Fairmont State Begins Academic Year Focusing on Student and Employee Success to Build a Stronger West Virginia

Fairmont State University faculty and staff gathered for the annual Welcome Back Breakfast to kick off the 2026-2027 academic year on August 10. Employees celebrated the accomplishments and people driving the institution forward, while reaffirming the University's commitment to student success and the future of West Virginia. 

Addressing employees before the start of the academic year, Fairmont State President Mike Davis acknowledged the challenges facing higher education nationwide, noting that questions about the value, cost, and purpose of higher education continue to shape public perception. 

"Higher education is operating in an incredibly difficult environment," Davis said. "People are questioning its value, its cost, its priorities, and sometimes even its basic purpose. We must be willing to answer those questions, embrace accountability, and continually look for ways to better serve our students." 

Throughout his remarks, Davis encouraged faculty and staff to remain focused on Fairmont State's role in preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals. "We serve families who trust us with their children, communities that need educated citizens, and a state whose future depends on a strong workforce and engaged leaders," he said. 

Davis also highlighted the University's continued investment in academic programs, campus enhancements, and partnerships across the region as signs of continued momentum. "We are investing in our future," he said. "We have academic programs that matter, a campus that continues to improve, and growing relationships across the state and region. Most importantly, we have people who believe in what we are building together." 

A central theme of Davis's message was the importance of Fairmont State's employees. He emphasized that faculty and staff are essential to advancing the University's Strategic Vision of being a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home. "We cannot build a great university for students without building a great university for the people who work here," he said. "When employees feel valued, supported, and connected, students benefit. When talented people choose to come to Fairmont State and stay, the University becomes stronger." 

Davis concluded by encouraging employees to remain focused on the institution's mission and their impact on students, communities, and the state. "We determine our future," he said. "The way forward is by staying relentlessly focused on our shared goals: recruiting, retaining, educating, and graduating students, while helping them become productive, engaged members of society." 

As Fairmont State begins a new academic year, Davis said the University's mission extends beyond the classroom. By preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of service, Fairmont State is helping strengthen communities, grow the workforce, and support West Virginia's future. "Not only are we building a stronger future for higher education," he said, "we're helping build a stronger future for West Virginia." 

As students return to campus and a new year of learning begins, Fairmont State enters the 2026-2027 academic year with a renewed commitment to student success, employee engagement, and institutional excellence. Guided by its mission and Strategic Vision, the University remains focused on preparing graduates to lead, serve, and strengthen communities throughout West Virginia and beyond.