Editorial: Every County Matters
Editorial Originally Published in The State Journal
When I was hired as Fairmont State University’s 27th President two years ago, I made
a commitment: We would not only be a school for the North Central region — we would
serve all of West Virginia, and I would visit every county in the state.
From Greenbrier to Ohio, from Cabell to Jefferson, I’ve visited almost every West Virginia county. Along the way, I’ve met with leaders of all types — legislators, civic leaders, education professionals at every level, and small business owners. Just as importantly, I’ve met hundreds of hard-working West Virginians. I shared Fairmont State’s goals and our vision for making the entire state a Great Place to Call Home with all of them.
But mostly I listened.
Fairmont State University can’t serve our communities well if we don’t know what they need.
And we’ve responded.
For instance, we heard from many families that the cost of college was too high, so we’ve lowered the cost of attendance for many West Virginians. Our Access Scholarship covers tuition for West Virginia high school graduates, transfer students, and former Fairmont State students who reside in the state, whose household incomes are $70,000 or less a year.
Likewise, in my travels around the state, business and industry leaders told me they are worried about the drain of talent. So, we’ve increased our emphasis on quality internships and apprenticeships.
We know that these kinds of work-based learning experiences often lead to job offers. That’s just one more strategy that will both keep our home-grown talent right here in West Virginia and also attract talented, bright students from out of state.
And as a guy who likes great food, I should add that in my travels around West Virginia, I’ve visited countless diners and local favorites. I’ve plopped myself down at counters and booths and picnic tables. And I’ve enjoyed some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. Hoagies, BBQ, burgers, ice cream, and ramps and taters. Piles of pepperoni rolls and heaps of hotdogs (with sauce, please).
As I noted at the start of this piece, I’ve visited almost every county. So, at the end of the month, I’m loading up a camper and embarking on a 6-day road-trip through West Virginia to finish what I started two years ago.
I’ll visit state parks, tour historical sites, hit up local eateries, and most importantly, meet the people of Wood, Lincoln, Mingo, Wyoming and Pocahontas counties, among others.
People always say, “You can’t be all things to all people”, and I suppose there’s some truth in that. But in my heart, I believe Fairmont State University can be, and must work to be, important to every single family in every county in West Virginia.
If you have ideas on how we can meet that aspirational goal or want to show me your corner of our beautiful state, please drop me a line via my website (below).
And honk if you see me on the road. I’ll be the guy wearing Fairmont State’s maroon and white.
