Title III: Bridging the Gap for Underserved Students Impact

Title III: Bridging the Gap for Underserved Students

Constructing a Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure for Student Success at Fairmont State University

"We know first-hand the complexities many students are attempting to manage, specifically for historically underserved populations. These complexities adversely impact their achievement in academics and social engagement. The better able we are as an institution to plan for, prepare for, and meet these students where their needs are, the better able we are to improve their student experience and provide the support and connections needed for their success in degree completion and career readiness."

-Dr. Timothy Oxley, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs

About Title III

Fairmont State banner in downtown FairmontFairmont State University has been awarded a US Department of Education Strengthening Institutions Program grant that will provide more than $2.2 million dollars over a five-year period for several capacity-building initiatives in support of student success.

The project is titled “Bridging the Gap for Underserved Students: Constructing a Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure for Student Success at Fairmont State University.”

The grant funds the development and piloting of several new initiatives on campus that will directly impact the student experience, including: a Student Professional Corps and career mentoring program intended to help students make meaningful connections between their current experiences and future career goals; a Student Success Ambassador program to help students better connect with the various resources that will help them achieve their educational goals, and; Hy-Flex courses that are delivered in a hybrid and flexible format to allow students to participate in face-to-face, online synchronous, and online asynchronous learning modalities within a single course in order to accommodate various life circumstances that can present obstacles to degree completion for students.

More information about Title III

Title III Special Feature from the Office of Sponsored Programs

Initiatives Funded Through Title III

Student Professional Corps & Career Mentoring

Student Success Ambassador Program

Hy-Flex Course Development

Student Working
Campus Improvement
Professor Talking with students
Flexible Learning
Someone giving a presentation to faculty and staff
Building Career Skills

Student Success

Gardner Institute

Fairmont State University has joined the Gardner Institute's "Transforming the Postsecondary Experience" initiative. One of the main goals of this initiative is to work to eliminate obstacles for students like family income, first-generation college student statue, and lack of support.

Dr. Jennifer L. Bloom

A leader in the Appreciative Advising movement, returned to Fairmont State University to provide professional development training aimed at enhancing student engagement and retention. Her expertise, which has been part of the university's strategy for a decade,equips faculty and staff with tools to foster a culture of care in support.

Dr. Brian Beatty

As a pioneer of the Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) course design model, Dr Brian Beatty provided Fairmont State University with the opportunity for a truly adaptable learning environment. His "student-directed-hybrid" approach allows students to choose between in-person and online attendance, directly supporting the university's mission to improve retention and accessibility. With Dr Beatty's methods, Fairmont State empowers students to balance their education with personal and professional demands, ensuring that flexibility is a core component of there academic success.

Student Partners in Campus Success

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Student Empowerment Liaison

The Student Empowerment Liaison plays a key role in advocating for the student body and fostering a supportive campus culture. Liaisons assist with student outreach, mentorship, and resource navigation to ensure every student has access to the tools needed for personal and academic success. This work directly supports the campus community by bridging the gap between students and administration, creating an inclusive environment that amplifies student voices.

Key Contributions:

  • Conduct outreach to identify and address student needs
  • Connect students with academic, financial, and wellness resources
  • Mentor peers to build confidence and leadership skills
  • Assist with the development of campus inclusivity initiatives
  • Provide feedback to administration to guide student-centered improvements
Student writing on board

Junior Research Assistant (JRA)

The Junior Research Assistant (JRA) plays a key role in supporting the Office of Institutional Research. JRAs assist with research, data collection, and analysis of institutional materials to ensure the college maintains accurate, high‑quality information for accreditation reporting and strategic planning. This work directly supports the campus in making informed, data‑driven decisions that enhance outcomes for students, staff, and faculty.

Key Contributions:

  • Conduct research to support institutional goals
  • Collect, organize, and verify data for accuracy
  • Analyze reports, surveys, and campus materials
  • Assist with accreditation‑related documentation
  • Provide data insights that guide campus improvement initiatives
two students

Hy‑Flex Classroom Assistant

The Hy‑Flex Classroom Assistant, supports the university’s mission to expand access to education and enhance learning flexibility. A HyFlex classroom is a hybrid-flexible learning environment where students can choose to attend in person, participate online synchronously, or engage asynchronously, all while achieving the same learning objectives. With student success and retention in mind, the hyflex class format ensures flexibility to students who need to manage various personal and professional priorities.

Hy‑Flex Classroom Assistants help maintain smooth classroom operations by managing the technical and communication needs of Hy‑Flex teaching environments. This allows instructors to focus fully on teaching, while the assistant bridges any gaps between students and instructors, ensuring that all learners stay engaged and connected.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Student Support — Assist students participating in Hy‑Flex classes, whether in person or online
  • Technical Coordination — Monitor classroom technology, troubleshoot issues, and ensure remote students can participate effectively
  • Instructor Assistance — Handle logistical and communication tasks so instructors can focus on delivering instruction
  • Communication Bridge — Relay questions, manage chat interactions, and ensure all students receive timely responses
  • Consistent Learning Experience — Help create an equitable, seamless experience for in‑person and remote learners

Title III Staff

Valerie Morphew, Ed.D.

Vvalerie Morphew

Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning Innovation/Title III Project Director
 206 Hardway Hall
 304-367-4664
 valerie.morphew@fairmontstate.edu

Dedra Cobb

Dedra Cobb

Student Success Coordinator
 303J Turley Center
 304-333-3735
 dedra.cobb@fairmontstate.edu

Nicole Samson

Nicole Samson

Career Connections Coordinator
 
 304-367- 4644
 nicole.samson@fairmontstate.edu