Ferrum College

"Not Self, But Others"

Founded in 1913, Ferrum College is a private liberal arts college related to the United Methodist Church, offering liberal arts and professional programs such as business, recreation leadership, musical theatre, agriculture, environmental science, teacher education, and criminal justice. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, numerous lakes, rivers and state parks, Ferrum College provides an outstanding educational experience in a setting of rich natural beauty.

At Ferrum College every student’s education is impacted by the natural world. Ferrum has one of the oldest environmental science programs in the country and offers internship and research opportunities in all majors. The Boone Honors Program fosters the exploration of intellectual, social, and ethical issues. Ferrum College is the only private college in Virginia with an academic program in agricultural science. The College’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum is a state repository for Virginia Folklore and provides an important link to history and culture of the Blue Ridge region of Appalachia. Ferrum students are known for their commitment to service and community action, as expressed in the College motto, “Not Self, But Others”.

Blue Ridge Institute and Museum

The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum was created in 1973 by Ferrum College to document, interpret, and present the folk heritage of the Blue Ridge region. Since that time, the BRIM has grown steadily, working throughout Virginia and Appalachia while maintaining an emphasis on the western portion of the Commonwealth.

The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum has a longstanding national reputation for quality and authenticity.  From festivals and concerts to exhibitions and publications, the BRIM offers educational and entertaining programming.  The Institute’s audience spans all ages and backgrounds, enhancing Ferrum College’s educational mission.  A heritage-tourism leader, the BRIM is a major venue on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.  In recognition of its accomplishments, the Institute was designated The State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore by Governor Gerald Baliles and the Virginia State Legislature in 1986.

The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum is part of Ferrum College’s Academic Affairs Division.  Along with fulltime and part-time professionals, the BRIM staff includes a number of student workers building valuable skills as part of their Ferrum College experience.

"Game Day in the Blue Ridge"

Ferrum College is home to twenty-two D3 Men's and Women's teams that compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Anchored by the Hank Norton Center, named in honor of former Football Coach and Athletic Director Hank Norton, a state-of-the-art athletic facility, the renovated W.B. Adams Stadium and the newly completed Vicki Van Kleeck Softball Complex the Panthers are a picturesque backdrop for athletics at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"Monday Night Jam"

Monday evenings are for toe-tappin' and fast pickin' with the Appalachian Music program at Ferrum College. Every Monday at the Blue Ridge Institute you have the opportunity to put on your dancing shoes, grab your instrument and bring a chair to enjoy the best heritage music the Crooked Road has to offer. Members of the Ferrum community join with local musicians and students to breathe musical life into foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Dinner and a Show!

Making it's return in 2023, the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre and the Ferrum College Theatre Arts program has breathed new life into the Sale Theatre and the newly crowned Rex Theatre. This revitalized and reimagined "dinner and show" offers community members, visitors, and students the opportunity to experience top notch stage performances and dining. With renewed energy, the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre is your chance to feel the magic of what makes Ferrum College a special place.