West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby to Close Fairmont State’s Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series on April 28
Fairmont State University’s Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series is concluding on a high note with Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, serving as the final presenter of the semester. This year’s lineup has highlighted leaders whose work influences communities across the region and beyond. Ruby’s upcoming Speaker Series presentation, “Tourism: An Economic Engine for West Virginia,” will take place on April 28 at 6 p.m. in Wallman Hall Theater. This event is free and open to the public.
As Secretary of Tourism, Ruby has played a pivotal role in elevating West Virginia’s national profile, strengthening the state’s Almost Heaven brand, and driving record-setting growth in visitor spending. Under her leadership, the Department of Tourism has earned national recognition for its strategic marketing efforts and commitment to showcasing West Virginia as a premier, year‑round destination.
Ruby has also worked with Fairmont State on addressing workforce needs in the state’s outdoor recreation and tourism sectors. This collaborative effort has helped inform the University’s launch of its B.A. in Outdoor Leadership, which was crafted to fortify one of West Virginia’s largest and most critical industries by preparing skilled professionals to fill critical vacant roles. Both Ruby and Fairmont State share a commitment to preparing the next generation of tourism professionals who will contribute to West Virginia’s economic strength.
“Secretary Ruby has been an essential partner as Fairmont State University works to help shape the future of West Virginia’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy,” said President Mike Davis. “Her leadership and clear recognition of the need for well-prepared professionals helped inspire the creation of our B.A. in Outdoor Leadership, a program designed to meet the workforce demands of one of the state’s most promising growth sectors. We are honored to welcome Secretary Ruby to campus and eager to continue building a deeper partnership between Fairmont State and West Virginia Tourism—one that creates new opportunities for our students, strengthens communities, and helps position West Virginia as a national leader in outdoor recreation and destination development. I am excited for our students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear her vision and to imagine all that we can accomplish together.”
Earlier in the academic year, the Presidential Speaker Series featured Dr. Chuck Welch, CEO and President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities; Morgan O’Brien, CEO and President of Hope Gas; Dr. Michael Lee, Professor and Director of the Civility Initiative at the College of Charleston (SC); and Annick Odom, Fairmont State’s 2025–2026 Artist-in-Residence. Each event brought thoughtful dialogue and artistic insight to campus, continuing the series’ tradition of fostering meaningful conversations among students, faculty, staff, and community members.
To learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series and to watch recordings of past lectures, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/about/president/speaker-series.aspx.
