Fairmont State University President Receives Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award

Fairmont State University President Mike Davis has been named the 2025 recipient of the Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award, presented during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 71st Annual Awards Dinner on August 6th. 

The award, named in honor of Francis H. Pierpont — West Virginia’s “Father of Statehood” — recognizes individuals who exemplify Pierpont’s visionary spirit. Recipients are celebrated for their ability to see beyond the present, demonstrate steadfast commitment to their organizations and communities, and embody the hard-working qualities that help shape the future. 

Marion Chamber of Commerce President Dani DeVito said, “Under Dr. Davis’ leadership, Fairmont State has become such an active participant in our broader community. This award celebrates all the work he is doing to make sure that the partnership between Fairmont State, its students, and the community continues to flourish. We are thankful for his vision and commitment to making the university a cornerstone of Marion County.” 

Davis was honored alongside other local leaders and business community members during the annual dinner, which celebrates Marion County’s economic vitality and collaborative spirit. 

“Receiving the Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Davis said. “This recognition is not about one person — it reflects the collective effort of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners who believe in Fairmont State’s potential and West Virginia’s bright future. My vision is for our university and our state to be part of larger, national conversations, approaching the future with a growth mindset that promotes innovation and opportunity. Together, we can shape a future that matches the strength, resilience, and potential of our people.” 

Since becoming president, Davis has led Fairmont State through a period of intense activity. In October 2024, following a year-long process, the university launched its Strategic Vision 2025–2035. Developed in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, the document describes Fairmont State’s intention to become “A Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.” It then establishes three aspirational goals: delivering outstanding student experiences, becoming West Virginia’s premier higher education employer, and creating a vibrant, engaged campus that serves as the bedrock of north-central West Virginia. Eleven implementation plans are now being developed to turn the vision into reality, aligning every area of operations with these goals. 

Davis has also prioritized statewide engagement. This summer, he embarked on a multi-stop West Virginia tour to strengthen connections with alumni, business leaders, elected officials, and residents of Southern West Virginia. He shared Fairmont State’s vision and listened closely, collecting insights about how the university can support regional growth. Fairmont State has also reported increases in both retention and enrollment, as well as strong financial standing and record-high housing occupancy, all indicators of a thriving campus community. 

Likewise, Davis has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the community. For example, following the Father’s Day flood, the university established a county emergency shelter in Colebank Hall for victims. Then, Fairmont State organized a housing fair with numerous local agencies for those whose homes were rendered uninhabitable by the flood waters. Most recently, the Falcon Center opened its doors to host a Small Business Administration Recovery Center, to assist residents, businesses, and nonprofits impacted by the disaster with loans and other services.

The Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award reflects not only Davis’ leadership at Fairmont State, but also his dedication to positioning the university as a driver of opportunity, growth and achievement for West Virginia and beyond. 

“This award was created to honor a community leader who exemplifies passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in a better future for all of North Central West Virginia,” said Tina Shaw, founder of the award and former president of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. “Dr. Davis hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped. It’s evident to anyone who spends time with him that he is deeply committed—not only to Fairmont State, but to our entire state.”