An aspiring neuroscientist who wants to study brain disorders through the lens of genetics, a metal band lead guitarist who plans a career in cybersecurity and a surfing instructor who dreams of one day sharing his passion for the violin by teaching high school music.
These are just a few of the talented and academically gifted freshmen who make up the Longwood Class of 2029, which will arrive on campus later this month as the largest incoming class since the Covid pandemic. Including transfers, Longwood will welcome more than 1,000 new students this fall.
I want to understand how genetics can affect brain function and contribute to disorders.
Noa Herman ’29 Tweet This
Noa Herman ’29, a psychology major from Arlington, Virginia, said her interest in neuroscience was sparked when she attended an American University program focused on psychology and neuroscience.
“I realized how drawn I was to the science behind the brain, especially the biological aspect,” she said. “Then in 11th grade I took Advanced Placement psychology and when we reached the neuroscience and neuroanatomy unit, everything just clicked. That experience helped me realize I want to understand how genetics can affect brain function and contribute to disorders.”
She said she chose Longwood because of the close-knit community and the fact that the campus and Farmville felt comfortable and familiar.
“I know I’ll be able to focus better, and I like that I’ll have more chances to connect with my professors one-on-one,” she said.
Overall, the incoming freshman class paints an impressive picture academically, with an average GPA of 3.68 percent, which marks a steady increase over recent years. About 40 percent are first-generation college students and roughly 7 percent are coming from outside of Virginia, representing 17 states and four countries.
“The Class of 2029 is an exceptional and well-rounded group—talented, bright, motivated and deeply committed to making a difference,” said Dean of Admissions Jason “Ferg” Ferguson, M.S. ’12. “They’ve shown strength in the classroom, leadership in their communities and heart in everything they do. This class reflects the best of Longwood—students who are ready to dig in, lift others up and leave a meaningful mark. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have here in Farmville and beyond.”
I chose Longwood because it’s in the heart of Virginia and there is so much to go explore less than an hour away in every direction. The campus is cozy, and the small-town vibes are unlike any other.
Noah Hodges ’29 Tweet This
Noah Hodges ’29 is planning to pursue a bachelor of music in visual and performing arts, with concentrations in education (K-12) and performance (violin). One of the things that appealed to him about Longwood is its central location.
“I chose Longwood because it’s in the heart of Virginia and there is so much to go explore less than an hour away in every direction,” he said. “The campus is cozy, and the small-town vibes are unlike any other.”
Hodges plans a career teaching high school music. He also hopes to join at least one performance group on campus to continue to play his violin in his spare time.
“Playing the violin has always been a passion of mine and I feel that the only way to truly appreciate the fine performing arts is to give back to the community that I have studied in since a child,” he said.
He is also a surfing coach and instructor back home in Virginia Beach and a team rider for a local surf board company. He plans to bring his fly fishing rods with him to Farmville so that he can find some spots to fish for trout in the colder months.
The Class of 2029 also includes Longwood’s first cohort of Brock Leaders, a living-learning community where a select group of students will take some of the same Civitae classes, participate in success-focused workshops and live together in the same residence hall. After their first year, they will be eligible to participate in a Brock Experience course free of charge.
The Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars (CHC) is welcoming 159 new scholars, with an average GPA of 4.14. Almost a quarter of the incoming CHC students were in the top 10 percent of their graduating high school class. Ten percent are coming from outside of Virginia, representing 12 states and two countries, and almost 30 percent are first-generation college students. The CHC freshmen arrive on campus several days early for an annual retreat.
“This incoming class stands out for its varied experiences, intellectual curiosity and deep commitment to our honors 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 who have made a real impact in their communities through service and a genuine desire to help others. What impressed me most is their pursuit of meaning and purpose in education, seeking a place where compassion is more than a value—it’s a lived experience. With Civitae, that mindset is embedded in our curriculum.”
I want to be an occupational therapist because I want to help people. When my grandma needed occupational therapy, I loved how the therapists helped people.
Ella Ratliff ’29 Tweet This
Two of the incoming honors college freshmen are Ella Ratliff ’29 and Brett Fields ’29.
Ratliff, a therapeutic recreation major from Roanoke, said she is excited to make new connections and to begin her journey to adulthood. She is adopted and the first in her family to be a high school valedictorian.
“I chose Longwood because I liked the feel of the campus and how friendly and kind people are,” Ratliff said. “I want to be an occupational therapist because I want to help people. When my grandma needed occupational therapy, I loved how the therapists helped people.”
She said two of the things she will be bringing with her to Longwood are her open mind and her Jellycats, which are soft, whimsical stuffed animals and toys.
I chose Longwood because of its strong cybersecurity program, supportive community and the opportunity to grow both academically and personally.
Brett Fields ’29 Tweet This
Fields, meanwhile, is bringing with him an Elwood bobblehead he got at a Longwood basketball game as a child. The Appomattox native is a first-generation college student and planning to double major in business administration (concentration in information systems and cyber security) and visual and performing arts (concentration in music). His career aspirations are to work in the IT field as a cybersecurity analyst or security operations center analyst.
“I have a strong passion for problem solving, protecting systems from threats and making a real impact in keeping data and people safe,” he said. “I chose Longwood because of its strong cybersecurity program, supportive community and the opportunity to grow both academically and personally.”
In his free time, he plays lead guitar in a metal band, Twisted Nature, and he plans to continue that while he’s in college.
Herman, the psychology major planning a career in neuroscience, said one special thing she will be bringing with her to Longwood is a Hershey’s Reece’s plush because it’s a reminder of a tough but important time in her life—brain surgery to remove a tumor and then chemotherapy—and her resilience.
“When I had surgery to place a port, I woke up right beside that plush,” she said. “That surgery marked the beginning of a wild ride for me, and having the plush nearby gave me comfort and strength.”
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