Fairmont State University Bolsters Academics by Welcoming a New Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
Fairmont State University continues to strengthen its academic enterprise by welcoming a new Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs. Dr. Abbey Zink, a West Virginia native, will officially join the University on April 13, 2026, bringing nearly 15 years of senior academic leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to advancing faculty success—an essential component of institutional excellence and student achievement. Currently, Dr. Tim Oxley serves as both the Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Business and Aviation. He will be assisting with Dr. Zink’s transition into the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs position prior to his planned retirement in June.
“Abbey Zink brings a combination of strategic academic leadership and commitment to faculty development to Fairmont State,” President Mike Davis said. “Her experience guiding institutions through both growth and transition, along with her collaborative and faculty-centered approach, will fuel Fairmont State’s academic excellence. As a West Virginia native, she also buys into the University’s vision and understands our region’s potential. We are excited to welcome Abbey home, where she will help advance Fairmont State as a Great Place to Learn.”
Dr. Zink most recently served as Provost at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She also previously held the role of Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State University in Houston, Texas. Across these positions, Dr. Zink has collaborated closely with faculty to elevate academic quality and promote excellence in teaching and learning. Her background spans a wide range of academic operations, including academic planning, library and learning center oversight, accreditation, research and graduate education, faculty evaluation and tenure, and shared governance and policy development processes.
“Dr. Zink’s extensive experience, much of it centered on providing conditions supporting faculty success, will be a great resource for the University,” Provost Dr. Allen Bedford said. “I am grateful that Dr. Zink is joining our academic leadership team. Her skills, values, and dedication will strengthen our support for faculty members, chairs, and deans. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional dedicate herself to advancing Fairmont State’s critical work in uplifting people and opportunities in north-central West Virginia.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Zink, drawing from her own experience as a faculty member, has maintained a faculty-centered approach to academic leadership, emphasizing transparency, consistency, and collaborative decision-making. Her work reflects careful attention to workload equity and the professional betterment of faculty at every career stage. She has recruited, mentored, evaluated, and supported faculty across all disciplines and has led developmental initiatives that support faculty accomplishment from initial appointment to senior ranks.
Fairmont State University looks forward to welcoming Dr. Zink and, with her valuable contributions, continuing its dedication to being a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.
