Fairmont State University Announces Faculty Awards and Tenure

As Fairmont State University prepares for Commencement on May 17, the Office of the Provost and Faculty Senate took some time to honor its faculty at an awards and recognition lunch held in Colebank Gym. During the ceremony, individuals were celebrated for their years of service to the University and accomplishments such as promotions and tenure. The Faculty Senate also presented special awards. 

“It is such an honor to celebrate the faculty who embody the spirit of Fairmont State, and I’m continually inspired by the heart they bring to their work,” said Interim Provost Dr. Susan Ross. “Their dedication, creativity, and mentorship shape the academic journey of our students and enrich the life of the University. We’re so proud to celebrate them and the lasting impact they make every day.” 

Fairmont State’s faculty are at the heart of the University’s Strategic Vision to be a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home. They play a vital role in delivering high-quality academic programs across foundational and high-demand fields, enriching student experiences, and preparing graduates for rewarding careers and fulfilling lives.  

With small class sizes, faculty build meaningful relationships with students, offering personalized mentorship and fostering a welcoming, supportive environment that truly makes Fairmont State a Great Place to Learn and to Call Home. By celebrating the achievements and contributions of its faculty, the University also strengthens its identity as a Great Place to Work—promoting a culture of appreciation, collaboration, and excellence. Fairmont State is proud to honor the dedication, talent, and passion of its faculty. 

The Faculty Achievement Award winners include: 

William A. Boram Award - Ms. Tabitha Lafferre, P.E., Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Technology

The William A. Boram Award recognizes and honors outstanding achievements, unusual dedication or accomplishments in teaching by full-time faculty at Fairmont State University. The Boram Award is the University's most prestigious award for teaching. 

University Faculty Fellowship Grant - Dr. Andrea Haney for Food Insecurity on Campus: Challenges and Solutions at Fairmont State University

The University Faculty Fellowship Grant encourages and rewards the creative and scholarly endeavors of individual faculty in their field or specialization. The grant also supports the interests of a faculty member in pursuit of research or other scholarly activity that benefits the University and its community. 

Excellence in Online Teaching Award - Dr. Joshua Smallridge, Professor of Criminal Justice

The Excellence in Online Teaching Award, new this year, honors faculty who show excellence in design, application, student engagement, student success and enhanced commitment to virtual course facilitation. 

Faculty Recognition Award - Dr. Barbara MacLennan, Asst. Professor of Geography

The Faculty Recognition Award is bestowed annually to a full-time faculty member who has made a consistent service contribution to the University, to the discipline, to the profession, to the student body, and/or to the community. 

Innovation in Teaching Award - Dr. Rebecca Cepek, Asst. Professor of English

The Innovation in Teaching Award honors outstanding and innovative teaching by faculty at Fairmont State University. Full-time faculty are eligible for nomination who have not been the recipient of the Straight Award in the past five years and who have at least 3 years of service to Fairmont State University. 

Outstanding Adjunct Award: Dr. Susan Smith, Visiting Professor - College of Nursing

The Faculty Development Committee presents this award to honor excellence in adjunct teaching faculty and to encourage adjunct faculty's continuing efforts to excel. Recipients of the award demonstrate a sustained, energetic, and successful commitment to teaching. 

Outstanding Advisor Award: Dr. Zachariah Moore, Assoc. Professor of Psychology

The Excellence in Academic Advising Award recognizes and emphasizes excellence in the ability to engage in, promote and support undergraduate and graduate student advising. Fairmont State University recognizes that advising is a teaching opportunity beyond the course selection that may include career exploration, decision making skills, values clarification, critical thinking, utilizing campus resources, taking personal responsibility, and understanding processes and the value of a college education. 

Tenure, Sabbatical, and Emeritus 

Tenure 

Tenure is a status granted to experienced faculty members to ensure academic freedom, to provide professional and economic stability, and to protect against capricious dismissal. With tenure, the University invests in a faculty member to develop and maintain an ongoing productive relationship between the faculty member and the institution.  

Tenure may be granted only to faculty members who hold the rank of Assistant Professor or above. Since tenure is awarded at an academic rank, faculty members, in qualifying for tenure, must demonstrate performance to the same criteria relating to teaching, scholarly activity, possession of terminal degrees, service to the University, and potential for professional growth as required for appointment to the appropriate academic rank.  

College of Liberal Arts 

Dr. Andrea Haney, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure 

Mr. John Morrison, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

 Dr. Nathaniel Myers, Promotion to Professor 

Dr. Aimee Richards, Promotion to Professor 

College of Nursing 

Ms. Cecillia Cotton-Elam, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure 

College of Science & Technology 

Ms. Kellie Cole, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

Ms. Kylie Ford, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

Sabbatical - Ms. Kellie Cole, Associate Professor of Architecture

Sabbatical leave may be granted for the purpose of research, writing, study, or other activity designed to improve teaching and utility to the University. Anyone holding faculty rank is eligible for sabbatical leave after the completion of at least six years of full-time employment at Fairmont State University.  

This sabbatical request aims to provide time to complete research for historical fiction 

novel and query literary agents. Research for the project includes the demolition of the Jewish Ghetto, Jewish culture, and architect Vincenzo Micheli of the late 1800s Florence, Italy. There are very few sources in academic literature that cover the removal of the Florence Ghetto and the architecture that replaced it. The research Cole will complete will contribute to scholarship on an underrepresented subject. 

Emeritus - Dr. Richard Harvey, Dean Emeritus

Emeritus status is an honor conferred by the University to show respect for a distinguished career. It is not automatically conferred upon retirement. All academic or administrative faculty who meet the qualifying criteria are eligible for nomination for emeritus status upon retirement.