Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jill Adams organizes the class of 2026 on the steps of Schoolfield Hall ahead of their class photo on Friday, May 1. | |
A Message of Gratitude from President Mirta M. Martin
As the spring semester concluded and Commencement weekend came to a close, Ferrum College continues to advance academically, strengthen enrollment, support student-athletes, and maintain operational excellence. Campus energy remains strong as we celebrate our students' achievements and stay focused on the important work ahead.
I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for what has truly been a remarkable year on our campus. This has been a phenomenal year - one defined by hard work, resilience, care for one another, and a shared commitment to our students. Every day, in ways both seen and unseen, you have contributed to the strength and spirit of this community. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
Commencement on May 2 was a beautiful and meaningful celebration. Our graduates crossed the stage, surrounded by pride, love, and the unmistakable sense of accomplishment each of you helped make possible. I hope you had the opportunity to reflect on the words of our keynote speaker, Dr. Belle Wheelan. Her message was powerful, timely, and a fitting tribute to the journey of our College and the Class of 2026.
Onward and Upward with gratitude,
Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D.
President
Ferrum College
#FerrumRising
👉🔗 Click here to read detailed news and updates from President Martin.
| | | Enjoy Reading These Sections Below | |
- Institutional Advancement Message
- What You Can Do
- Campus News Highlights
- Commencement 2026
- Students Explore Leadership
- Agripalooza
- Future Builders Camps
- Anderson Recognized
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- Alumni News Highlights
- Johnson Returns to Coach
- Alumni Keynote Speakers
- Panthers Leading Panthers
- Recent Alumni Event Highlights
- 40 West Challenge
- Upcoming Events
- Alumni & Family Relations Message
- Links to Find More Online
- Career Opportunities
| | A Message From Institutional Advancement | | |
As we near the end of our fiscal year in June, your support of the Ferrum Fund is more important than ever to help our students thrive. Today’s Ferrum College students are working hard to pursue a life-changing education while balancing financial pressures, jobs, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about the future, making support beyond the classroom crucial.
This is why the Ferrum Fund matters so urgently.
Gifts to the Ferrum Fund provide immediate, flexible support where the need is the greatest:
- Additional financial aid
- Student support resources
- Supportive campus environment and facilities
- Funding for additional learning opportunities
- And much more
Every gift matters and is put to work immediately. Every gift is a statement that Ferrum College students matter, that opportunity matters, and that the Ferrum experience must continue for future generations. Your participation sends a powerful message of belief and momentum as part of the Ferrum Rising movement.
Please don't wait. Make your gift today to help us finish strong for our students.
Click the button below to give online with a credit card.
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For additional ways to make a gift, visit www.ferrum.edu/ferrum-giving.
Thank you for standing with our Ferrum College students.
Together, we all rise.
#FerrumRising
With sincere gratitude,
Chris Watters
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Ferrum College
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Ferrum College Celebrates 144 Graduates at 110th Commencement Ceremony
Ferrum College celebrated 144 graduates during its 110th Commencement Ceremony on May 2, honoring students from 11 states and five countries—Venezuela, South Africa, Canada, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Distinguished higher education leader Belle S. Wheelan delivered the keynote address as graduates marked the beginning of their next chapter. Click here to read more.
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Students Explore Leadership Potential at Regional Retreat
A group of Ferrum College student leaders returned energized and inspired after participating in the Sullivan Foundation’s Ignite Retreat, held March 27–29 at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. The selective program brought together students from across the region for a three-day immersive experience focused on ethical leadership, self-discovery, and turning ideas into action. Click here to read more.
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Ferrum College Hosts Agripalooza
Ferrum College proudly hosted Agripalooza: Where Technology Meets Tradition on March 24, 2026, welcoming farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and community partners for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and collaboration. Presented in partnership with Franklin County, Virginia, and the Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Center, the event highlighted the strength of regional partnerships and the future of agriculture in Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Katie Frazier, delivered the keynote address. Click here to read more.
