Fairmont State Board of Governors Reviews Strategic Planning, Athletics, and Campus Investments
Fairmont State University's Board of Governors met on August 20 for their regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting, receiving updates on strategic planning, enrollment, student success, housing, and financial stewardship as the University begins the 2026-27 academic year.
The meeting opened with the President's Report, during which Dr. Mike Davis highlighted the University's continued momentum over the summer months. He reflected on major initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement, student success, and strategic planning, as well as the start of the fall semester.
Board of Governors Chair Jason Pizatella took a moment to recognize the work of University employees during new student move-in and returning students’ arrival to campus.
“As we begin another academic year, I want to thank President Davis, our vice presidents, and the many faculty and staff members whose hard work made move-in and the start of the semester such a success,” said Pizatella. “Welcoming students back to campus requires tremendous coordination and commitment across the University. The dedication shown by these teams reflects Fairmont State's student-centered mission and helps ensure our students have a positive experience from the moment they arrive on campus.”
Davis also highlighted the success of On the Road with Fairmont State, which took place in July. The initiative took more than 60 Falcons to Raleigh, Wyoming, and McDowell counties to engage with community members, connect with prospective students, and conduct service projects. He then discussed the launch of First Flight, Fairmont State's new first-year experience initiative, designed to support student retention and success through peer mentorship, campus resource exploration, and early engagement opportunities.
The President’s Report also addressed the University’s efforts to strengthen data-informed decision-making in support of Fairmont State’s Strategic Plan. As part of this work, the University is developing dashboards to track progress towards objectives established in Implementation Plans. Likewise, the University has contracted Gray Decision Intelligence, a data analytics company that provides insights to academic program demand, workforce needs, and graduate earnings. These analytics tools will help guide the development of new programs of study and ensure degree offerings remain aligned with the student preferences and the workforce demands of West Virginia.
“Transparency and accountability are essential to the success of any strategic plan,” said Davis. “By developing dashboards for our implementation plans, we are creating a clear way to measure progress, maintain focus, and ensure our efforts remain aligned with our institutional priorities. We are also adopting tools that will help us better assess program market demand, employment outcomes, and earning potential while strengthening the connection between our academic offerings and enrollment goals. Ultimately, this work positions Fairmont State to make data-informed decisions that serve our students, support the state’s workforce needs, and advance the University's mission.”
Board members also reviewed the Athletics Implementation Plan, one of 11 three-year roadmaps that operationalizes the University's Strategic Vision. The Plan sets five Objectives focused on facility improvements, student-athlete success, scholarship growth, community engagement, and competitive achievement. Following discussion, the Board approved the Athletics Implementation Plan and advanced a Policy on Intercollegiate Athletics for public comment. Once adopted, this will provide the Board enhanced oversight of the University's athletics programs.
During the Enrollment, Housing, and Student Life Committee report, Vice President of Enrollment Management George Wolf shared preliminary enrollment projections that indicate growth compared to the previous academic year. While final enrollment figures will not be confirmed until the census date of September 2, Wolf expressed optimism about the University's future enrollment outlook.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Janna Bredeson reported that 1,002 students have contracted to live campus housing. This is up 21% from four years ago, reflecting continued interest in the University's residential experience. She also provided an update on Bryant Place, where maintenance issues involving the residence hall's shower system required more extensive repairs than originally anticipated. As a result, 87 students have been temporarily relocated to local hotels while repairs are completed. Bredeson emphasized that the work is being completed with long-term sustainability in mind to reduce future disruptions and improve the student living experience.
“I am proud of the exceptional job our staff has done supporting students throughout this temporary housing situation. From coordinating transportation and security to ensuring students have access to meals and the resources they need, our team has worked tirelessly to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming experience,” said Bredeson. “We are also incredibly grateful to the Town of White Hall for the kindness, hospitality, and support they have extended to our students and University community throughout this situation. We’re eager and excited to welcome our students back to their residence halls once renovations are complete.”
Finance and facilities initiatives were another major focus of the meeting. Greg Rose, the new Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, reported that the University's financial reserves remain strong. He also outlined a proposal to reprioritize the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) deferred maintenance grant funding for several critical infrastructure projects. The proposed projects would include restoration of Bryant Place's showers, upgrades to the parking garage elevator to improve accessibility, and enhancements to the University's fire alarm system. This approach will preserve reserve funds, strengthen the University's financial position, and ensure students, faculty, and staff benefit from a safe, modern, and well-maintained campus environment. The Board voted to approve the motion to reprioritize deferred maintenance funding and seek approval from the Governor’s Office.
With no additional business to come before the Board, members entered executive session before returning to open session to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Fairmont State University Board of Governors is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
