FSU President Offered Position at Indiana State University

Fairmont State University President Daniel J. Bradley and FSU Board of Governors Chairman Robert Kittle have issued statements to the campus community in response to Bradley being offered the position of president at Indiana State University.

Statement from President Daniel J. Bradley:

"I have been offered the Presidency of Indiana State University, pending board approval, and anticipate accepting the position.

"Cheri and I consider ourselves blessed to have been part of the Fairmont State family. Leaving Fairmont will not be easy.

"Much has happened over the course of the past seven plus years. The institution has changed from the College to the University on the Hill. It has seen growth in new graduate programs. We have developed strong distance education classes that reach and encourage a greater number of West Virginians to continue their education. Together, we have transformed the campus to a state of the art institution, with inviting facilities and infrastructure to welcome the next generation of students. We are no longer a diamond in the rough; we are a polished stone. It is because of your support, hard work and dedication that FSU is and will continue to be a sound institution with the mission of 'Influencing Minds and Changing Lives.'"

"Our interaction with community organizations and friends will not be forgotten. We have made lasting memories with our church, Cheri's PEO sisters, and many friends and families, some of whom have adopted us as their own. We have enjoyed working with local boards to help effect positive change for Marion County. Our bike rides on local rail trails and in surrounding areas have given us much needed exercise while expanding our love and understanding of the beautiful WV hills and the history of the area. We will only be separated by miles not by what we feel in our hearts.

"I am particularly proud of the positive way you have responded to the many changes required by the legislature. The collegial relationship between FSU and PC&TC is important for the prosperity of north central West Virginia. It is important to remember these professional connections which have developed over the past 30 years. They are valuable and need to be continually nurtured. Changes required by law have occurred and will continue to occur; that should not affect how you treat each other or how much you value the relationship.

"I believe the institution I leave behind is intrinsically stronger. That strength comes from the collective decisions you made to be involved and engaged. I encourage you to continue working towards the goals of the strategic plan and realize the vision you have worked so hard to develop.

"Cheri and I will be watching with interest as you move forward with your personal and collective goals. The success and prosperity of FSU is of great importance to us, to Fairmont and to the State of West Virginia."

Statement from FSU Board of Governors Chairman Robert Kittle:

"On behalf of the Fairmont State University Board of Governors, I want to thank Dr. Bradley for his seven and a half years of dedicated service to Fairmont State's students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

"You don' have to look far to see the positive impact he has had on this institution and its future.
Some of the changes are obvious a new state-of-the-art residence hall and student activity center, vastly improved parking capacity, a new academic building with special emphasis on engineering technology and the sciences, increased ADA accessibility, and improved infrastructure.

"Dr. Bradley has also presided over significant investment in and improvement of the institution's information technology infrastructure; the establishment of a center for teaching excellence; improvements to the athletic facilities; and the successful completion of the institution's first-ever capital campaign.

"Dr. Bradley has encouraged a strong move towards increased accountability and has poised the University to remain in the forefront of quality accredited academic programs.

"We will miss his strong leadership, but we congratulate him on his new position at Indiana State University and wish him well with the new challenges he will face there.

"Our Board will now work closely with the Chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission to launch a nationwide search for Fairmont State's next President. We pledge to work with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the greater community during this process."