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.
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.
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.
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.
Something wicked this way comes! The Rustic Mechanicals will proudly present Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth to Fairmont State University as part of their 2025 Vaulting Ambition Tour! Fairmont State has become a staple visit in every Rustic Mechanicals tour, and they are delighted to be back on campus. Founded in the summer of 2014, The Rustic Mechanicals is the only troupe of actors in the state dedicated to touring the works of William Shakespeare and other classical playwrights.
From March 16-22, Fairmont State University’s Falcon Center will be the epicenter of competitive robotics as it hosts four VEX Robotics state championships. This premier event will bring together West Virginia’s top elementary, middle, and high school teams to compete in both the VEX V5 Robotics Competition and the VEX IQ Robotics Competition.
Fairmont State University has been awarded $1 million in grant funding from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) to expand student enrollment, enhance test preparation, recruit new nursing faculty, and support faculty development.
Fairmont State University held its sixth Day of Giving event on Thursday, February 27 with a goal of raising $700,000 for programs, teams, and scholarships throughout campus. During this 24-hour giving marathon, 1,686 generous donors participated with a total of $715,501 in funds raised.
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’s ongoing and future initiatives to address college access, workforce needs, and strengthen West Virginia’s economy were the main highlights of the Feb. 19 Board of Governors meeting.
On Thursday, February 27, Fairmont State University will host its sixth Day of Giving event with a fundraising goal of $700,000. This 24-hour campaign inspires Falcons to come together, show pride in their alma mater, and provide essential funding to support current and future students. More than 50 programs across campus, including academic units, athletic teams, student organizations, and student support initiatives will benefit from funds raised during this event.
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University, in collaboration with the paranormal podcast group the Mothboys, is seeking submissions of paranormal, supernatural, and cryptid stories for an upcoming zine. A zine is a small, independently published booklet that highlights creative and niche content, often featuring storytelling, art, and personal expression.
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