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Free Future Builders Camps Coming to Ferrum College in July
Ferrum College will host two free summer camps in July for high school students interested in construction, engineering, design, and skilled trades. The Franklin County Future Builders Academy–Concrete Week will be held July 6-13, followed by Franklin County Future Builders Academy–Carpentry Week on July 13–17. Both hands-on camps will take place on campus, with transportation from The Franklin Center in Rocky Mount and daily lunch included for participants. Click here to read more.
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Anderson Earns Emerging Leader Award
Alexis Anderson, Ferrum College’s deputy athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator, received the Emerging Leader Award from the National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC). This marks her second NAAC award in three years, having previously earned the Div. II Rising Star Award in 2023. She is one of five NAAC award winners for the 2025–26 academic year. Click here to read more.
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Johnson Returns As Basketball Coach
Ferrum College has named alumnus James Johnson ’93 as its new Head Men’s Basketball Coach, bringing home a veteran leader with more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including roles at Virginia Tech, George Mason, Penn State, and Miami. A former Panther player and assistant coach, Johnson returns to his alma mater as Ferrum continues its transition to NCAA Division II competition, emphasizing leadership, character, and championship experience. Click here to read more.
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Alumni Return as Keynote Speakers for Blue Ridge Research Conference
Ferrum College welcomed undergraduate scholars from across the Southern Appalachian region for the 32nd Annual Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference on April 3, featuring Ferrum alumni Caitlin Blaukovitch ’20 and Jacob Blaukovitch ’21 as keynote speakers.
In their address, “Undergraduate Research as an Opportunity, not a Destination,” the Blaukovitches reflected on how undergraduate research helped shape their academic and professional journeys. Caitlin, now an emergency medicine resident at LewisGale Medical Center, and Jacob, a doctoral student in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health at Virginia Tech, encouraged students to view research experiences as opportunities for growth, skill-building, and mentorship—even when projects take unexpected turns. Click here to read more.
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Panthers Leading Panthers: Join the Alumni Board of Directors
Ferrum College alumni make a lasting impact on the College, and we’re excited to grow our Alumni Board of Directors and alumni volunteer network. Whether you’re interested in serving in a leadership role or simply looking for meaningful ways to stay connected and give back, we would love to hear from you.
To express interest in joining the Alumni Board or becoming an alumni volunteer, please send your resume or CV and a headshot to alumni@ferrum.edu. The Director of Alumni & Family Relations, Corretta Patterson '97, or the Alumni Board of Directors President, Brooke Gill '05, will follow up with you to discuss next steps and opportunities to get involved.
| Support Student-Athletes Through the 40 West Challenge | |
Join the 40 West Challenge to make a lasting impact on Ferrum College student-athletes. By committing to a recurring $40 monthly gift, alumni and friends can provide year-round critical support for Panther athletics.
We also urgently need sponsors for our football summer program, with $1,000 per student required to bring players back to campus early for preseason preparation before the June 30 deadline.
Whether you choose a monthly or one-time gift, every contribution helps our student-athletes succeed on and off the field. Together, many hands truly do make light work.
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Weekly on Mondays
- The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road that features authentic old-time and bluegrass music. Join every Monday at 7 p.m. to play, sing, dance, or listen. Weather permitting, the jam is held at the Leo Scott Pavilion across Rt. 40 or at Grousbeck Hall on campus. Chairs and accessible parking are available. Check the Appalachian Music at Ferrum College Facebook page for location updates.
May 2026
July 2026
- July 6–10: Franklin County Future Builders Academy - Concrete Week. Join us for a FREE, fun, hands-on week for high school students interested in construction, engineering, design, & skilled trades. Click here for information.
- July 13–17: Franklin County Future Builders Academy - Carpentry Week. Join us for a FREE, fun, hands-on week for high school students interested in construction, engineering, design, & skilled trades. Click here for information.
September 2026
- September 5: Sports Hall of Fame — mark your calendar!
- September 26: Alumni Awards and Donor Appreciation — mark your calendar!
