When Longwood’s administration made their wish-list for the next leader of the university’s admissions department, they dreamed up an ideal candidate: an alum who believes in the university’s mission, knows the Virginia high school landscape, has worked closely with deans and faculty to reach enrollment goals, and has the years of experience to lead an extremely talented young group of admissions professionals.
They didn’t have to look far to find the perfect person.
This month, Jason Ferguson (M.S. ‘12), a 26-year admissions professional who had been serving as dean of admissions at nearby Hampden-Sydney College, will take the helm of a Longwood admissions department that is cresting on a record number of applications and one of the academically strongest freshman classes in school history.
I know that the Admissions office is a strong and energetic team and I am looking to do my part to help enhance an already solid operation.
Jason Ferguson (M.S. ‘12) Tweet This
“I am thrilled to join the Longwood family,” said Ferguson, who graduated from Longwood with a master’s degree in college counseling in 2012. “I know that the Admissions office is a strong and energetic team and I am looking to do my part to help enhance an already solid operation. With her small classes and hands-on learning experiences built into the curriculum, Longwood combines the feel, community, and traditions of a private college with the accessibility and opportunities of a public university. The campus is beautiful, there is a true sense of community, and the educational experience is transformative. I am excited about President Reveley’s vision for Longwood’s future, humbled by the opportunity to work with such an amazing team, and eager to get to work.”
That work will include navigating nationwide challenges–including the continuing Covid-19 pandemic–while articulating the value of Longwood’s unique brand of education to a larger group of high school students.
“I believe that Longwood offers something unique to higher education, and it’s our job to articulate that value to students across Virginia and beyond,” he said. “The Civitae curriculum is so exciting with democracy at its core, and I really think there are a lot of high school students who think bigger than themselves who get passionate about that type of learning.”
Taking that message on the road is a talented group of young alumni and admissions professionals who have executed high-level admissions strategies to build this year’s strong class of freshmen. Waleed Ahmed, Sarina Hartman ’16, Macrae Robertson (‘14, M.S. ‘15), and Aaron Sims ’17 make up the core of the admissions team that Ferguson will lead.
He’s a veteran leader in the admissions field and is excited about leading the effort to bring strong, talented classes to Longwood.
President W. Taylor Reveley IV Tweet This
Ferguson, originally from Atlanta, graduated from Hampden-Sydney in 1996 and began working as an assistant dean of admissions, recruiting students from across Virginia and the East Coast. Over his 26-year career at the small private school, he was promoted several times before serving as Dean of Admissions for the last three years. This year, he was awarded the Keating Medallion, a top honor for alumni of the college.
Among his accomplishments over the last two decades, Ferguson—known around Farmville as “Ferg”—integrated faculty and academic affairs leadership into the admissions process and has increased diversity among Hampden-Sydney’s student body.
“Ferg has an incredible breadth of experience and deep love for this community and university,” said Longwood President W. Taylor Reveley IV. “He’s a veteran leader in the admissions field and is excited about leading the effort to bring strong, talented classes to Longwood. I’m excited to work with him to reach our admissions goals and continue to raise the academic profile of Longwood into the future.”
Ferguson lives in Farmville with his wife and young daughter.
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