Middle College at Fairmont State to host historic ribbon-cutting ceremony, announces new dean

Middle College at Fairmont State University, a program supporting youth in foster care by allowing them to live on campus while completing their high school education and earning an associate degree, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20, at 1:30 p.m. at Prichard Hall. To RSVP email presevents@fairmontstate.edu. 

This is the first middle college program in the country designed specifically for youth in foster care. West Virginia faces a significant challenge with foster care—approximately 5,982 children are currently in care. Only 62% of these youth will graduate from high school, and just 3% will complete a college degree. Additionally, youth who age out of foster care without permanent connections to supportive adults and peers often face overwhelming challenges such as homelessness, incarceration, and/or chronic unemployment. 

In response, Fairmont State University partnered with KVC West Virginia, West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition, and Marion County Schools to create Middle College. The program provides youth in foster care with the opportunity to live in campus housing, take both high school and college courses, engage in recreational activities, join student organizations, and receive the support needed to succeed. Ultimately, Middle College prepares students to pursue meaningful careers or continue their higher education journey. 

In addition to their historic launch, Fairmont State University announced Emily Swain will be the inaugural Dean of Middle College. “Emily brings a deep commitment to student success and community development that makes her the perfect leader for Middle College,” said University Provost Dr. Dianna Phillips. “Her passion for helping students, especially those from underserved backgrounds, aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to see how her leadership will shape this program and provide new opportunities for youth in foster care to thrive both academically and personally.” 

A 2006 graduate of Fairmont State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Swain began her career in nonprofit work at the Fairmont State Foundation. She later became executive director of the Fairmont State Alumni Association, a role she held until 2016. 

Swain’s commitment to community development grew during her time as interim executive director of Main Street Fairmont, where she worked on initiatives for local growth. She then joined the Fairmont Community Development Partnership, focusing on affordable housing and support for vulnerable populations. This experience led her to become the first community impact director at the Tygart Valley United Way, where she played a key role in the organization’s multi-county expansion and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Swain then returned to higher education, completing a master’s degree in higher education administration from West Virginia University while serving as Special Assistant in Fairmont State University’s Office of Academic Affairs. She is now pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in rural and diverse educational leadership from Southern Arkansas University.  

Swain resides in Fairmont with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Jeffrey and Bailey. Outside of work, she supports her children’s activities and serves as vice president of CASA of Marion County, a nonprofit that advocates for abused and neglected children in the community. 

“This ribbon cutting is truly a celebration of the hard work and dedication of so many,” said Swain. “Middle College is a program unlike any other, which required immense collaboration, perseverance, and vision. I’m honored to celebrate with the entire team on this special occasion.”   

Community members, staff, faculty, and students are invited to join Fairmont State University, KVC West Virginia, and their partner organizations for the ribbon cutting of Middle College at Fairmont State University. This will be a historic day to honor all those who helped turn this dream into reality and launch the first middle college for youth in foster care in the nation.  

To learn more about Middle College at Fairmont State, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/middle-college. A complete media kit, including photos and additional information, can be found there.  

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FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY 
The 120-acre main campus of Fairmont State University sits on a hillside in Fairmont, West Virginia, the county seat of Marion County. The University turns opportunity, passion and hard work into excellence in a vibrant, close-knit campus community where students and teachers become your friends for life. Students enjoy the opportunities offered by a comprehensive state university combined with the personal attention and campus atmosphere expected from a small, private school. 

KVC WEST VIRGINIA 
KVC West Virginia is a private, nonprofit organization and a leading child welfare agency and mental health treatment provider. For more than 20 years, KVC has enriched and enhanced the lives of children and families through foster care, adoption, outpatient mental health treatment, in-home family preservation, and educational support services. Accredited by The Joint Commission, widely recognized as the gold standard in healthcare, KVC is dedicated to delivering high-quality care. Learn more at kvcwv.org.