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Dec 1, 2025
December 2025 Video Message
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year.
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 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.
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.