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 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.
Fairmont State University is pleased to announce the launch of a new Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) program, set to begin in Fall 2025. The MSES program is housed in the Department of Natural Sciences within the College of Science and Technology and is designed to address critical environmental and economic needs across West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.
Fairmont State University will serve as the proud host of the 2025 Northeast Aerial Drone Competition Championship, a premier four-day event set to take place at the Falcon Center from May 29 through June 1. Bringing together 120 top drone teams of middle and high school students from Maine to Kentucky, this event is the largest of its kind in the country and a celebration of innovation, engineering, and student achievement in STEM education.
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.
Eight forensic science students from Fairmont State University recently attended the 2025 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Conference. This premier event draws leading forensic professionals, researchers, and students from across the nation. The conference, held earlier this year, provided an invaluable platform for students to present their work, engage with experts, and explore diverse career pathways within the field of forensic science.
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.
The outstanding achievements of Fairmont State University faculty and students were recognized at the 2025 West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM) Conference. Several distinguished members of the Fairmont State community were honored for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to mathematics education across West Virginia.
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.
Fairmont State University proudly announces that retired faculty member, Dennine LaRue, has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Service Award—also known as “The Chair”—by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM). Presented at the WVCTM annual meeting on March 14, this prestigious honor recognizes LaRue’s decades-long dedication and transformative impact on mathematics education across West Virginia.
After a season of tough competition, Fairmont State University’s VEX U robotics team Falcotronix is headed to the world championship in Dallas, TX next month. This marks the team’s third consecutive year competing on the world stage since their reformation in 2022.
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.
Four Parkersburg High School students each earned a $1,000 scholarship to Fairmont State University after securing first place in the 2025 Science Showdown on March 7. Hosted annually by Fairmont State, the competition brought together 13 teams of juniors and seniors from seven area high schools to take on a series of science-based challenges.
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