Ferrum College students and alumni petition for the return of President Joseph Spooner

Group says it wants answers

Dr. Joseph Carson Spooner chosen as new president of Ferrum College. (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

FERRUM, Va – Some students and alumni of Ferrum College are calling for the school to reinstate President Joseph "Jody" Spooner, who was dismissed last week after 10 months on the job. 

The community surrounding the small liberal arts college in Franklin County was caught off guard last week when the board of trustees announced with the no explanation that Spooner's final day would be May 31. 

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Since then, an online petition has been signed by more than 500 people. 

The petition states in part that the signees will withhold the donations to the college until they "...reinstate him to the position of president of the college or provide a valid explanation as to why he was released."

The college has revealed little information since issuing a news release including a statement from board of trustees Chairman Bob Todd, which said thinks this is the best decision for the College and the community,


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John Carlin co-anchors the 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on WSLS 10.