Fairmont State Board of Governors Receives Updates on Strategic Investments, Student Success Initiatives, and Other Institutional Priorities
Fairmont State University's Board of Governors convened for its bi-monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, where members received updates on strategic investments in facilities, athletic achievements, finances, enrollment trends, student housing, and other topics.
The Board reviewed and approved Fairmont State's Human Capital Implementation Plan, a multi-year roadmap designed to strengthen employee experiences and support the University's strategic priorities through 2029. The plan outlines a series of objectives, including implementation of recommendations from the compensation and classification study, expansion of professional development opportunities, improvement of onboarding and work-based learning programs, increased use of employee wellness and quality-of-life resources, growth of flexible and supportive work environments, and enhancements to campus climate and employee engagement. University leaders emphasized that these efforts are intended to support the recruitment, retention, and development of a highly talented workforce, keeping Fairmont State A Great Place to Work.
"This is one of the most important implementation plans the University has undertaken because it focuses on our greatest asset: our people,” said Board Chair Jason Pizatella. “Academic programs, buildings, and technology all play important roles, but it is our faculty and staff who carry out Fairmont State’s mission every day. They educate, mentor, support, and inspire our students while contributing to the progress of our communities. Investing in our employees’ success is ultimately an investment in student success, institutional excellence, and the long-term strength of West Virginia."
Board members received a financial update from Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Greg Rose, who reported that the FY2026 audit received a clean opinion with no findings. Rose also noted that the University remains on stable financial footing with 187.9 total days of cash on hand and 85 days of operating cash on hand. While tuition revenue is higher than last year, it came in below initial projections. The University’s reserves remain strong, and expenditures continue to be managed thoughtfully in alignment with enrollment trends and institutional needs.
Through spending realignment efforts, planned use of Foundation resources, and a continued focus on revenue generation, the University is positioned to maintain its strategic priorities while preserving its long-term financial strength.
“Just like other colleges and universities across the state, we will meet our budget challenges with thoughtful planning and disciplined action,” said Pizatella. “The University remains one of the most financially stable in West Virginia, and by continuing to focus on sustainable revenue growth, prudent spending decisions, and long-term planning, we will navigate these headwinds while maintaining the momentum we've built as an institution."
During his Report, President Mike Davis highlighted the success of Fairmont State’s fall athletics programs, including top regional rankings for women’s soccer and volleyball, the upcoming debut of the University’s women’s wrestling program, and student-athletes’ $23,000 fundraising effort for Make-A-Wish, which ranked second nationally. He also reflected on recent campus highlights, including Homecoming and a Presidential Speaker Series visit from Rajiv Vinnakota and launch of a one-stop community engagement website, while previewing upcoming events such as a Nov. 10 appearance by Jean Michel Habineza.
"Our primary job is to get students across the graduation stage," said Davis. "That responsibility guides every decision we make. We're focused on renewing our budget through sustainable revenue growth, carefully evaluating expenditures, and ensuring our resources are aligned with student success. Financial strength isn't simply about building reserves. It's about strategically investing in our people, our academic programs, and the facilities that students rely on every day. By making thoughtful investments now, we're creating a stronger university and better outcomes for the students we will serve in the coming decades."
The Board also received an update on the Bryant Place residence hall renovation from Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Janna Bredeson. The project, which expanded beyond its original scope after more extensive issues were discovered, resulted in 87 students having to temporarily stay in local hotels. Bredeson reported that renovations are progressing steadily, with most students already returned to their rooms and all remaining students expected back by the end of the month. She also noted that displaced students have been retained at nearly the same rate as the overall student body.
The Board then received an update from Vice President of Enrollment Management George Wolf, who reported that undergraduate enrollment is down approximately 1% from last fall, while graduate enrollment increased 9%, reflecting continued demand for advanced degree programs. Wolf noted that the decrease is due to declining high school graduate numbers and student persistence. In response, the University has expanded efforts to enhance financial aid, streamline transfer processes, strengthen student support services, and increase work-based learning opportunities to promote retention and future enrollment growth.
Dr. Abbey Zink, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, provided updates on strategic priorities for FY2027 and the University's academic program review process. Zink also noted that searches are underway or planned for deans of the Colleges of Business & Aviation, Education, Health & Human Performance, and Liberal Arts, with appointments anticipated by July 2027.
Other items approved by the Board included finalizing the repeal of BOG Policy GA-19, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, and BOG Policy GA-18, Erosion and Sediment Control, which have been replaced by Administrative Policies. The Board also approved the enactment of the Intercollegiate Athletics Policy and adopted a proposed amendment to BOG Policy GA-02, Board of Governors’ Operating Procedures, to align with West Virginia Code §18B-2A-1(d)(5).
The Board entered into executive session under West Virginia Code §6-9A-4(b)(10), to avoid premature disclosure of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize or similar award. Afterwards, the Board voted to approve two nominations for honorary degrees. The recipients will be announced at a later date, once they have been notified by university officials.
With no new business presented, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting. The next full Board of Governors meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. in the Falcon Center Board Room.
