Fairmont State is proud to call North Central West Virginia home—we feel a strong “stewardship of place.” This means we actively contribute to the preservation and celebration of regional history and culture. We also strive to contribute to residents’ upward mobility, prosperity, and civic wellbeing. That’s why when we schedule events, we do so with the community in mind.
Cooler weather is on the way. And who doesn’t love Autumn at Fairmont State? The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and campus life is absolutely buzzing with activity. This month President Davis talks with Prof. Joel Dugan about the mural that he and his students painted in honor of the Falcon Center’s 20th anniversary. We will celebrate with an official unveiling in November.
Harrison County will host its first Division II college football game in more than a few decades this weekend in Clarksburg as the Glenville State Pioneers take on the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons. Glenville State University President Dr. Mark Manchin met with Fairmont State University President Dr. Mike Davis to—let’s just say to let the trash talking begin!
At the end of July, I fulfilled my promise to visit all 55 counties in West Virginia during my first two years as president of Fairmont State University. Most of the final counties on my list were in the southern part of the state. Traveling through Logan, Mingo, McDowell, Wyoming and several others, I learned a great deal about this incredible state I have the privilege of serving.
Using the insights Dr. Michael “Mike” Davis gathered from listening to countless constituents ranging from students to faculty and staff, community members, business partners, international partners, and state legislators, he guided the creation of a robust Strategic Vision. This vision — for the University to become a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home — will guide Fairmont State throughout the next decade as it seeks to educate engaged citizens in a community distinguished by opportunity, growth, and achievement, and delivers transformational impact for West Virginia and beyond.
In this month’s video, President Davis shares updates and resources for students, employees, alumni and our community. And special guest, J.R. Lowery, Executive Director of Auxiliary Events and Services, highlights a host of fall events and tells us more about The Soar Store, Fairmont State’s “brand” new shopping destination.
Fairmont State University has announced the lineup for its 2025–26 Presidential Speaker Series. Since its start last fall, Series guests have covered topics such as politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture while sparking dialogue and fostering intellectual engagement throughout the Falcon community.
Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors approved two three-year implementation plans as part of its Strategic Vision 2025–2035 while celebrating strong fall enrollment growth—undergraduate +9%, graduate +18% and improved freshman retention.
After spending two years reintroducing young people to a life outside their dorm rooms and screens, Fairmont State University President Mike Davis is finally seeing some progress. “I think it’s getting better,” Davis said. “I think part of that is a constant reminder on our campus that we expect these students to engage. So when I got here, there weren’t students who had been given that message. That you have to engage, that you have to be a part of this community. Now we have sophomores and juniors who have heard that message over and over again.”
More than 300 new students moved into dorms at Fairmont State University on Thursday, as the school prepares for a 9% increase in enrollment this semester. President Mike Davis announced the expected enrollment boost as students began settling into their dorms and residence halls. The increase comes as Fairmont State kicks off its Welcome Week, featuring a variety of games, fairs and activities to help new students acclimate to campus life.
Fairmont State University President Mike Davis has been named the 2025 recipient of the Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award, presented during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 71st Annual Awards Dinner on August 6th.
Fairmont State University begins the 2025-26 school year on an auspicious note — a 300 student increase in enrollment.
Fairmont State University faculty and staff got a head start on the 2025-26 school year Monday morning at the university’s annual Welcome Breakfast, during which FSU President Dr. Mike Davis discussed campus goals, challenges and successes. As the employees ate, Davis first spoke about accomplishing his goal to visit all 55 counties across the state to speak with locals about education and Fairmont State’s role throughout West Virginia, relaying his findings to faculty and staff.
Fairmont State University held a welcome back breakfast for faculty and staff on Monday which included several pieces of information about the upcoming school year. In his address, Fairmont State President Mike Davis noted that full-time employees are getting a 3% raise as well as classes beginning a new Outdoor Leadership major.
President Mike Davis delivers the Opening Address to Fairmont State University Faculty and Staff at the Opening Session for the 2025-2026Academic Year.
