An exhibit of paintings called, "Works by Tracy Stuckey," will be on display in February at Fairmont State University.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Banquet on Tuesday, Jan. 19, recognized area high school students who participated in the contest that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Pierpont Community & Technical College is offering a tuition-free course for persons interested in developing skills for the oil and gas drilling industry.

Coal dust runs through the veins of the people of North Central West Virginia. Unfortunately, the history of the coal industry also includes tragedy -- Monongah in 1907, Farmington in 1968, Sago in 2006. These dark days are woven into the collective memories of a region.

A lecture and workshop series at Fairmont State University this spring will promote discussion about the social justice issues of civil liberties and universal human rights for prisoners during times of war. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has awarded FSU a $5,700 grant to help fund the events, which are planned for March 2010.

The new edition of "Traditions: A Journal of West Virginia Folk Culture and Educational Awareness" focuses on the "Roads to Appalachia" Study and Travel Abroad Program.

New paintings by Melissa May will be shown at the J.D. Brooks Gallery at Fairmont State University's Wallman Hall from Jan. 21 to 29.

Fairmont State University's School of Fine Arts and the Town & Gown Youth Company will present the musical "Godspell" on the main campus in January. The production features FSU students and recent graduates in the roles of production staff and area public school students in the acting roles.

In partnership with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, Pierpont Community & Technical College's Center for Workforce Education is offering a six-week class to help people launch a new business.

All those who planned to participate in Fairmont State University's Winter Commencement on Dec. 19, which was canceled due to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Joe Manchin, will be invited to participate in Spring Commencement in May 2010.

Pierpont Community & Technical College's Board of Governors has selected a search firm to assist with the presidential search process. Representatives of the firm, Myers McRae Higher Education Executive Search, will be conducting constituent focus groups on campus the week of Dec. 14.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 increased higher educational services available to veterans. The overwhelming response to these services has created delays in education benefit payment processing at the federal level.

Pierpont Community & Technical College offers a wide variety of non-credit courses for businesses, individuals and families throughout North Central West Virginia through its Continuing Education program.

The Student Health Service of Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College is now distributing doses of the H1N1 Novel Influenza Virus Vaccine.

Fairmont State University received a letter from the office of Gov. Joe Manchin III on Monday, Dec. 7, stating that the governor has made two appointments to the FSU Board of Governors.

Two members of the Fairmont State University Fishing Falcons will compete in the National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship on April 10-12, 2010, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Pierpont Community & Technical College, in partnership with Allegheny Energy, is hosting an open house for those who are interested in becoming power plant operators.

"Glad Tidings," a concert of seasonal music by the Fairmont State University Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir, conducted by Dr. Sam Spears, will be presented in the Turley Center Ballroom at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9. 

About 100 students will be recognized as part of Winter Commencement for Pierpont Community & Technical College. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Feaster Center. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

About 275 students will graduate during Winter Commencement for Fairmont State University. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Feaster Center. A reception in the Falcon Center will immediately follow the ceremony.