More Than 1,000 Fairmont State University Students Recognized for Academic Excellence
Over 1,000 Fairmont State University baccalaureate students have been honored for their academic achievements throughout the Spring 2025 semester.
Over 1,000 Fairmont State University baccalaureate students have been honored for their academic achievements throughout the Spring 2025 semester.
Fairmont State University is proud to announce a new partnership between its Open-Source Intelligence Exchange (OSIX) and ProWave AI to launch a summer pilot program focused on enhancing open-source intelligence (OSINT) capabilities. The program, running from June through mid-August, will allow OSIX scholar-analysts to test and evaluate ProWave AI’s Stylo News platform in real-world intelligence scenarios, including projects in support of the West Virginia National Guard.
Fairmont State University students recently took center stage in a unique interdisciplinary celebration of original fiction and visual art, organized by Dr. Robert Powers, assistant professor of English. The event featured student-written stories from Dr. Powers’ fiction workshop course, alongside artwork inspired by those stories and created by students in Professor Joel Dugan’s special topics illustration course.
Haley Zoladz, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, and an Elementary Education major at Fairmont State University, recently completed a Citizen Science project for the Smithsonian Institution as part of an official SciStarter Citizen Science Month Event - Falcons on the Map: A Celebration of Citizen Science. Through the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: Transcription Center, Zoladz contributed to the preservation and accessibility of historical documents by transcribing handwritten records into digital format.
Fairmont State University’s Model United Nations (MUN) team has returned from the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City with national honors, earning an Honorable Mention at the closing ceremony. This distinction—roughly equivalent to a third-place finish—recognizes delegations that demonstrate excellence in diplomacy, committee participation, and adherence to official UN procedure.
Fairmont State University continues its upward trajectory, welcoming its largest orientation group in years on May 10. Nearly 200 new and returning students arrived on campus, signaling a strong start to the academic year and underscoring the university’s growing momentum in enrollment and student success.
As Fairmont State University prepares for Commencement on May 17, the Office of the Provost and Faculty Senate took some time to honor its faculty at an awards and recognition lunch held in Colebank Gym. During the ceremony, individuals were celebrated for their years of service to the University and accomplishments such as promotions and tenure. The Faculty Senate also presented special awards.
After a highly competitive national search that attracted more than 70 applications, President Michael Davis has selected Dr. Allen J. Bedford as Fairmont State University’s next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). The search process was assisted by a committee consisting of representatives from all five colleges, the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government, Provost’s Office, and Executive Leadership Team. Bedford will begin his new role on June 2.
Fairmont State University proudly announces that the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center has been named Institution of the Year by the West Virginia Association of Museums (WVAM). This distinguished honor recognizes the Center’s outstanding contributions to preserving and celebrating Appalachian culture and heritage. The award also includes a $500 prize in support of the Center’s ongoing programming.
Fairmont State University will proudly serve as host for the fourth annual Kickin' It for Katy 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 3, aimed at raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. All event proceeds will benefit the Kaitlynn Jade Memorial Scholarship, which supports students pursuing careers in mental health. Additionally, a portion of the funds raised will support local community initiatives focused on mental health, wellness, and healing.
The Feaster Center will come alive with celebration and Falcon pride on Saturday, May 17, as Fairmont State University hosts its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies.
On February 13, Fairmont State University took center stage at the West Virginia State Capitol, demonstrating its significant contributions to the state’s economy, workforce, and communities. Students, faculty, and staff engaged with lawmakers, shared innovative programs, and underscored how Fairmont State is making North-Central West Virginia a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.
Fairmont State University has named five West Virginia high school students as recipients of the Charles J. McClain Presidential Scholarship. Also known as the Presidential Scholarship, the award covers tuition, program fees, room and board, and provides a $500 per semester stipend for textbooks through the campus bookstore.
Last October, Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors unanimously approved Strategic Vision 2025-2035, outlining a bold roadmap for the university’s next decade. Now, with the semester underway, the planning process is moving into the next phase: developing implementation plans.
Spring has sprung at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center and members of the campus and community have literary gatherings, storytelling concerts, and exhibitions to look forward to. These events are open to all ages and all members of the community at no cost, and each event showcases a different folklife tradition integral to our area. The first event is the Kestrel Celebration, a twice-yearly event that highlights contributors to Fairmont State’s Kestrel literary and art journal, on Friday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m. Presenters will read their works of poetry and creative writing.
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