FSU Board of Governors Names Rose as Interim President; Commission Approves Appointment
The Fairmont State University Board of Governors has named Dr. Maria C. Bennett Rose as Interim President, and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today approved the appointment.
“Dr. Rose is without question the best choice to take on this role as Interim President for Fairmont State University. No one on this campus better understands the needs of our students, faculty and staff. She is well respected by all who wear the maroon and white, as well as education leaders within our Board of Governors and the Higher Education Policy Commission,” said Rocco Muriale, Chairman of the FSU Board of Governors. “I want to thank Dr. Rose for her twenty plus years of commitment to academic excellence for every student. She brings a calm, thoughtful process to decision making. I am honored and proud that she will serve the University she loves so very much.”
Most recently serving as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rose has been a part of the Fairmont State faculty for more than 20 years.
“When I graduated in December of 1969 with my education degree, my first job was in a two-room schoolhouse in Idamay, West Virginia, teaching fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students how to read, how to add and how to work together. When I arrived on the campus in the early 1980s at what was then Fairmont State College, I still had the same passion as I did that day in Idamay—a passion for teaching and working with students on their most challenging issues,” Rose said.
“Today, I am humbled to represent the University that has allowed me to learn and grow and truly fulfill my dream to become an educator. I see my new service to the University as a time of opportunity to build bridges so that Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College can both be successful partners on the same campus to the benefit of our students.”
Rose has taught developmental writing, developmental reading and study skills and has coordinated the campus-wide peer tutoring program. Rose served as Director of Retention and Vice President of Academic Services. Working with the FSU School of Education’s Professional Development School initiative, she serves as the liaison for White Hall Elementary School.
Rose was a member of the Governor’s Council on Literacy during the administrations of Gaston Caperton, Cecil Underwood and Bob Wise. As a member of the Council, she served as Chair of Public Outreach and worked on many family literacy projects. Rose authored and served as the Principal Investigator for the Fairmont State Title III Strengthening Institutions grant. She received national recognition as Outstanding First Year Student Advocate, which was presented by the National Resource Center for First Year Experience and Students in Transition. Rose served on a task force for the Higher Education Policy Commission Adult Learner initiative and is currently serving on the Commission’s College Completion Task Force.
Rose received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Fairmont State College and a Master of Arts degree in Reading from West Virginia University. From WVU, she also earned an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on family and community literacy issues as they relate to higher education. In addition, she earned a Developmental Educator Certification through the Kellogg Institute of Appalachian State University.
Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, has expressed support for the appointment and has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, I commend the Fairmont State University Board of Governors for the selection of Dr. Maria Rose, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, as Interim President effective today, April 15, 2011. Today’s approval by the Board and the Commission is an initial step in restoring focus to the institution’s educational service mission.
As a former student, long-time faculty member, and current administrator, Dr. Rose is fully aware of the institution’s rich history and promising future. As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rose has worked tirelessly to enrich the institution’s academic core, while expanding the educational opportunities available throughout North Central West Virginia. As Interim President, Dr. Rose will engage faculty, staff, and students as well as business and community leaders regarding current and future institutional needs. Dr. Rose’s strong community ties, extensive knowledge, and relevant experience place her in a unique position to continue selfless service to the institution as it moves forward."
Maria Rose
