Dr. Steven Paine to Speak at Commencement

More than 300 students will receive degrees as part of Fairmont State's Winter Commencement ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Feaster Center.

Dr. Steven L. Paine, a FS alumnus and State Superintendent of Schools, will be the speaker.

"Steve Paine is a very good example of the quality educators we have in the state of West Virginia," said FSU President Daniel J. Bradley. "He cares deeply about students and their development. Fairmont State is very proud to have him as both an alumnus and as our Winter Commencement speaker this year."

Paine became West Virginia's 25th State Superintendent of Schools on July 1. He joined the West Virginia Department of Education in 2003 as Deputy State Superintendent of Schools after serving as county superintendent in Morgan County, W.Va. He has also served as principal, assistant principal, teacher and curriculum director in Harrison, Upshur and Morgan counties.

During his tenure as principal, Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School was named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School and a U.S. Department of Education Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free School. Most recently, Paine has helped lead state school improvement efforts for the West Virginia Department of Education. Paine is also a recipient of the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Paine received his undergraduate degree from Fairmont State College. He furthered his education by attending West Virginia University, where he received his master's degree in educational administration and his doctorate in educational leadership. He has completed post-graduate studies at The Ohio State University and at Marshall University.

Paine and his wife, Jackie, are the parents of four children. Their son, Jonathan David, is currently a student in FSU's School of Education.