Fairmont State welcomes Dr. Allen Bedford as its next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

After a highly competitive national search that attracted more than 70 applications, President Michael Davis has selected Dr. Allen J. Bedford as Fairmont State University’s next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). The search process was assisted by a committee consisting of representatives from all five colleges, the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government, Provost’s Office, and Executive Leadership Team. Bedford will begin his new role on June 2.

“I am honored and eager to serve as Fairmont State University’s next Provost and VPAA," said Bedford. “Fairmont State is a vital regional public university that inspires and empowers people and communities to take wing and soar. I look forward to joining President Davis’ leadership team, working alongside the faculty and staff, and delivering on the institution’s inspiring mission.”

Bedford is an academic leader with three decades of experience in higher education, who served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bemidji State University in Minnesota for five years. He is currently a consultant, assisting a large midwestern comprehensive university with academic portfolio analysis.

“Allen Bedford brings an unparalleled combination of experience and vision to Fairmont State University,” said President Mike Davis. “His expertise in academic leadership, financial management, and student success makes him the ideal person to lead our academic enterprise into the future. Dr. Bedford understands both the traditions that ground Fairmont State and how we can innovate moving forward. I’m confident he will be a transformative leader who empowers our faculty, engages our students, and strengthens our standing across the state and the region.”

The provost is the university’s chief academic officer who oversees academic affairs and reports directly to the President. The provost oversees academic programs, ensures compliance with accreditation requirements, advances scholarly activity, supports faculty, and identifies new opportunities.

“When looking at opportunities across the country, Fairmont State University quickly became my top choice, and this assessment was bolstered during my on-campus interview,” said Bedford.  “What I most want the University community to know about me is my genuine and heartfelt desire to join them in making Fairmont State a truly Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.”

During his tenure at Bemidji State, Bedford implemented strategic enrollment and student success initiatives that led to a 25% increase in new student enrollment and a 33% increase in online enrollment. To improve operational and financial outcomes, he led a comprehensive reorganization of academic units that increased instructional net income by $2.9 million and improved multi-disciplinary collaboration. Bedford also played a leading role in securing $2.5 million in external funding for student support, institutional advancement, and program development.

Prior to Bemidji State, Bedford served in academic leadership roles of increasing responsibility during his 24 years at Bryn Athyn College, including seven years as Chief Academic Officer. There, he had a leading role in developing and implementing an enrollment and financial turnaround plan that increased enrollment by 43% while direct instructional expense grew 7%. As chair of the science division, he contributed to the design of a $24 million LEED Gold-certified science facility.

Bedford has served as a peer reviewer for institutional accreditors and contributed to national academic leadership development programs. He is active in professional and civic organizations, including service on the boards of a Regional Development Commission and a local chapter of the Audubon Society.

Bedford holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Chemistry from Temple University, as well as a B.A. in English and Science Interdisciplinary Studies from Bryn Athyn College.