Hardway Columns

Presidential Speaker Series

About the Series

Stimulating. Entertaining. Soul-stirring.

Whether it’s politics, economics, healthcare, science, the environment, entertainment, or cultural arts, the Fairmont State University Presidential Speaker Series addresses issues and questions that engage our minds and move our hearts.

Several times a year, the series brings public figures, scholars, leaders, artists, and experts from multiple disciplines to Fairmont State’s campus to explore and discuss the important issues that touch our lives.

All Fairmont State University Speaker Series lectures and receptions are open to the public.  

2025-2026 Academic Year Speakers

Dr. Charles Welch Headshot

The Future of Regional Public Universities

  • Speakers: Dr. Charles Welch - President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
  • Date: October 2, 2025
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Morgan O’Brien headshot

Keeping Graduates in West Virginia

  • Speaker: Morgan O’Brien - Chief Executive Officer of Hope Gas
  • Date: November 13, 2025
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Mike Lee Headshot

Civility and Dialog Across Differences

  • Speaker: Dr. Mike Lee - Professor and Director of the Civility Initiative, College of Charleston (SC)
  • Date: February 12, 2026
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Annick Odom Headshot

Square Dancing and Oral Histories in Appalachia

  • Speaker: Annick Odom - 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Folk Singer, Crankie Maker, Storyteller, and Square Dance Caller
  • Date: April 16, 2026
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms

Speaker Series Event Activities

Fairmont State Campus

Speaker events typically include opportunities to engage with the guest speaker. Speaker events might include:

  • Engagement with students
  • Lunch with students and faculty
  • A lecture from the speaker
  • A fireside chat with President Davis
  • A reception with light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments

Please check this web page for details on specific events.

Related Events 

Sometimes there are events taking place on campus or in the region that can augment your speaker series experience. While not part of the Presidential Speaker Series, these events may share a topic or theme with a particular guest speaker’s focus. 

 

Previous Events