Ferrum College restructures academic programs into 6 schools; more …

Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org .

* * *

Ferrum College restructures academic programs into 6 schools

Ferrum College has announced a reorganization of its academic programs, which will establish three new schools within the private college in Franklin County.

Schools will be set up to house existing programs in the arts and humanities, business and technology, and nursing and allied health. Those three will join already-established schools at Ferrum for sciences and agriculture, education and behavioral sciences, and graduate and online studies.

“The restructuring not only amplifies our academic offerings, but also enhances the depth and breadth of educational opportunities available to our students,” said President Mirta Martin in a statement Friday.

One highlight of the restructuring is the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Ferrum launched a pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing program in January 2021, and has seen 13 graduates so far.

Ferrum also began offering an RN-to-BSN program online in fall 2020.

“Within the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the nursing program accepts students as freshman in order to onramp them quickly into the profession,” Ferrum’s press release noted. “The new School will offer an enriched learning community focused on the next generation of health care professionals our communities so desperately need.”

— Lisa Rowan

* * *

Atlantic Union approved to acquire Danville bank

The parent company of Richmond-based Atlantic Union Bank said Friday it has received regulatory approval to acquire the parent company of Danville-based American National Bank & Trust Co.

The deal was first announced in July. Atlantic Union said it has received the green light from the Federal Reserve, which follows approval from Virginia’s State Corporation Commission and American National’s shareholders.

“We are pleased to have received all of the regulatory and shareholder approvals necessary to close the merger, and we plan to close the transaction on April 1, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions,” John Asbury, president and CEO of Atlantic Union Bankshares, the holding company of Atlantic Union Bank, said in a news release.

When the deal was announced, it was valued at approximately $417 million. Under the terms, each share of American National stock (NASDAQ:AMNB) will be converted to a right to receive 1.35 shares of Atlantic Union stock (NYSE:AUB).

The combined firm will have nearly $24 billion in total assets and approximately $19 billion in total deposits and $17 billion in gross loans.

Atlantic Union Bank has $20.6 billion in total assets and operates 109 branches and 125 ATMs in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

American National Bank & Trust Co., under its holding company American National Bankshares, has $3.1 billion in total assets and 26 offices across Virginia and North Carolina.

— Matt Busse

* * *

Virginia Energy hosts meeting on Southwest Virginia projects

The Virginia Department of Energy will continue its series of educational meetings regarding energy projects in Southwest Virginia on March 21 at Mountain Empire Community College.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the college’s Goodloe Center, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap.

The public can learn about current projects, new programs funded by federal grants and the siting process for energy projects. There will also be a question-and-answer session on nuclear.

Questions must be submitted by March 13 to Tarah.Kesterson@energy.virginia.gov .

Virginia Energy continues to receive written comments on the work of the agency via email at vaenergy@energy.virginia.gov or by mail: Virginia Department of Energy, Attn: Tarah Kesterson, 3405 Mountain Empire Road Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

The post Ferrum College restructures academic programs into 6 schools; more … appeared first on Cardinal News .