October 2026
Additional Event Information
| | Recent Alumni Event Photo Highlights | | Social Work Program Celebrates 50th Anniversary | Ferrum College was proud to celebrate 50 years of its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program with a special Anniversary Event & Alumni Gathering on Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall. The afternoon program featured guest speakers, including program founder Dr. Ira Colby, and alumni Holly D’Heron ’09 and Ralph Branch III ’14, followed by a Phi Alpha Initiation Ceremony. Click here to see additional event photos. | | | Men's and Women's Tennis Alumni and Friends Gathering | Ferrum College Tennis invited alumni and supporters back to campus for the Spring Game on Saturday, March, 20, 2026, at Burrows Skeens Tennis Courts. Click here to see additional spring athletic alumni & friends event photos. | | | Baseball Alumni and Friends Gathering and Spring Game | Ferrum College Baseball invited alumni and supporters back to campus for the Spring Game on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Panther Field. Click here to see additional spring athletic alumni event photos. | | | Ferrum College Alumni Tour Visits Richmond | Ferrum College hosted a Richmond Alumni Regional Tour event at President Mirta Martin's home in Midlothian on Friday, May 8, 2026. It was a night to catch up, hear stories, and see the strength of Ferrum College's alumni network in the Richmond area, as well as to reconnect, engage, and celebrate with fellow Panthers and friends, old and new, who love and support Ferrum College. Click here to learn more about alumni programs. | | | Ferrum College Alumni Connections | | |
Dear Ferrum Family,
Help Us Celebrate Our Best: 2026 Alumni Award Nominations
At Ferrum College, we often talk about the transformative power of our motto, “Not Self, But Others.” Every day, I hear stories of Panthers living out this mission in their careers, communities, and lives. Now is the time to give those individuals the recognition they deserve.
I am officially inviting you to submit nominations for our 2026 Alumni Awards. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the classmates and colleagues who make us proud to call Ferrum College home.
- The Distinguished Alumni Awards
- The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
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The Distinguished Alumni Awards
This award is our highest alumni honor, reserved for alumni who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to excellence and service.
The Criteria
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A Legacy of Achievement: Nominees must have a record of exceptional career success and dedicated service to their community, church, or other organizations.
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Panther Pride: They must have been active in campus life as students and remained supportive, involved members of the alumni community.
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The Spirit of Ferrum College: Above all, they must exemplify the motto, "Not Self, But Others," in every aspect of their lives.
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Eligibility: Nominees must be graduates or have attended Ferrum for at least three semesters (Junior College) or four semesters (four-year College).
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The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
We recognize that greatness doesn't always wait for a 40-year career. This award honors our rising stars who have made a significant impact within the last 15 years.
The Criteria
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Professional Success: Nominees must show outstanding promise and success in their chosen professional career.
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Civic Leadership: We also consider their civic, cultural, and charitable involvement.
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Eligibility: Nominees must have received their undergraduate degree from Ferrum College within the last 15 years.
How to Nominate
We welcome submissions from all Ferrum College alumni, faculty, and staff. If you know a Panther who is bringing honor to their alma mater through their achievements, don't let their hard work go unnoticed!
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Submission Deadline
All nominations must be received by the Nominating Committee no later than midnight on May 31, 2026, at alumni@ferrum.edu.
Help us celebrate the enduring spirit of Ferrum College by nominating a deserving candidate today. Together, we can ensure that our most impactful leaders are recognized and celebrated.
With Warmest Regards and Panther Pride,
Corretta Patterson ’97
Director of Alumni & Family Relations
#FerrumCollege #FerrumRising #WeAreRising #AlumniRising
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Join the Ferrum College Team | Join our team at Ferrum College and discover how your talents and passion can support a mission to educate, inspire, and serve. We’re currently hiring for a variety of roles, including Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Marketing, Police Officer, Gift Processing Manager, Student Success Coach, Human Resources Generalist, and others, offering opportunities to make an impact across campus and in the broader community. | | | | |
