Destination of Choice

I believe in a simple but powerful formula: 

People of Excellence + Programs of Distinction = Destination of Choice

The facts bear us out. While most of the universities in the state reported losses, Fairmont State University brought in the largest incoming class since becoming a university.

A few months after my arrival, I called upon faculty and staff to shift from a culture of access to a culture of completion. 

Our job does not stop with getting students on campus and unpacked. That's when our work really begins. We must ensure those students cross the finish line. We must ensure they graduate. Successful student outcomes are our top priority. Recruitment and retention is everyone's business. 

Our small classes, high touch environment, individualized attention and state-of-the-art facilities yield impressive results. We want to attract the bright minds of West Virginia and of our nation.  Just as important, we want to keep this talent here – at home- where our future leaders belong. 

New cost containment initiatives implemented last year have already yielded results. 
 

Students and parents are surprised at the repertoire of programs we offer.  As the third largest institution in the state, many of our programs are unique – not only to West Virginia, but to the nation.  For example, did you know that:

• Fairmont State University is home to the only FAA 141 flight program in the state
• The only Master’s program in Architecture in West Virginia
• With partnerships with the FBI, NASA and NOAH, our students have unrivaled internship opportunities
• We offer the cadre of cyber security programs – from National Security Intelligence – to Information Systems Managaement and Computer Security

We have traveled the state telling the story of Fairmont State University.  We are a unique institution.  Approximately 88.8% of our students come from West Virginia – and we have representation from every county in the state.  About 61% of our students are the first in their family to attend college.  

Fairmont State is among the lowest tuition in West Virginia. We provide over 830 jobs to the region and contribute $42 million to the region in wages and salary. 

Today the University offers more than 80 programs of study in business, education, engineering and technology, fine arts, liberal arts, and nursing. Graduate programs have been developed in architecture, education, business, criminal justice, healthcare management, and national security and intelligence.

Fairmont State University transforms lives – one student at a time.  We are engaged in producing graduates who can think for themselves, who are articulate and persuasive, who are critical, creative and collaborative, and who are technologically proficient and competent across disciplines. Our graduates contribute to the well-being of West Virginia, our nation and the world. They are committed to improving the human condition. We are West Virginia.  We are family.  Come soar with us!

Dr. President Mirta MartinOpinionOpEd