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Feb 2, 2026
February 2026 Video Message
While we have many upcoming events and opportunities across campus this month, February's update is all about Day of Giving.
While we have many upcoming events and opportunities across campus this month, February's update is all about Day of Giving.
Fairmont State University's Presidential Speaker Series welcomed College of Charleston Civility Initiative Director Dr. Michael Lee Thursday evening for a talk on the importance of civil, good faith discourse.
Fairmont State University President Michael Davis announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that the university has experienced year-to-year growth for the first time since 2022 with an overall increase in student enrollment of around ten percent. This marks an improvement from the approximately 3.4 percent growth that was seen at FSU between 2024 and 2025, which Davis considers a positive reflection of several initiatives taking shape at the university.
As president of Fairmont State University, I spend a lot of time talking with students and families about what college means for them — for their careers, their finances, and their futures. Those conversations matter. But they are only part of the story. Higher education is not just a private investment. It is a public good; and in West Virginia, that could not be more important.
President Davis guests on MetroNews Talkline about Fairmont State Day at the Capital.
Fairmont State University officials are preparing for their annual visit to the West Virginia Legislature later this week, during which Fairmont State President Dr. Mike Davis hopes to highlight the school’s successes, secure new partnerships and underline the importance of higher education.
We are starting off 2026 by focusing on our primary purpose: the success of our students. Fairmont State graduates job ready citizens who make their West Virginia communities stronger. We ensure our communities soar through economic impact, workforce development, and community engagement.
Fairmont State University is closing 2025 with a full executive leadership team and an in-progress strategic vision, and while the institution faced challenges like federal funding cuts this year, Fairmont State President Dr. Mike Davis believes the university is in a good spot heading into 2026.
Last month, I wrote about how grateful Fairmont State University is to the people and organizations that so enthusiastically support our goal of being the bedrock higher education institution for West Virginia. We strive to be the premier public university in the region, and we simply can’t achieve this without buy-in from folks like you. For that, we are profoundly grateful.
As the holidays approach, I encourage you to take a step back and see the big picture. Remember the people who helped you along the way – their generosity, support, and friendship.
Amid disillusionment about the value of higher education, Fairmont State University embraces a new, nimble approach to programming that will serve all West Virginians into the future.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year.
As some of you may recall, when I first arrived on campus as Fairmont State University’s 27th president, my priority was really listening to what the area residents, education and business professionals, legislators, and other university stakeholders had to say about the institution. One of the comments I heard most frequently was that Fairmont State University was the “state’s best kept secret.” Why did they say that?
Fairmont State University is continuing its tradition of fostering civic and intellectual dialogue through its 2025–2026 Presidential Speaker Series, which was held Thursday evening on the university’s main campus.
Hope Gas CEO Morgan O’Brien visited Fairmont State University Thursday evening to speak to students directly about all the reasons to stay in West Virginia after graduation.