Class of 2028: ‘Dedicated, compassionate and ready to lead’

Peyton Richardson '28 and John Richardson '28

We are proud to welcome a class that embodies the true spirit of Longwood-dedicated, compassionate, and ready to lead.

Jason "Ferg" Ferguson, M.S. '12, dean of admissions Tweet This

Including transfers, Longwood will welcome about 1,000 new students to campus this fall. The incoming freshman class paints an impressive picture academically-the average GPA is 3.67. The class includes at least seven high school valedictorians, and just more than 10 percent were ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school's graduating class. Roughly 35 percent of the class identify as first-generation college students and 11 percent are coming to Longwood from out of state.

"The freshmen joining us this year are exceptionally well-rounded, excelling in academics, arts, athletics and community service," said Dean of Admissions Jason "Ferg" Ferguson, M.S. '12. "We are proud to welcome a class that embodies the true spirit of Longwood-dedicated, compassionate, and ready to lead."

Members of the Class of 2028 have been leaders in their high schools and respective communities, and bring a diverse range of experiences, perspectives and talents to Longwood.

I want to be a child service immigration lawyer. Growing up in Texas allowed me to experience things that are going on in our country and I want to try to fix it one step at a time.

Lilyan Rodriguez '28Tweet This

Lilyan Rodriguez '28 moved from Texas to Virginia Beach in 2022. But her experiences growing up in a border state helped to shape her career aspirations.

"I want to be a child service immigration lawyer," said Rodriguez, who is planning to major in political science with a concentration in pre-law. "Growing up in Texas allowed me to experience things that are going on in our country and I want to try to fix it one step at a time."

The fact that Longwood is welcoming such a robust class given the challenges presented by this year's admissions cycle is noteworthy. Unexpected national challenges brought on by the changes and delayed rollout of the FAFSA form and financial aid calculation caused a lot of uncertainty among families as they thought about paying for college. It upended the traditional deposit and financial aid timeline.

Ferguson said Longwood was able to not only weather those challenges but excel through them by doubling down on what Longwood is known for-helping people.

"When the FAFSA delays started impacting the cycle, we started communicating with families and students often, letting them know where things stood and talking them through the process," he said. "From the top down, we treated families like we would want to be treated: with respect, understanding their frustration, and always with a helpful hand out."

"I love working with children and helping people. I want to be a therapist and be there for children and teens just like my therapist was for me."

Grace Prentiss '28Tweet This

Grace Prentiss '28

Like the Richardson twins, Grace Prentiss '28 knew that Longwood would be her home as soon as she stepped onto campus. After participating in a Psychology Immersion Day-one of several program-focused admissions events for prospective students-she knew all she had to do was wait for her acceptance letter.

Prentiss, who is from Henrico, Virginia, and is majoring in psychology, wants to pursue a career working in the mental health field. She spent some of her summer working with students with special needs at the school where her mom works.

"I love working with children and helping people," she said. "I want to be a therapist and be there for children and teens just like my therapist was for me."

I love that it's in a small town. I love that it has small class sizes, a small campus and that I can connect with my peers and professors.

Peyton Irby '28Tweet This

Peyton Irby '28 chose Longwood because of the hometown feel she got in Farmville. "I love that it's in a small town. I love that it has small class sizes, a small campus and that I can connect with my peers and professors."

Irby, who is a volunteer with her local rescue squad in Halifax County, is majoring in biology with a pre-med concentration. She wants to eventually go to veterinary school and become a veterinarian.

The Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars continues to receive a record number of applications. This year's incoming class of 169 scholars has an average GPA of 4.2 and 17 percent were in the top 10 in their high school graduating class. They hail from 10 different states and almost 20 percent identify as first generation college students. The CHC freshmen arrive on campus several days early for an annual retreat.

"The members of the incoming class are truly representative of our three honor's pillars of cognition, compassion and community," said Dr. Chris Kukk, the Wilma Register Sharp and Marc Boyd Sharp Dean of the Honors College. "They are top scholars, first responders and academic tutors who have helped others through their years in high school to make their communities stronger."

I am most excited about having independence and a sense of belonging to a home. I'm also looking forward to meeting so many new people and finding a group of friends who share similar interests and characteristics as me.

Emily Huneycutt '28Tweet This

Among the incoming Honors College freshmen is Emily Huneycutt '28 from Henrico, Virginia. She said she is excited about new opportunities afforded by the CHC, as well as Longwood's Brock Experiences.

"I am most excited about having independence and a sense of belonging to a home," she said. "I'm also looking forward to meeting so many new people and finding a group of friends who share similar interests and characteristics as me."

Huneycutt has been a dancer for 12 years and has had the opportunity to dance on Broadway twice as part of an Arts for Autism fundraiser. She is planning to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in athletic training or physical therapy.

"As a dancer, I saw many injuries or times when dancers pushed through pain and had to go to therapy quite often," she said. "I want to go into this field because my main goal after college is to help people get strong and gain confidence in the world of sports."

Huneycutt spent some time this summer bonding with her new roommates, as well as other fellow freshmen.

"I love that I am forming connections with others so early, that way I already have people who I can be comfortable with once I get to campus," she said. "This school makes me feel like I can finally figure out who I am meant to be."

As for the Richardson twins, they decided not to room together-instead they are suitemates.

"We have shared a room for 18 years and it was time for us to get our own space and make separate friends," said John Richardson.