Fairmont State Foundation adds new Director of Development

Paulina Nottingham has joined the Fairmont State Foundation staff as the new director of development. 

Nottingham, who holds a both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an MBA with an emphasis in nonprofit management from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, started Jan. 2. She will be working as front-line fund raiser, meeting one-on-one with donors to help them match their interests with funding opportunities at Fairmont State University. 

“We are grateful Paulina has chosen to join the Foundation staff,” said Foundation President Julie Cryser. “Her enthusiasm for development work paired with her training in nonprofit management make her an excellent fit for Fairmont State Foundation and Fairmont State University.”

As she settles into her new role at the Foundation, Nottingham is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with faculty, alumni, and friends of Fairmont State. She hopes to find innovative ways to bring University supporters together to grow, enhance and fund valuable opportunities for students.

“The generosity and kindness of donors and the ability to be a part of creating an idea or program to benefit students and the community is what draws me to development and nonprofit work,” Nottingham said. 

“Seeing those ideas come to fruition while helping others is extremely rewarding,” she said. “My past roles have focused more on marketing and communications, but I believe I have found my true passion in fundraising and development.

Nottingham grew up in Champaign, IL, and she has roots in West Virginia. Both of her parents are natives of the state, and her mother, Jennifer Nottingham, is a Fairmont State alumna with a degree in psychology. 

“My mother is probably the most excited about my new opportunity with the Foundation. I’m looking forward to learning more about the story of Fairmont State University and sharing my skills and education to support the Foundation’s mission.” Nottingham said.

Fairmont State FoundationJulie CryserPaulina Nottingham