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.  

2026-2027 Academic Year Speakers

Rajiv Vinnakota

"Higher Education's Civic Responsibility"

President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars
Date: September 1, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall Theater

Jean Michel Habineza

Founder of iDebate Rwanda
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall Theater

Joe Manchin III

Former U.S. Senator and Governor of West Virginia
Date: February 11, 2027
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall Theater

John Milas

Novelist and Artist-in-Residence
Date: March 18, 2027
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall Theater

Sean Astin

Actor and President of SAG-AFTRA
Date: April 7, 2027
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Colebank Hall

Speaker Series Event Activities

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

The Future of Regional Public Universities

Speaker: 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
Photo Gallery from Dr. Charles Welch's Visit

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
Photo Gallery from Morgan O'Brien's Visit

Civility and Dialog Across Differences

Speaker: Dr. Michael 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
Photo Gallery from Dr. Michael Lee's Visit

Music, Stories, and Tradition in Motion

Speaker: Annick Odom - 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Folk Singer, Crankie Maker, Storyteller, and Square Dance Caller
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Photo Gallery from Annick Odom's Visit

Tourism: an Economic Engine for West Virginia

Speaker: Chelsea Ruby - Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall Theater
Photo Gallery from Chelsea Ruby's Visit

Dr. Christopher Phillips speaking on stage

Building Bridges of Mutual Understanding in a World of Walls

Speaker: Dr. Christopher Phillips

Learn more about Dr. Phillips and Democracy Cafe

Date: September 25
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Wallman Hall

Headshots of Patrick Morrisey, Steve Williams, and Hoppy Kercheval

Gubernatorial Debate

Speakers: Patrick Morrisey and Steve Williams, with Hoppy Kercheval (moderator)
Date: October 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Watch party in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms
More Details

Headshots of WV Sen. Mike Caputo (D), WV Sen. Michael Oliverio (R), and Pres. Mike Davis

Three Mikes on Democracy

President Davis will moderate a debate and discussion between WV Sen. Mike Caputo (D) and WV Sen. Michael Oliverio (R). The speakers will discuss West Virginia's political tradition, the upcoming election, and how to speak and work across political differences.

Speakers: WV Sen. Mike Caputo (D) and WV Sen. Michael Oliverio (R), with Pres. Mike Davis (moderator)
Date: October 30
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
- Free and open to the public

Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Wendy Atkins-Sayre

How Food Communicates Resilience in Appalachia

Speakers: Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Wendy Atkins-Sayre
Date: February 18, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Photo Gallery from Ashli Quesinberry Stokes's and Wendy Atkins-Sayre's Visit

Reflections of the Artist-in-Residence

Speaker: Sassa Wilkes
Date: April 3, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Photo Gallery from Sassa Wilkes's Visit

Illusion, Escape, and Resilience

Speaker: Matt Johnson
Show
- Date: April 30, 2025
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Falcon Center, Gym 1
Talk
- Date: May 1, 2025
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
- Photo Gallery from Matt Johnson's Visit