Hardway Columns

Presidential Speaker Series

What kind of society do we want to live in?
How can we encourage civic engagement and civil dialogue?
How do we work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Appalachia?  

Whether it’s politics, economics, healthcare, science, the environment, or cultural arts, the Presidential Lecture Series addresses issues and questions that impact our lives.

Fairmont State University believes that informed people make better decisions—not just for themselves, but choices that lead to a more robust, inclusively healthy society. Four times a year, the series brings public figures, scholars, leaders, and experts from all disciplines to Fairmont State’s campus to explore and discuss the issues facing our communities.

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. 

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

 

Presidential Speaker Series Spring 2025 Appalachian Resilience

 
Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Wendy Atkins-Sayre

How Food Communicates Resilience in Appalachia

Sassa Wilkes

Reflections of the Artist-in-Residence

  • Speaker: Sassa Wilkes
  • Date: April 3, 2025
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Matt Johnson

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

Previous Events