November 15, 2018 Vol. 63, Issue 3
IBlade@Ferrum.edu
Ferrum College
215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum, VA 24088
Ferrum Inaugurates 12th President, Dr. David L. Johns Pledging to fulfill the duties of his office, Dr. David L. Johns was formally installed as the 12th President of Ferrum College on October 19th, 2018.
Photo credit: Charlotte Hazard
By AnnGardner Eubank
President Dr. David L. Johns makes remarks after recieving the Ferrum College Medallion during his inauguration ceremony.
in nursing. Johns also said that furthering the health science and nursing programs will include emphasis areas in rural health care and solving the growing opioid crisis this generation is facing. Altogether, Johns said he wants Ferrum to become “the premier institution in this area where every student’s education is impacted by the natural world.” Johns isn’t the only one that is enthusiastic about his new title as President of the college. Faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees, and other guests from around the country also expressed their admiration for him. “Faculty and staff have
referred to Dr. Johns as inspirational, fair-minded, energetic, and always approachable,” said Aimé Sposato, the provost for Ferrum. “David will never know a stranger. He’s a friend for all seasons.” Lawrence Baranski, the President of Student Government Association, shared the students’ appreciation for Johns. “In your short time on campus, we’ve seen and felt the energy you bring to our campus,” Baranski said. The morning celebration also included words of encouragement and welcoming from keynote speaker, Dr. Beth Rushing. Rushing is the President of the Appalachian College Association (ACA),
a collection of 35 higher education institutions in the Appalachian region that Ferrum is a part of. Rushing discussed serious challenges small liberal arts schools are facing today. From the problem that tuition is rising at a faster speed than family income, to the fact that private college discount rates continue to increase, Rushing recognized the difficult job of keeping small schools sustained. She also acknowledged that under Johns’ leadership and the collaborative teamwork of the association, Ferrum has the potential and promise of not only staying afloat, but also to continue to grow during what she called a “restorative cel-
ebration” for the college. “Like The Avengers, we are powerful as individual campuses; but when we band together, we are a much stronger force to be reckoned with,” Rushing said. She was optimistic that the network of the schools provides one another with a wider range of resources
Photo credit: Charlotte Hazard
Dr. Johns with provost Aimé Sposato.
Photo from Ferrum Webpage
More Than Just a President
Tri-area Groundbreaking
Homecoming
Sports
Folklife Festival
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Dr. Johns with his wife Susan Johns.
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By Destinee Nelson David Johns grew up in northeast Ohio. He is a first Kentucky from 2013 to fall 2017. generation college graduate. From 1991-1997, he worked Over the years, Dr. Johns has spent time in Honduras as a Reference Librarian in conjunction to also being and Mexico leading cross cultural study groups in his an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Malone University spare time. He has also been involved with the Quaker in Canton, Ohio. Throughout the years, he served as a Theological Discussion Group as an editor of the journal, Campus Minister and Assistant Professor of Religion Quaker Religious Thought and was active in the Ameri& Philosophy at Wilmington College located in Wilmcan Academy of religion. He has also published widely ington, Ohio. In 2001, he became Assistant Professor in the area of theological studies. Some of his work of Theology and later became Associate Professor of includes: Quakering Theology (2013), The Collected Theology in 2004 at Earlham School of Religion in Rich- Writings of Maurice Creasey (2011) and Mysticism and mond, Indiana. Before his position at Ferrum College, Ethics in Friedrich von Hügel (2004) to name a few. Dr. Johns worked at Union College as the Vice President of Johns has a way with words and is committed to helping Academic Affairs & Dean of the College in Barbourville, students as well as the community on campus.
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Dr. David L. Johns, who officially became the 12th president of Ferrum College on January 1 of this year, celebrated his inauguration on the 19th of October, 2018. Johns launched his inaugural address in Vaughn Chapel, saying the college will overcome its financial challenges to bring in more opportunities. “We want to teach all of our students to be entrepreneurs, whether they are studying art or something altogether different. We want our students to graduate with the tools they need to be successful in today’s economy,” Johns said. Johns shared his ambitions, visions, and plans for the school’s future. He discussed the launch of the first graduate programs the college will have. This plan will begin by focusing on further development of natural and environmental sciences, including the expansion of the agriculture program, along with the addition of an ecotourism major. Additionally, plans for furthering more programs within health sciences are in the works, including the addition of offering a B.A. degree
such as journals and other reading and research materials. This not only helps cut down expenses on such items but also strengthens bonds between schools sharing a similar mission. Other speakers included Yvonne Walker of the registrar’s office, who talked about the loyal team that Johns will have behind him. She said that one third of the 224 staff members have more than ten years of service towards Ferrum College, and that their loyalty and diligence will pair well with Johns’ determination and ambition. Johns’ son and step daughter were also present. Both spoke words of admiration and love for their father, who they said has encouraged them through every step in their lifetime. The ceremony was a kick-off to the college’s homecoming weekend, which preceded with an inaugural parade, fireworks, meet and greets, alumni meetings, and other homecoming festivities.
Hocus Pocus