Jan 23, 2026
Interview: President Davis on MetroNews Talkline
President Davis guests on MetroNews Talkline about Fairmont State Day at the Capital.
Winter Storm Fern and frigid temperatures have left many of us in a deep freeze with a number of issues: The conditions on primary roads are tenuous, many secondary roads are still not clear, and it is so cold that de-icers are barely having an impact on walkways.
As a result, a State of Emergency remains in effect and Governor Morrisey has told the public: “Please stay off the roads. Only go out if you have to.” Therefore, all campuses of Fairmont State University will operate remotely for the remainder of this week. We anticipate a return to regular operations on Monday, February 2.
We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank everybody in the Facilities Department who have battled terrible conditions this week in an effort to keep campus safe and accessible. Please say "thank you" next time you see them on campus.
Operational updates follow:
Some personnel necessary to the operation of the University, including those who work in the Physical Plant, Dining Services, the Falcon Center, and Public Safety, are considered essential employees and are expected to report to work. If it is unsafe to do so, please consult your supervisor.
The Weather Committee continues monitoring the impact of Winter Storm Fern on and off campus. If additional updates are necessary, they will be communicated in a timely manner through our emergency alert system, email, social media, and the University website.
Note that due to this weather system, we anticipate the top deck of the parking garage will remain closed for the coming days. (This location accounts for a significant portion of winter slip, trip, and fall injuries on campus. To support the integrity of the structure, salt or other ice melting agents cannot be used. Structural deterioration from de-icers can lead to major repairs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.) The University will alert motorists via large yellow signs posted at the traffic circle, near Turley Center, and at the top of the hill.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Heading into the 2025-26 school year, Fairmont State University is seeing an 8% to 9% overall enrollment increase. University President Dr. Mike Davis believes his team will deal with “uncertainty” over the next several months, but he feels confident in the direction the institution is heading.
Fairmont, West Virginia and surrounding areas suffered devastating flooding over the weekend. Fairmont State University President Mike Davis joins FOX Weather to talk about how the university is helping the community and those impacted.
The Fairmont State University Day of Giving is a 24-hour event to encourage alumni and the community to support the many programs at the institution. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President Mike Davis said this year he’ll be engaged for the entire 24 hours and will skip the three-hour nap he had last year. Online “Day of Giving” programming begins at midnight with a message from President Davis, and throughout the next 23 hours, residents will hear about how the many programs at the university have changed lives and started careers.
President Davis guests on MetroNews Talkline during Fairmont State Day at the Capital.
Fairmont State University President Dr. Michael Davis shares his journey as a first-time president, offering insights on building “cultural change before structural change” and embracing Fairmont’s unique “Artisan University” identity. Discover how patience and relationships drive meaningful progress in this episode of TRANSFORMED, a Higher Digital podcast.
Fairmont State University is launching a new initiative designed to help incoming in-state students cover tuition and mandatory fees.
Fairmont State University announced its new Access Scholarship on Monday, a program that will provide new full-time, in-state students with free tuition if their family income is below $70,000. Fairmont State President Dr. Mike Davis told WV News that the scholarship was put in place to make higher education more attainable for West Virginians who need it most.