Fairmont State University Employees Selected to Present at Two National Student Success Conferences

Fairmont State University is proud to announce that two of its student success leaders, R. Keith Gipson and Dedra Cobb, have been selected to present at two prestigious national conferences focused on student retention, advising and success.

Gipson and Cobb will first present at the NACADA Global Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, scheduled for Oct. 26–29, followed by the Gardner Institute Symposium in Chicago from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

At NACADA, they will present “Rolling the Dice: Success Coaching or Academic Advising?” The session will explore innovative ways to integrate success coaching and academic advising to strengthen student persistence, retention and graduation rates.

The presentation abstract states: “Why do we have to choose? Student persistence, retention and graduation rates are constant concerns for higher education institutions. Please join us to learn more about how a regional West Virginia institution proposes to integrate success coaching and academic advising. During our presentation, we will share our strategy for integration, innovative practices and actionable insights for NACADA members, with an opportunity to learn from each other through an open discussion. I will ‘BET’ you will leave with some great takeaways.”

At the Gardner Institute Symposium, they will present “A Collaborative Model Between Academic Advising and Success Coaching to Enhance the First-Year College Student Experience.” Their proposal outlines a holistic model that integrates academic advising with success coaching to boost first-year student success.

According to the abstract: “This proposal outlines a collaborative model between academic advising and success coaching to enhance the first-year college student experience. By integrating academic advising with success coaching, the initiative aims to increase retention, boost academic success and provide consistent, personalized support. Key strategies include joint onboarding, coordinated success planning, early interventions and milestone-based engagement. This holistic approach ensures first-year students are guided, motivated and empowered to thrive during their transition into college life.”

NACADA and the Gardner Institute are nationally recognized leaders in advancing student success, retention and advising innovation. Being selected to present at these events highlights the impactful work happening at Fairmont State and provides an opportunity to share and strengthen efforts to support students.

About the presenters

R. Keith Gipson made a pivotal career change in 2009, stepping into higher education with a deep commitment to student success. Since then, he has served as an advisor, success coach, faculty member and program manager, always centering his work on helping learners reach their fullest potential. He believes education is a powerful, transformative force that changes lives, families and communities.

Dedra Cobb returned to Fairmont State in 2024 as a student success coordinator under the university’s Title III grant. Her career began in 2007 as an academic advising graduate assistant at Fairmont State. She later served as an advisor and director of advising for the College of Liberal Arts. In 2021, she joined West Virginia University as an academic advisor for the School of Nursing before returning to Fairmont State to continue her mission of student support. Throughout her career, Cobb has remained committed to student-centered advising and coaching, ensuring students have the tools, support and encouragement needed to succeed.