The importance of funding higher ed

Now more than ever before, it’s vital to fully fund higher education in West Virginia. At the very time when we need to be developing a critical mass of talented graduates and universities in our state; at a time when 40 other states have chosen to increase their investment in higher education, West Virginia has chosen to cut funding for higher education over the last five years by 20.6 percent - the largest cut by far of any state in the nation. We not only have an obligation to provide access to quality, transformational education, but we also owe it to our regional communities, who benefit greatly from the economic, cultural, and intellectual impact of higher education. 

Education is transformational. It’s not just about ‘learning a trade’ or acquiring knowledge in a certain discipline – earning a degree also opens pathways to happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives. And that’s not just for recent high school graduates. Schools like Fairmont State University reach beyond the traditional college bound population and provide practical avenues to degrees for veterans, adults with some college credit, working adults that need new careers, and first generation and under-represented student populations. We provide this region with knowledgeable, skilled citizens who care about West Virginia and work to make their communities better. With proper funding, we can continue to inspire and educate these students so that when they graduate, they can impact their communities. 

We not only need to keep our extraordinary homegrown talent, but we also need to promote our top-ranked and unique educational programs beyond our state borders and overseas. We need to recruit, educate, and retain these students. We need to connect them with meaningful opportunities right here in North Central West Virginia. With funding, we can develop and maintain for North Central West Virginia a competitive advantage through education, investment, public policy, access to the latest in technology, and quality of life.

Fairmont State is a significant (and efficient) economic force within the state, and steadfastly upholds its mission to serve West Virginians:

• In 2018, Fairmont State received about $14.5 million from the State, and turned that into a total economic impact of $82.9 million on the state’s economy.
• For every dollar the legislature spent on Fairmont State, the University returned $5.69 into the state’s economy. 
• Fairmont State is the third largest employer in Marion county. 

At 88% Fairmont State has the highest percentage of West Virginian residents in our student body compared to all other institutions in the state (61 percent of our students are first generation and 89 percent are on financial aid). However, in spite of our service to West Virginia, we are currently funded at one of the lowest levels per student.

Some may know that I had the privilege to be appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) for Higher Education by Governor Justice. The BRC proposed a Recalibration Formula that would set aside an additional $10 million to be allocated among all seven regional institutions. This funding allocation will bring parity to the in-state, per student funding, and narrow the imbalance that currently exists between institutions.  

$10M is only 2.5 percent of the surplus monies the state is expected to enjoy this year.  The presidents of the other senior institutions and I feel it is a very modest allocation that will yield an enormous, transformational return on the investment.  

Since 1865, Fairmont State has educated generations of West Virginia leaders, teachers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Our reach – and our impact – is growing as more and more West Virginia (and out of state) families learn about Fairmont State, and we just welcomed the largest incoming class in school history. 

We’re growing at a perfect time because right now, West Virginia needs a strong Fairmont State University. And now, more than ever, Fairmont State University needs everyone’s commitment – and the proper funding – to making sure we can continue to help West Virginia thrive.

Dr. President Mirta MartinOpinionOpEd