Fairmont State University has announced the lineup for its 2025–2026 Presidential Speaker Series. Since its start last fall, the Series has brought distinguished leaders to campus to address topics such as politics, economics, civics, the arts, and culture—sparking meaningful dialogue and fostering intellectual engagement throughout the Falcon community.
Fairmont State University President Mike Davis has been named the 2025 recipient of the Francis H. Pierpont Visionary Award, presented during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 71st Annual Awards Dinner on August 6th.
Fairmont State University welcomed faculty and staff back from summer break with its annual Opening Session and Welcome Back Breakfast, celebrating a year of significant accomplishments and setting a course for the flourishing year ahead. Most notably, the University is experiencing prominent growth in both overall enrollment and student retention for the Fall 2025 semester. Specifically, undergraduate enrollment is expected to increase by 9%, retention rates are projected to rise by 8%, and there is an anticipated 18% increase in graduate studies enrollment—bringing approximately 300 additional students to campus altogether.
Fairmont State continues to serve North-Central West Virginia in the aftermath of the 2025 Father’s Day Flood. The University is hosting the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center (BRC) to assist residents, businesses, and nonprofits impacted by the disaster om Room 304 of the Falcon Center.
Fairmont State University President Mike Davis will travel across the Mountain State from July 27 through August 1 as part of the 2025 Tour of West Virginia. This trip will strengthen relationships with communities and state leaders while celebrating the natural beauty and diversity of West Virginia. It also makes good on a commitment Davis made when he was hired in 2023: to visit every county in the state.
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.
Fairmont State University welcomed internationally acclaimed illusionist and escape artist Matt Johnson as the final guest for the spring 2025 installment of the Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience.
The Fairmont State University Board of Governors voted unanimously today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to allow the five-year extension of President Mike Davis’s contract to proceed.
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 is excited to welcome internationally acclaimed illusionist and escape artist Matt Johnson as the featured guest of the Spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience. With more than 30 years of experience, Johnson brings a powerful blend of spectacle and storytelling that reflects the very essence of resilience — the theme anchoring this semester’s series.
Fairmont State University is proud to continue its spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience, which celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. The series brings together thought leaders to explore resilience in Appalachia through various lenses—including the arts, communication, and performance.
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.
Fairmont State University Board of Governors met on Wednesday, February 26 to consider and vote on the renewal or modification to President Mike Davis’ contract and to consider and vote on hiring a consultant firm to assist with a presidential assessment. Davis’s current contract will expire on June 30.
Fairmont State University is pleased to announce the spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience, celebrating the region's vibrant cultural heritage and creative spirit. The Presidential Speaker Series brings together prominent voices to explore critical topics across politics, economics, healthcare, science, the environment, and the arts, fostering meaningful dialogue within the Falcon community. The fall 2024 series focused on civil discourse.
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