Fairmont State University Continues to Support the Future of West Virginia Healthcare with New State-of-the-Art Nursing Simulation Center
Fairmont State University will celebrate the opening of the Rusty and Kimberly Hutson Family BEACON Simulation Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 27, at 1 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the Education Building.
The BEACON (Bridging Education to Advance Clinical Outcomes in Nursing) Simulation Center represents a major investment in healthcare education and workforce development, providing Fairmont State nursing students access to advanced simulation technology that prepares them for the realities of modern patient care. The Center was made possible through more than $3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, $1 million in University funds, and the generosity of Fairmont State alumni Rusty and Kimberly Hutson.
"Fairmont State University extends our sincerest gratitude to Senator Shelley Moore Capito and former Senator Joe Manchin for their commitment to higher education and the future of healthcare in West Virginia,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “Their support, along with the generosity of the Hutson family, has enabled us to create a transformative learning environment that will benefit generations of nursing students. The BEACON Simulation Center represents more than just a new facility—it is an investment in people, communities, and the long-term strength of our state's healthcare system."
According to the West Virginia Hospital Association's 2025 Workforce Report, hospital centers support approximately 54,000 workers statewide and remain one of West Virginia's largest employment sectors. Nurses account for nearly 40 percent of hospital staffing, yet nursing positions have a 17.5 percent vacancy rate. Those vacancies take an average of 83 days to fill and cost hospitals roughly $60,090 per vacant position, placing additional strain on healthcare providers.
As healthcare providers work to address these workforce challenges, expanding the pipeline of well-prepared nursing graduates remains a critical part of the solution. Nursing education not only helps meet growing demand for qualified professionals but also creates pathways to stable, rewarding careers for students entering the field.
According to ZipRecruiter, nurses in West Virginia who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) earn an average annual salary of $68,024. In comparison, those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $71,630. Fairmont State’s first cohort of BSN graduates achieved a 100% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate, ensuring they are exceptionally prepared to enter the workforce as competent, compassionate nurses.
“The BEACON Simulation Center represents a new era for nursing education at Fairmont State. Every space within this facility was intentionally designed to foster the clinical judgment required in today's increasingly complex healthcare environment,” said Dr. Deb Struth, Dean of the College of Nursing. “Through high-fidelity simulations and experiential learning opportunities, our students will be able to master essential skills before they care for patients in real-world settings. This center reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and ensures our graduates enter the profession prepared to provide exceptional care wherever they are needed.”
Through investments like the BEACON Simulation Center, Fairmont State is helping address the state's nursing workforce needs by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. By combining innovative technology with hands-on learning, the University is equipping students with the skills and experience needed to make an immediate impact in healthcare settings across West Virginia and strengthen the state's healthcare workforce for years to come.
To learn more about Fairmont State University’s College of Nursing, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/nursing.
