Joseph Tate Hart

Joseph Tate Hart passed away on December 9, 2016 at his home near Ferrum. Born on May 5, 1930 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee to Rev. Herbert D. and Ilva Tate Hart, Joe Hart is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carolyn Evans Hart, and their six children: James David Hart and wife Kim of Pulaski; Cathe Hart Kervan and husband John of Hanover; Sally Hart Morgan and husband John of Emory; Nancy Hart Almond and husband Bill of Estes Park, Colorado; Brian Joseph Hart and wife Carey of Rocky Mount; and Evan Andrew Hart and wife Kimberly of Cookeville, Tennessee. In addition, he had sixteen grandchildren: Harrison and Shawna, Tori, Chris and Lindsay, Andrew and Hannah, Zac, Jack, Sarah, Jessie, Ben, Hunter, Hannah, Maura, Adriana, Gabriella, Bode, and Isaiah and one precious great-granddaughter, Isabella. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. James W. Hart of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina and his sisters, Jean Stewart of Franklin, Tennessee and Janice Tedford of Roswell, Georgia and many loving nieces and nephews. Dr. Hart was a 1951 graduate of Emory & Henry College and earned a masters degree in political science from Duke University in 1953. In 1967 he received a PhD in international relations from American University. He served in the intelligence corps of the U.S. Army and with the National Security Agency before being employed by Research Analysis Corporation in McLean, Virginia. He was also the founder and president of International Planning Associates, Inc., and was instrumental in the establishment of the McLean Community Center, serving as its first president. In 1971, he became president of Ferrum College and led the college from a traditional junior college to a four-year liberal arts institution, attracting more students and developing strong community relationships and support for the college. He spearheaded the establishment of the college's Blue Ridge Institute, increased professional qualifications of the faculty, and created new programs of study. Most important was the positive impact he had on so many students during his 15-year tenure. He was known as “the students’ president” because of his personal interest in and caring for individual students and his active involvement in student life on campus. Dr. Hart continued his career in higher education as president of the Virginia College Fund for 11 years. He was active in real estate in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, and was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Ferrum and a past Board member at First Virginia Bank. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and instilled in them his love of family and the value of time spent together. He truly lived the Ferrum College motto of “Not Self, But Others,” enjoyed meeting new people and cherished getting together with life-long friends. He loved working outdoors at his beloved “Deerwood” home where he peacefully spent his last days. The family held a private service at the Holston Conference Cemetery at Emory. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 in Vaughn Chapel at Ferrum College. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ferrum College in memory of Dr. Joe Hart. The family is being assisted by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220 @ Wirtz Road), Rocky Mount