FSU Names Widney as Vice President for Student Services

Fairmont State University has named Kaye Caplinger Widney as Vice President for Student Services, the chief enrollment management and student services officer for the University.

With almost 40 years of experience in higher education, Widney is an experienced supervisor and budget manager, having served as Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at West Virginia University and before that as Director of Financial Aid at Fairmont State.

“I am glad to welcome Kaye Widney back to Fairmont State in this new role and know that she believes in putting the needs of students first. Her extensive experience in higher education will be valuable in the launch of our new Student Success Center, which will provide a central location where students can find all the support services they need to succeed,” said FSU President Maria Rose.

In her new position, Widney will provide leadership, vision and administrative supervision for operations including financial aid; recruitment and admissions; registration and records; and student services. She will participate in the formulation and success of FSU’s enrollment goals; develop and implement strong financial aid programs for students; implement student services policies which foster student learning and support FSU’s educational programs; and will work collaboratively with the Pierpont Community & Technical College Associate Vice President for Administration in planning and implementing programs and services that serve the diverse needs of FSU and Pierpont students.

“It is truly a pleasure to be connected again with Fairmont State University. I am excited about the future of this institution and believe that we have a strong team in place to help foster a first class educational experience for students of both Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College,” Widney said.

Widney served as Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at West Virginia University from 2004 to 2012. At Fairmont State, she was Director of Financial Aid at Fairmont from 1999 to 2003, Associate Director of Financial Aid from 1995 to 1999 and a Financial Aid Counselor from 1991 to 1995. Before coming to Fairmont State, Widney worked in financial aid at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. She has been a member of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Financial Aid Advisory Board since 2009; an active member of the West Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators since 1991; an active member of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators since 1997; an active member of the Coalition of State University Aid Administrators since 2004; and a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Student Success CenterMaria RoseFinancial AidKaye WidneyVice President for Student Services