Enrollment growth leads to economic impact
Fairmont State University increased overall enrollment for fall 2018 with a total of 3,895 students in attendance. Since its split from Pierpont Community and Technical College in 2003, this is the largest freshman class, totaling 848 first-time freshman. This is an increase of 10.3% over fall 2017.
As the largest freshman class in Fairmont State University history settles into the semester, the Fairmont community is seeing positive economic impact.
Director of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Tina Shaw, sees that growth first hand with her members. “Marion County is fortunate to have a strong student base that has such a positive economic impact in the community. With the commuter students, they support our restaurants, gas stations, and other retail outlets and the on-campus students not only support those entities, but they also support a number of non-profits by volunteering and getting involved in off campus organizations.”
Fairmont State exposes prospective students to local businesses throughout their decision process. They are represented by the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau at Maroon & White Days and during Welcome Weekend events. Visitor guides highlighting dining and entertainment options are also handed out to families during campus move-in and are available to any student who schedules a campus visit.
“While we are very proud of our campus, faculty, staff and educational opportunities available to our students we are also excited to be located in the ‘friendly city’ and to have four seasons of opportunities right here in Marion County,” said President Mirta Martin.
As the semester continues, students will seek employment in many local businesses, enjoy evenings at the movie theatre, purchase groceries and other essentials and enjoy parks and community events.
Fairmont Mayor Tom Mainella is excited to have students back as well. "It’s great to have the college students back in their home away from home, The City of Fairmont. The city is much more alive with activity and excitement when the University is back in session. It’s gratifying to see so many young people preparing themselves for a bright future with the education they will receive here. I know how stressful the experience can be, but looking back it is probably the most enjoyable time of ones life that will go by in the blink of an eye.”
When the county, the city and Fairmont State all work together, everyone benefits. “We are a much stronger county having higher education institutions in our backyard,” said Shaw.
Fairmont State University increased overall enrollment for fall 2018 with a total of 3,803 students in attendance. Since its split from Pierpont Community and Technical College in 2003, this is the largest freshman class, totaling 848 first-time freshman. This is an increase of 10.3% over fall 2017.
As the largest freshman class in Fairmont State University history settles into the semester, the Fairmont community is seeing positive economic impact.
Director of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce sees that growth first hand with her members. “Marion County is fortunate to have a strong student base that has such a positive economic impact in the community. With the commuter students, they support our restaurants, gas stations, and other retail outlets and the on-campus students not only support those entities, but they also support a number of non-profits by volunteering and getting involved in off campus organizations.”
Fairmont State exposes prospective students to local businesses throughout their decision process. They are represented by the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau at Maroon & White Days and during Welcome Weekend events. Visitor guides highlighting dining and entertainment options are also handed out to families during campus move-in and are available to any student who schedules a campus visit.
“While we are very proud of our campus, faculty, staff and educational opportunities available to our students we are also excited to be located in the ‘friendly city’ and to have four seasons of opportunities right here in Marion County,” said President Mirta Martin.
As the semester continues, students will seek employment in many local businesses, enjoy evenings at the movie theatre, purchase groceries and other essentials and enjoy parks and community events.
Fairmont Mayor Tom Mainella is excited to have students back as well. "It’s great to have the college students back in their home away from home, The City of Fairmont. The city is much more alive with activity and excitement when the University is back in session. It’s gratifying to see so many young people preparing themselves for a bright future with the education they will receive here. I know how stressful the experience can be, but looking back it is probably the most enjoyable time of ones life that will go by in the blink of an eye.”
When the county, the city and Fairmont State all work together, everyone benefits. “We are a much stronger county having higher education institutions in our backyard,” said Shaw.
EnrollmentgrowthCVBMarion County Chamber of Commerce
