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.
November will be another busy month on campus including some unique events and partnerships.
I love traditions, and as president of Fairmont State University, I’ve been blessed to be a part of countless traditions that are rooted in our campus and broader communities.
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.
