Fairmont State University Announces Efforts to Further Strengthen Leadership in Athletics, Finance, and Academic Affairs

Fairmont State University is further strengthening its leadership team enhance operational effectiveness, support long‑term sustainability, and advance the University’s mission. 

As part of this effort, the University will promote Greg Bamberger, current Director of Athletics, to the newly established role of Vice President for Athletics. In this newly established executive position, Bamberger will oversee implementation planning, long‑range initiatives, and institutional alignment for Athletics as outlined in the University’s 2025–2035 Strategic Vision. He will transition into this new role in July. 

“Greg has been an invaluable leader for Fairmont State Athletics,” said President Mike Davis. “His strategic insight and relentless dedication have elevated the student‑athlete experience year after year. As we begin implementing our long‑range plan for athletics, we need a leader who not only understands where we are but can clearly see where we must go. Greg has proven time and again that he is ready to guide the growth and achievement for Falcon Athletics.” 

In addition to leading strategic athletics initiatives, Bamberger will support leadership development efforts across campus, including the Fairmont Leadership Institute. The University has initiated the national search for its next Director of Athletics with the posting of the position, aiming to finalize the transition by July 1. The Director of Athletics will continue to oversee day‑to‑day operations such as staff and coach supervision, compliance, budgeting, scheduling, and event operations. The position will report directly to the Vice President for Athletics and serve as the University’s representative to the Mountain East Conference as well as the NCAA.  

Fairmont State is also moving ahead with a national search for a permanent Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO is responsible for the University’s budgeting, long‑term fiscal strategy, and overall financial stewardship. The position has been held on an interim basis by John Nisbet, since May 2024. A search committee chaired by George Wolf, Vice President of Enrollment Management, has been charged with moving this process forward. The University has also partnered with Academic Search, a mission-driven organization dedicated to expanding leadership capacity at higher education institutions, to support national recruitment efforts.  

The CFO search committee also includes Abby Haught, Administration & Finance; Rhonda Kuhn, Administration & Finance; Tim Oxley, Academic Affairs; Mary Sortino, Academic Affairs; Spencer Flanagan, Student Affairs; Ashley Maxey, Human Resources; Shelby Dugas, Athletics; Izzy Simmons, Student Representative; Bob Niichel, Faculty Senate Representative; and Christy Burner, Staff Council Representative. The committee plans to have a permanent hire in place by the start of the fall semester.   

“We are committed to smart, sustainable growth,” Davis said. “Every decision we make is grounded in long‑term stewardship of our institution. By reallocating existing funds, we are strategically investing in leadership roles that will strengthen our operations, advance our mission, and position Fairmont State for a stronger financial future. This is about building capacity where it matters most—not adding layers of administration but enhancing our ability to serve students and our region.” 

Academic Affairs also continues to deepen their bench, with several leadership searches underway. The application period for the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs closed on December 22. The search committee has completed its preliminary screening and will begin first‑round interviews shortly, with campus interviews expected approximately two weeks later. Finalists will participate in an open forum for faculty, staff, and students. Additional searches for the Dean of the College of Nursing, the Dean of the College of Business and Aviation, and the Director of Library Services/Ruth Ann Musick Library launched in late January. The Dean of the College of Nursing position is already posted on Fairmont State’s job website.  

Each of these positions is essential to advancing Fairmont State’s vision of being A Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home. These roles are critical to promoting academic innovation, strengthening support for students and faculty, and preparing the University for continued growth. These leadership positions will help reinforce the University’s mission to educate engaged citizens within a community defined by opportunity, growth, and achievement, delivering transformational impact for West Virginia and beyond. 

Those interested in applying for any of the open positions mentioned can find them on www.fairmontstatejobs.com once they have been posted.