Fairmont State University Partners with Saxbys to Launch West Virginia’s First Experiential Learning Cafe in the Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons

Fairmont State University is partnering with Saxbys, the pioneering education company that transforms campus operations into student-led businesses, to launch West Virginia’s first fully student-led cafe. 

Opening in Fall 2026, the cafe will operate as a high-impact learning environment powered by Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform®, a model that places students in leadership roles where they manage daily operations, lead peer teams, and take responsibility for business performance. Through this hands-on experience, students will build career-ready skills while helping create a vibrant, welcoming space for the campus community.

The partnership reflects Fairmont State’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers through experiential learning and student employment that extends beyond the classroom. Located within the newly renovated Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons, the cafe is designed to serve as both a gathering place and a leadership laboratory, connecting academic life, campus culture, and professional development in one shared space.

“Fairmont State’s partnership with Saxbys reflects our commitment to create opportunities for students to learn, lead, and apply their education to ensure they are career-ready,” President Mike Davis said. “A student-run cafe in the heart of our Learning Commons will serve as a powerful symbol of who we are — a university that believes in students, invests in their potential, and empowers them to shape the campus experience alongside us.”

The new Saxbys cafe is being established as part of Fairmont State’s broader investment in the library as an academic and community hub. The space is intended to support collaboration, belonging, and student engagement, while giving students a visible, meaningful role in shaping campus life.

“Work-based learning is most effective when it is intentionally woven into the academic experience, not treated as an add-on,” Fairmont State Provost Dr. Allen Bedford said. “By integrating academic credit, clear learning outcomes and faculty support, this partnership gives students the chance to lead a real enterprise where every decision has authentic impact. It’s the kind of applied learning that strongly compliments classroom learning and prepares our students to step confidently into their careers.” 

The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform®, students actively practice decision-making, collaboration, and leadership in a real operating environment, applying what they are learning in the classroom to day-to-day responsibilities that carry real consequences. Supported by clear expectations and accountability, the experience is designed to translate directly into post-graduate success; to date, students who have served as Saxbys Student CEOs have advanced into leadership roles seven times faster than their peers.

“Student employment is one of the most meaningful pathways for building confidence, leadership identity and a sense of belonging,” said Dr. Janna Bredeson, Vice President of Student Affairs at Fairmont State. “Paid positions that carry real responsibility give students space to grow, to try, to learn and to see themselves as capable leaders. This cafe will offer an environment where students gain the skills and resilience that support persistence in college and long-term success.” 

Saxbys currently operates over 30 cafes in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide, and recently expanded its experiential learning model beyond dining, launching the first student-led campus bookstores in partnership with Follett Higher Education. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of Fairmont State’s transformation of the Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons,” said Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys. “This partnership turns student employment into a leadership pathway that prepares students for responsibility, accountability, and life after graduation—reflecting Fairmont State’s commitment to results-driven experiential learning and its strategic vision to be the premier higher education employer in West Virginia.”

Through the student-led cafe, Fairmont State students will gain experience that extends far beyond traditional student employment. Student leaders will take on visible roles that require decision-making, adaptability, and collaboration—managing peers, responding to real-time challenges, and contributing meaningfully to campus life.

Integrated with academic credit and supported by faculty and student affairs leadership, the experience is designed to accelerate students’ professional growth while strengthening their connection to campus and community. Student recruitment and academic integration for the cafe begins now, with additional details about student involvement, academic alignment, and timelines will be shared in the coming weeks.

The campus community is invited to celebrate the cafe’s Grand Opening on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. Guests can enjoy Saxbys signature Cold Brew and Matcha Collections, made-to-order grilled cheeses, all-day breakfast, protein-packed Fit Frolatte! drinks, and more. Fun giveaways and opening-day surprises will be available for early guests.