President Davis shares the establishment of Fairmont State’s Campus Carry Committee during BOG meeting, new interim leadership announced

Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors met on October 19 to hear updates from University leadership and to discuss an assortment of topics pertaining to the University.

The meeting started out with a Presidential report from Fairmont State President Mike Davis. Davis continues to be a champion for University-community relations. He emphasizes that as a public University, it is important for Fairmont State to be active within the community of Fairmont.

“We continue to host outreach events across the campus and community,” said Davis. “We want to make sure members of the community and the campus feel seen and appreciated.”

Davis also announced the establishment of the Fairmont State Campus Carry Committee, which is made up of faculty, staff, and students from across campus. The purpose of the committee is to handle questions, concerns and safety regarding the concealed carry of firearms on campus. The Committee was created in response to Senate Bill 10 passing and going into effect July 1, 2024.

Davis provided updates on the search for a Chief of Staff for the University, which aims to have someone in place by January 1, 2024. Davis also announced an event that will celebrate the renaming of Fairmont State’s Feaster Center pool on November 11. The pool will be named for Steve Mahaney, who was Fairmont State’s Swim Coach from 1971-1988. Mahaney was named 1977 NAIA Coach of the Year, won 10 conference championships, and coached 150 All-Americans, 13 of whom were four-year All-Americans.

“We are very pleased with the work Dr. Davis has done for the University and the community since he began in July,” said Board of Governors Chairman Rusty Hutson. “We are excited to see how his work will continue to benefit our institution and the community of Fairmont.”

Enrollment and Student Life gave updates on enrollment numbers for the Fall of 2024 and on current housing occupancy numbers, which are all trending upward. Alicia Kalka was also formally announced as the Interim Vice President of Student Success following Ken Fettig’s departure to join Saginaw State University in University Center, Michigan.

Kalka shared information on a new scholarship being offered to students that does not require a minimum ACT/SAT score. The Falcon Excellence in Residence Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship that will be provided to first-year students who live on campus and have a 3.5 GPA or higher. This scholarship is designed to assist students who excel academically but may not be great at taking standardized tests.

Kalka also shared the positive impact that the University’s first Social Worker has had on students. Caitlin Jividen began her position back in May and has assisted students by connecting them with resources within the University and community to help them overcome obstacles that they face. These resources include but are not limited to mental health services, healthcare services, financial services and academic services.

Academic Affairs provided updates on the newly reestablished music and theatre minors, as well as planning for future academic programs which include the expansion of graduate courses offered by Fairmont State.

The Board also heard updates from the Fairmont State Foundation regarding their search for a new president, and from Athletics regarding Fall sports and the introduction of alcohol into concession stand sales at sporting events.

The meeting finished with updates from the Financial Committee, which reported positive revenue despite the increased cost of expenses. The increase in housing occupancy reported by Enrollment and Student Life was one of the main contributing factors to the upward trend in revenue.