academics
Ferrum College Partners with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Community Colleges to Help Students
“Cross the Finish Line”
Through an effort devised by Governor Bob McDonnell, Ferrum College is working with local community colleges to encourage those with associate’s degrees to “cross the finish line” to their bachelor’s degree at Ferrum. It’s an initiative Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten hopes will create lasting partnerships with Virginia Western Community College, Patrick Henry Community College, Danville Community College and others. To help reinforce the effort, Dr. Braaten joined staff and students for a photo shoot on the finish line of the Martinsville Speedway, where they held colorful NASCAR flags along with Speedway President Clay Campbell. The photos have been published in a brochure, and the College produced a short video on the photo shoot and the Finish Line project. n
Campus Theme 2011–2012 “ Human beings in general change … but because of the acceleration of the change in our culture … the changes are coming so fast and becoming more and more pronounced … you can actually see the possibility that human beings might change so much that they wouldn’t be considered human beings any more.” – John Kitterman, Ferrum College Professor of English
Organized by the School of Arts and Humanities, the 2011 campus theme—a series of lectures, films and events held throughout campus—examines how technology is changing humanity as it is insinuated more and more into our lives. Specifically, the theme studies how forces such as social media, the Internet and artificial intelligence are impacting the way we express ourselves artistically, politically and spiritually. 28
Ferrum Magazine | Winter 2011–2012
Use the smartphone code to view the online video describing the Ferrum College Campus Theme.