Imagine standing at the crossroads of faith and academia, where higher education meets deep-rooted Anabaptist principles. Join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Susan Huxman, President of Eastern Mennonite University, as she shares her journey from a "campus kid" to leading an institution where service and learning walk hand in hand. Through her stories, we traverse the landscape of Mennonite higher education, where service to others and disaster relief are not extracurricular activities but the very heartbeat of the community. Venture with us into the classroom, where the Anabaptist pe ..read more

Embark on a powerful journey with Dr. Mirta Martin, the inspiring 13th President of Ferrum College, whose life's narrative epitomizes resilience and the transformative influence of education. Our season premiere beautifully unfolds Dr. Martin's tale, from her childhood in Cuba to her triumphant story of overcoming adversity and hardship in Miami Beach. Discover how her experiences have fueled her dedication to creating a supportive environment for students at Ferrum College. Dr. Martin's journey is not just her own, it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that education can ignite within us ..read more

Get ready for a captivating ride as we sit down with Susan Allen, former First Lady of Virginia. We traverse through her passionate journey of promoting tourism and wellness in the state, a mission kindled by her work with the Charlottesville Historical Society and her love for the great outdoors. Listen as she paints a vivid picture of her time in the Governor's Mansion, where the blending of family life, hosting duties, and the occasional lunch with global leaders such as Margaret Thatcher, was all in a day's work.  Susan Allen's commitment to public service didn't stop with her tenure ..read more

Do you want to enhance your understanding of obesity medicine and its role in combating one of the most common ailments in our society today? Brace yourselves for a captivating conversation with Dr. Sue Wolver, an esteemed associate professor of internal medicine and the director of the VCU Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Dr. Wolver reveals her professional journey, from a biochemistry major to the US Air Force, then to medical school and flight surgeon school, and her eventual shift of focus from traditional primary care to obesity medicine. She provides pivotal insights into the training process ..read more

Looking to navigate the evolving dynamics of parent-teacher relationships in education? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Peter Baur, Head of Faith Christian School, and Leslie Ramsey, Assistant to the Head of the School, who bring valuable insights on this topic. They provide a snapshot of the modern educational system from their perspective, highlighting the integral role parents play in fostering an education that strikes a balance between academic rigor and moral values. Dive into the second part of our podcast as we journey with Peter and Leslie through the realm of Christian ..read more

Have you ever wondered how weather played a role in the Allies’ advantage in D-Day? Get ready to journey back in time as we welcome John Long from the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford onto the Virginians of Interest Podcast. Listen in as John, a Roanoke native and renowned history aficionado, takes us through the remarkable events of D-Day. He sheds light on the exceptional bravery of the National Guard Unit Company A of the 116th Regiment. Uncover the intricacies of staging an amphibious assault and how the Allies managed to minimize the risks involved. But that's not all. Our discussion t ..read more

Are you ready to embark on a riveting journey with an extraordinary woman who has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Virginia? This episode features a heart-to-heart with the impeccable Jeannie Baliles, former First Lady of Virginia, as she unveils her captivating life story. Discover the deep roots of her family in North Carolina and Maryland, and unravel the stories that have shaped her from her studies at Washington College and Wesleyan University to the legacy of her mother’s experience at Duke University and her grandfather’s encounter at the Battle of Gettysburg. Jeann ..read more

Ever wondered how political history can intersect with education? Join us on an enlightening journey with our distinguished guest, Chris Peace, the President of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. We navigate through the maze of his life, starting from his humble beginnings in Ashland, Virginia's "center of the universe", to his audacious run for the House of Delegates at the tender age of 27, and now his fervent advocacy for private higher education. Prepare to be immersed in a riveting discussion on the unique challenges confronting private higher education in Virginia. Drawing ..read more

Samuel Parham, born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, is a dedicated public servant and business professional who has made significant contributions to his community. A 1993 graduate of Petersburg High School, Parham furthered his education at Richard Bland College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in 1996. During his time there, he demonstrated his leadership abilities by founding the Multi-Cultural Alliance, co-founding the Rotaract Club, and participating in the College Players drama club. Parham continued his academic journey at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond ..read more

Embark on a powerful journey with Dr. Mirta Martin, the inspiring 13th President of Ferrum College, whose life's narrative epitomizes resilience and the transformative influence of education. Our season premiere beautifully unfolds Dr. Martin's tale, from her childhood in Cuba to her triumphant story of overcoming adversity and hardship in Miami Beach. Discover how her experiences have fueled her dedication to creating a supportive environment for students at Ferrum College. Dr. Martin's journey is not just her own, it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that education can ignite within us ..read more