Ferrum College Dedicates Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ferrum College hosted a ribbon cutting and reception celebrating the new Richard L. Smith Center for International Programs on Friday, April 22, 2022. The ribbon cutting took place in Hart International Plaza beside Stanley Library, which is home to the new international center. A reception in the lobby of Grousbeck Hall followed.

Named in memory of the late professor of History and Williams Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities, Richard Lee Smith, who was an avid world traveler, the newly named international center welcomes students from around the world to campus; opens the world to Ferrum students through study abroad; and offers programs designed to broaden perspectives and help students connect to the rest of the world.

Smith, who died on February 24, 2021 at the age of 75, taught history at Ferrum College for 42 years. As a college professor, Smith taught more than 8,000 students, over 7,000 of them at the College. He was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother; a teacher and storyteller; an internationally recognized top scholar; an author; and a warmhearted and generous member of the Ferrum community.