Fairmont State anticipates an exciting year focused on deepening the ways the University is a Great Place
Fairmont State University students begin classes on Monday, August 26; however, for
faculty and staff, the 2024-2025 academic year began Monday with the University’s
annual employee breakfast and Opening Session.
After introducing new faculty and staff, the University awarded the Abelina Suarez Professorship for the 2024-2029 term to Dr. Julie Reneau, professor of special education and executive director of Autism Individualized Mentoring & Support Services. The honor, which recognizes sustained excellence by a university faculty member, will carry the title in perpetuity.
During his campus address, President Mike Davis expanded on his vision of the University being “A Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home,” and set a tone of teamwork and transformation for the year ahead.
“Over the last year we have taken many steps that reinforce our belief that Fairmont State University is the best regional university in West Virginia,” shared President Davis. “No single person or group achieved this alone. It took many small steps from many people; and while your step may sometimes seem inconsequential, when we join them together the result is transformational.”
Davis went on to highlight some of the University’s key achievements from the past year, including:
- The complete reorganization of the Student Success division to increase enrollment and support existing students.
- Securing more than $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support upgrades to the nursing program facilities, renovations to the library, and improvements to campus security systems.
- A record-breaking Day of Giving that raised nearly $531,000, surpassing the previous record by 43%.
- A successful presidential inauguration with more than 750 attendees.
- The Acrobatics and Tumbling team’s victory as Mountain East Conference regular-season champions, along with their role as hosts and competitors in the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association Nationals.
- The women’s basketball team won the Mountain East Conference Tournament Championship.
- The University finished third in the Commissioner’s Cup.
- The launch of Middle College at Fairmont State for foster with support from $2 million in state funding.
- The revival of music and theater minors.
- The introduction of a new master’s program in cybersecurity and risk management.
- Planning for an outdoor recreation major.
- A record number of faculty hires and promotions.
“This is just a small sampling of what we accomplished—I could spend hours talking about all the incredible work happening on campus over the past 12 months,” Davis added. “But as I’ve said before, I’ll be here to help you celebrate each success for years to come. I’m excited for the future and eager to see this list grow.”
The morning concluded with an inspirational charge to the faculty and staff. “Seeing all of you this morning has only increased my enthusiasm for what we’re going to achieve together this year. I urge you to hold onto this feeling and carry it with you throughout the semester. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue our shared mission to make Fairmont State University a Great place.”
