Fairmont State University Board of Governors begins the academic year with new leadership and members

Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors held their bi-monthly meeting on August 28 at 9 a.m. in the Falcon Center Board Room. This was the first full Board meeting under the leadership of Chair Jennifer Kinty, Vice Chair Jason Pizatella, and Secretary Kevin Rogers. It was also the inaugural meeting for new Board members Drew Paton, Lance Puccio, and John Schirripa.

During his presidential report, Dr. Mike Davis provided a year-in-review, summarizing his first 12 months in office. “Over the last year we have taken many steps that reinforce Fairmont State University’s standing as the best regional university in West Virginia. No single person or group achieved this alone. It took many contributions from many people. I’ve highlighted just a small sampling of what we accomplished today—I could spend hours talking about all the incredible work that happened on campus last academic year. Looking ahead, I’m excited about our future and eager to see our accomplishments grow.”

President Davis also introduced two new members of his executive leadership team. “I am pleased to announce that after thorough national searches, George Wolf has joined Fairmont State as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Janna Bredeson agreed to serve as our Vice President of Student Affairs. Both are seasoned higher education professionals who will bring new ideas and energy to the university.”

During her report, Foundation President Anne Bolyard presented the Board with a fundraising goal of $700,000 for the Day of Giving 2025, to be held February 27. Last year’s efforts surpassed the previous record by 41%. The team looks forward to an even greater event this year that sets new heights for university fundraising levels.

Enrollment, Housing, and Student Life Committee Chair Pizatella began by reviewing recent efforts to enroll new and current students.

“I commend the teams who did so much to recruit this class and retain our current students,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Wolf. “Nationwide delays to the FAFSA rollout have had deep impacts on many students and institutions. Fairmont State staff worked tirelessly to address the challenges. Preliminary enrollment figures indicate that they were successful.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Bredeson added that the University is seeing more students living in campus housing. As of the time of the meeting, the housing occupancy rate was 93.5%. All campus residence halls are open, and several were remodeled over the summer. She also noted plans to enhance programs and services that engage students and contribute to their success.

After the Board reviewed and approved the May and June financial reports, Finance Committee Chair John Schirripa recommended Fairmont State adopt a new approach for managing cash reserves. Thanks to careful stewardship of resources, the University currently has more cash on hand than any other public institution in West Virginia.

Interim Chief Financial Officer John Nisbet explained that the proposed approach would create a three-year plan to address priorities identified in the University’s new strategic vision, which will be reviewed by the Board in October. Following an active discussion, the Board voted to reduce the cash on hand through strategic investments, primarily toward revenue generation and the student experience in ways that support retention, with all projects approved by the Board.

Board Chair Jennifer Kinty noted “Fairmont State is in an enviable position. I look forward to making strategic investments in programs, people, and initiatives this year.” She added that “over the next couple of years the Board will really, truly be able to say that our students and the state of West Virginia have benefitted. The proof will be increased enrollment, graduation rates, and job placements.”

As the meeting progressed, Academic Affairs Committee Chair Wendy Adkins and Provost Dianna Phillips provided an update on Middle College at Fairmont State University. This is the first specialized, on-campus, academic program in the country specifically for youth in foster care. The initial cohort of 19 students moved into Prichard Hall on Monday, August 12 and began classes together with the rest of campus on Monday, August 26. A Middle College ribbon cutting and celebration will take place in front of Prichard Hall on Friday, September 20 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend.

Turning the focus to the Fighting Falcons, Athletic Affairs Committee Chair Kevin Rogers introduced Simone Statham, the new Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs and Resource Development. Director of Athletics Greg Bamberger then provided a preview of the fall sports and shared his optimism about how the Falcons will perform this year.

The final report was from Bylaws Committee Chair Gina Fantasia, who described the committee’s plans to revise Policy 50, the “Policy on Policies” that guides rulemaking for the university. Fantasia also presented a revised version of Policy GA-07, the “Rule Regarding Alcohol and Other Drugs.” She reported that the Committee had previously accepted a revised policy and recommended it to the Board. The proposed revisions were then posted online for a 30-day public comment period. No public comments were submitted. The Board voted in favor of the policy update.

To conclude the meeting, Chair Kinty called the Board into executive session to discuss personnel issues, pending litigation, and matters involving commercial competition. After roughly 60 minutes, the Board concluded the executive session and reported that no actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned at noon.

The Fairmont State University Board of Governors’ next meeting is scheduled for October 23 at 9 a.m. in the Falcon Center Boardroom.