medallion, the College’s highest alumni honor. Named after the College’s first president, Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham, the Medallion is awarded to an alumnus or alumna who exemplifies in an exceptional manner the Ferrum motto, “Not Self, But Others.”
Ferrum family:
I have just returned from visiting alumni on the other side of the country, one who graduated thirty years ago, another sixty years ago. One built a career in science, the other in entertainment, and in both cases, their memories were powerful and vivid, their appreciation strong. What they gained from being at Ferrum College–studying, living, working, playing–gave them the confidence, courage, and connections to be successful. They were inspiring, and I am thankful for them.
Each of you has your own Ferrum story, a story of how being part of this community has changed and is changing your life, whether you are a student, an employee, a trustee, or a friend of the College. What you are doing to improve life and to build a meaningful future is amazing. YOU inspire me–and others!–and I am thankful for you.
The past few weeks have been filled with a return to some of the campus events we love, but missed last year–Homecoming, Folklife Festival, fall sports. Thousands from the Ferrum family, and beyond, have gathered, celebrated, cheered, and simply delighted in being here, in this place…together. Being part of these events is inspiring, and I am thankful they are happening.
We are nearing the end of the semester and, since August, we have all clocked many hours on the job, in the classroom and labs, in Panther Grounds, on the field. We have seen some high points this semester, and we have experienced a few low ones as well. In short, we have done a lot.
Stop doing those things for just a moment!
Take a few minutes today to stop what you are doing, close your eyes, breathe the fall Ferrum air, listen to the sounds of campus…and…be…thankful.
Be thankful for life; be thankful for opportunity; be thankful for each other; be thankful for the semester break that is almost here; and be thankful for a new semester that awaits us in January, and for the promise it holds for each one of us.
With gratitude for each of you and for all of us.
David L. Johns, Ph.D.
President
11/9/2021
Visit here to watch the live-streamed event.
More about BG (Ret.) Thompson:
BG (Ret.) Thompson served for 31 years as the Deputy Director for Strategic Plans and Policy in the U.S. Pacific Command, and retired in 2015. As a resident of Mount Vernon, Virginia, he now serves as the president of Data Machines Corp., a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that provides solutions in data analytics, dev-ops, machine intelligence, and data science. He also supports war fighter exercises as the senior mentor and highly qualified expert for the U.S. Army Mission Command Training Program. He teaches national security decision-making and effective leadership processes as a mentor for the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute and National Security Executive Leadership Seminar.
BG (Ret.) Thompson coaches over 100 senior officers and their spouses each year on successful transition from military to civilian life as the course facilitator and instructor for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy General Officer and Flag Officer Transition Program.
After earning an Associate of Arts degree from Ferrum College in 1982, BG (Ret.) Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Norwich University. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Advanced Military Studies from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College; another Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College; and a Master of Science in Personal Management and Administration from Central Michigan University.
11/5/2021
“We chose ‘Judeophobia’ because this broader heading incorporates both anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, as well as other various discriminatory practices against Jews at various points in history,” explained Vanden Eykel.
Vanden Eykel will co-edit the book with R.A. Webb Associate Professor of Religious Studies Sarah Rollens of Rhodes College, and Senior Lecturer in Biblical and Religious Studies Merdith Warren of University of Sheffield. The trio worked together in 2020 when they wrote a journal article on Judeophobia, and earlier this fall when they co-authored a piece that appeared in The Independent.
Vanden Eykel, Rollens, and Warren have enlisted over thirty biblical scholars from around the world to contribute chapters to the book, which will be published sometime in 2023 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The book will include essays to aid educators in teaching about Judeophobia and the New Testament and other early Christian literature. “The project aims to highlight, for non-specialist readers, how these texts have engendered and promoted Judeophobia in the past and in the present,” said Vanden Eykel. “Our goal is for this book to be at home in any undergraduate biblical studies classroom, as well as seminaries and church Bible studies.”
Learn more about Ferrum College’s religious studies program here.
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.
SMLA President John Rupnik presents the Melvin Johnson Award to Dr. Bob Pohlad.
10/22/2021
During their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 19, the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) bestowed the 2021 Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award upon Ferrum College Professor Emeritus Bob Pohlad.
The annual award, named for philanthropist and SMLA founder Melvin Johnston, is given to those who have had a great impact on the Smith Mountain Lake area during the year, or over an extended period of time. SMLA board member Lori Smith, who also served as SMLA president from 2017-19, was Pohlad’s counterpart in receiving the award.
Pohlad has served as senior scientist for the Water Quality Program (WQP) on Smith Mountain Lake, which was founded 35 years ago by Pohlad’s late wife, Dr. Carolyn Thomas, and Dr. Dave Johnson. Both Thomas and Johnson taught at Ferrum College with Pohlad.
“I am very honored to be given this award by the SMLA, and to be a part of the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Program and the Master Naturalist Program,” said Pohlad. “These programs help people engage in citizen science that enhances everyone’s knowledge of our valuable local resources to benefit us all.”
