Fairmont State University is saddened to share the news of the passing of alumnus and former West Virginia Senator Larry J. Edgell. In addition to being a graduate of Fairmont State College (now Fairmont State University), he was a lifelong educator, U.S. Navy veteran, and dedicated public servant whose career reflected a deep commitment to West Virginia and its people.
The Fairmont State’s Board of Governors met Thursday, December 18, in the Falcon Center Board Room to advance the University’s status as an affordable, accessible, and innovative regional institution. The session highlighted strategic initiatives aimed at advancing academic excellence, supporting student success, and driving economic growth throughout West Virginia. From celebrating recent achievements to approving measures that promote transparency and affordability, the Board reaffirmed Fairmont State’s steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality education and serving as a trusted partner in shaping the state’s future.
Fairmont State University is raising a glass to tradition and community with the launch of its first-ever official beer, Falcon Fest! Local favorite Short Story is behind the brewing of Falcon Fest. This new partnership celebrates Falcon pride and regional craftsmanship, bringing a unique taste of Fairmont State to fans and alumni.
In October 2023, Fairmont State University partnered with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in Lewisburg, WV, to launch the Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program (POMP). This program guarantees Fairmont State students who meet all the requirements are accepted into WVSOM, creating a direct and seamless pathway to medical school.
While some sponsored programs last multiple years and have outcomes and outputs that take time for the campus to see, others have more immediate impacts. The First-Generation Student Success Grant awarded through West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) in August 2025 is one such project.
Fairmont State University will honor the Fall 2025 graduating class during Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Feaster Center. The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will recognize graduates from the College of Business & Aviation, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program. The afternoon ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., will honor graduates from the College of Education, Health and Human Performance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Science & Technology.
Fairmont State University hosted the U.S. premiere of A Day to Remember, a powerful documentary exploring the 1968 Farmington No. 9 Mine disaster and its lasting impact on safety regulations worldwide. Originally debuting in Brazil in Portuguese, the film was presented in English for its first U.S. screening.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University has two upcoming holiday events featuring festive songs, stories, and dancing. Both events are free of charge and open to the public.
Fairmont State University wrapped up the Fall installment of its 2025-2026 Presidential Speaker Series on Nov. 13 with Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Hope Gas. The Presidential Speaker Series welcomes distinguished leaders to campus to explore politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture—sparking meaningful dialogue and strengthening intellectual engagement across the Falcon community.
Fairmont State University will host the U.S. premiere of A Day to Remember, a powerful documentary that explores the 1968 Farmington No. 9 Mine disaster and its enduring impact on safety regulations and practices around the world. Originally debuting in Brazil in Portuguese, the film will now be presented in English for its first screening in the U.S.
The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced recently that Fairmont State University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin the 2025-26 season nationally ranked in their respective Division II Coaches Preseason Polls.
Fairmont State University’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), the collegiate dramatics honorary fraternity, celebrated the life and birthday of Dr. Paul Opp on Oct. 2. Opp was a Fairmont State College Professor of Speech and one of the original founders of APO. The current Alpha Psi Omega members planned this celebration of life on Dr. Paul’s birthday and also commemorated the 100-year anniversary of APO’s founding by Dr. Opp.
Fairmont State University is now offering its Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program in a fully online format, alongside the traditional on-campus option. This new delivery method provides the same academic excellence and personalized mentorship that have defined the program’s 40‑year legacy — all in a format tailored to non‑traditional, working, and place‑bound students.
October 22 was a busy day for Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors and senior leadership as they held their bi-monthly board meeting, then joined in the grand opening of the campus’ new spirit store.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will soon feature a new exhibition, Interwoven: The Fiber Arts Legacy of Arthurdale, in partnership with Arthurdale Heritage.
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