FSU President Maria Rose to Retire in June 2017

Dr. Maria C. Rose, President of Fairmont State University, has notified the Fairmont State University Board of Governors that she plans to retire when her contract ends on June 30, 2017.

“As a faculty member, provost and president, I have worked to ensure that Fairmont State University is a place that provides the best educational experience for all students. I remain proud to be part of the Falcon family and thankful for Fairmont State’s many dedicated faculty and staff members who share my passion for teaching and learning. I believe our student-centered focus sets this University apart and creates a unique environment for students to find themselves and meet their personal goals,” Rose said

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will approve the procedures for the presidential search at their next meeting and the search will begin in the next few weeks. The Board of Governors has expressed that it is the board’s intention to serve as the search committee. The next FSU Board of Governors meeting is 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.

Dixie Yann, current Chair of the Board of Governors, stated: “As a lifelong Marion County resident, Dr. Maria Rose has been deeply committed to strengthening relationships between the University and the greater Fairmont community during her career as an alumna, faculty member, administrator and president. Her love for Fairmont State and the people of Fairmont is evident in all she undertakes. Dr. Rose has served on the board of directors for the United Way of Marion County and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. Working with the FSU School of Education’s Professional Development Schools initiative, she was the liaison for White Hall Elementary School for years. With all these demands on her time, she and her husband Tom still make time to cheer on the Fighting Falcons at as many athletic events as possible. Dr. Maria Rose will always be one of our own, a cherished member of the Falcon family.”

H. Skip Tarasuk, Jr., former Board of Governors member, commented: “I have had the honor of watching Dr. Rose excel in many roles as she has built her career at Fairmont State.  She has steered the University well during her time as president–her energy, enthusiasm and love of FSU has been a shining example of what I hope we will see in everyone who sits in that office. I wish her all the best in her retirement, and I believe we can face the future of Fairmont State University with confidence.”

After being part of the Fairmont State family for more than 25 years, Dr. Maria C. Bennett Rose became the University’s president on May 3, 2012. Prior to her appointment, she served as Interim President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and as a faculty member. 

Dr. Rose taught developmental writing, developmental reading and study skills and has coordinated the campus-wide peer tutoring program. She served as Director of Retention and Vice President of Academic Services. Working with the FSU School of Education’s Professional Development Schools initiative, she has served 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. Dr. 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.

Chancellor Paul Hill of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission named Dr. Rose to the Compensation, Planning and Review Committee maintained in SB439 as part of the human resources directive (Old 330). Also during her tenure as president, she has served as chair of the Conduct Committee for the Mountain East Conference and Presidential Coordinator for the West Virginia Association of Regional Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Rose has remained active in the Fairmont community, serving on the boards of directors for the United Way of Marion County and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. 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.

“I am grateful for the relationships built and lives changed by this University, which has made a great impact on my life.  My role in the story of Fairmont State is changing but not ending. Tom, our family and I will always be proud to be part of the Falcon family,” Dr. Rose said.

Dr. Maria RoseOffice of the PresidentBoard of GovernorsH. Skip TarasukDixie Yann