In his role as senior scientist, Pohlad coordinated the recent development and implementation of SMLA’s new algae reporting tool, which has since been integrated into the Virginia Department of Health reporting system.
Pohlad also helps to train volunteers of the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. These volunteers take on active projects at Smith Mountain Lake, such as monitoring waters and streams, invasive species control, and buffer landscaping. Pohlad designed curriculum for training and taught classes both in person and over Zoom during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“The awards committee and the SMLA Board felt strongly that Dr. Pohlad’s long record of service to the WQP was due appropriate recognition, as was his service in preparing so many citizen scientists over the years,” said SMLA board member Geoffrey Orth, who also serves as the coordinator for Save our Streams. “He is truly, as the citation of the award indicates, the institutional memory of the WQP and a go-to person for some of our knottiest problems. It is hard to imagine how the WQP and its volunteer base would have reached its current level of expertise without him.”
Learn more in these articles by The Franklin News-Post and The Laker Weekly.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s role in the Water Quality Program.
From left to right in the photo: Ferrum College students Mikayla Floyd, Andre Williams, Ahjaley Henderson, and Damon Curry, with Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05.
10/20/2021
From Thursday, September 30 through Saturday, October 2, four Ferrum College students voluntarily attended the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Leadership Conference held in Winston-Salem, NC.
During the conference, the students networked with other student groups from other colleges, attended training sessions and honed leadership skills, and previewed performances and demonstrations from engaging speakers and programs which could be brought to Ferrum’s campus.
“The NACA Conference was a fun experience, it was my first time going and I enjoyed every second of it,” said Andre Williams ’22, who serves as senior class president. “It was helpful talking to other schools and getting to know how they do things and comparing ideas. I hope the ideas we gathered will help us bring some freshness to campus. I’m thankful to Ferrum College for this opportunity.”
“The NACA conference was an excellent experience for our student leaders,” said Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05. “They learned how to plan activities in order to receive the most engagement and create unity on campus. It was a pleasure to accompany them to this conference.”
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.
10/14/2021
On October 12, 2021, Ferrum College celebrated its own day of giving, ending the campaign with a record-breaking day: $109,382 from 275 donors. This year’s total more than doubles last year’s, when Ferrum received $56,786 from over 260 donors on December 1, 2020 during #GivingTuesday, the global day of giving.
“During a time when it seems that unity is scarce in the world, our college community has once again joined together to enrich the lives of Ferrum students,” said President David Johns. “They will benefit from the generosity of our alumni, employees, and friends for years to come, and I am proud of the work we’re doing to educate our future leaders.”
The theme for Ferrum’s Giving Day was “The Tie That Binds,” which celebrates the long-lasting relationships that are built on campus between students, coaches, faculty, and staff.
“Through the years, spanning decades and generations, it is our shared experience that brings us all together as members of the Ferrum family,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Wilson Paine, who is a 2007 Ferrum College alumnus. “The support we continue to receive is just astounding, and I am proud of our collective commitment to Ferrum students.”
10/6/2021
Ferrum College has announced the new Student Government Association (SGA) cabinet officers for the 2021-22 academic year. For the senior class, Andre Williams ’22 was named president and Damon Curry ’22 was named vice president. Kelsey Smith ’23 was named junior class president. She will serve alongside Jazmin Scarberry ’23 as vice president, Jess Bollinger as secretary, and Cameron Hawkins ’23 as treasurer. To enter the SGA election, students must run together as a cabinet and submit a petition for election showcasing 100 signatures.
“I’m looking forward to working with this group of students this year,” said Director of Student Activities Justin Muse ’05. “They’ve already hit the ground running and have been bouncing around great ideas to implement. We’re going to have an exceptional year!”
Meet the 2021-22 class officers below.
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Major: business administration
Why he loves Ferrum College: “The students and professors at Ferrum are some of the best I’ve ever known. I wanted to serve as senior class president to be their voice and to help Ferrum stay great.”
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Majors: business administration
Why he loves Ferrum College: “I love Ferrum because of the opportunities it’s given me to showcase my leadership skills. I’m fortunate to do a lot on campus and meet a lot of people. I look forward to working with you!”
Hometown: Gretna, VA
Major: sociology
Why she loves Ferrum College: “Ferrum College is a second home to me. I have made a lot of friendships that I know will be lifelong. I can be a voice for the junior class because of my love and devotion to better the place I call home.”
Hometown: Bluefield, VA
Majors: ecotourism and history
Why she loves Ferrum College: “I love Ferrum College because it makes me feel at home. It is such a tight knit community where everyone is so caring and welcoming. I enjoy being greeted everywhere with a smile and a wave. I believe the voices of the students are what makes a difference.”
Hometown: Bedford, VA
Majors: political science and history
Why she wants to serve as a class officer: “I am excited to help my classmates voices be heard. I’m also able to interact on campus in a new way.”
Hometown: Sparta, NC
Major: psychology
Why she wants to serve as a class officer: “I love how Ferrum College creates events and activities to do right here on campus. I wanted to make my own college experience great, and make others’ experiences better, as well. I also want to build and strengthen my leadership skills for my responsibilities in the future.”
