Inauguration of FSU's 14th President Planned for Aug. 25
The Inauguration of Fairmont State University’s 14th president, Dr. Maria C. Rose, will take place Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012.
The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at Colebank Hall Gym on the main campus of FSU in Fairmont. The event is open to the public. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the third floor conference rooms and terrace of the Falcon Center. For more information, call (304) 367-4151 or e-mail inauguration@fairmontstate.edu.
After spending more than 20 years of her career as part of the Fairmont State family, Dr. Maria C. Bennett Rose became the University’s president on May 3, 2012.
“Fairmont State University is an outstanding institution, and I value each capacity in which I have had the privilege to serve. Most of all, Fairmont State University has strong academic programs and a solid reputation throughout the region. These programs have much potential to grow and serve not only West Virginia’s students, but students from all states and nations. I look forward to being able to serve Fairmont State University for a number of years to come,” Rose said upon being named President.
“Like many of our students, I was the first in my family to attend college. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was one of those kids who played school. There was never a doubt in my mind or in my parents’ minds that I would go to college, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would someday be a university president. That is the power of a higher education degree. Education can create opportunities you never dared to imagine.”
Prior to her appointment, she served as Interim President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and as a faculty member. 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.
She 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 West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Adult Learner initiative and 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.
InaugurationMaria Rose
