By Amanda Collins

Dr. David Johns, the new president of Ferrum College, recently visited Stuart and visited with current students, alumni and others.

Johns said he was named to the post in early January, and now wants to take the college to the next level.

In 2021, the facility will celebrate 50 years as Ferrum College, according to Johns, who explained the college began as a training school and became a junior college. It later became a four year college and stopped there, he said, and discussed new programming/projects currently underway.

A large project in the works is the decision to offer graduate programs in several areas, Johns said of teacher education, forensics, business and other health related courses.

For instance, he said he spoke with Carillion Hospital, and was told a nursing program benefit both the region and the hospital. Johns said he plans to soon start a campaign for donations to get that program off the ground.

Expanded online offerings also may be in the offing.

Johns said online classes are currently offered, but online programs are not available.

Other projects include designing a bachelors program in music, renovating a residence hall and consideration of offering classes in the Roanoke education center.

Noting a 2012 economic impact report that showed Ferrum College’s economic impact on the area was $95 million, Johns said “we have a responsibility” to find ways that will allow Ferrum College students “to build successful lives in Patrick, Franklin, Henry county and so on,” and he is intent on finding those ways.