Fairmont State University selected to hold WV Gubernatorial Debate

Fairmont State University will host West Virginia gubernatorial candidates Patrick Morrisey and Steve Williams for a broadcast debate on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. West Virginia MetroNews will sponsor the event, and "Talkline" host Hoppy Kercheval will moderate.

"Fairmont State University is proud to host West Virginia’s sole gubernatorial debate,” said Board of Governors Chair Jennifer Kinty. “We thank the candidates, Hoppy Kercheval, and MetroNews for bringing this important event to our campus. Fairmont State aspires to be a bedrock institution for North-Central West Virginia, and opportunities like this demonstrate our commitment to the communities that support us.”

The event will resemble more of a forum than a traditional debate, according to Kercheval, with the two leading gubernatorial candidates. The organizers also announced that there will be no in-person audience. However, the debate will be broadcast live on MetroNews affiliates and streamed online at wvmetronews.com. Additionally, Fairmont State’s Civics Institute will host a watch party for university and community members in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. Refreshments will be served.

“Fairmont State’s mission is to educate citizen leaders and to serve West Virginia,” Fairmont State University President Mike Davis said. “So, we provide intellectual and cultural opportunities for the community, demonstrating that Fairmont State is their university. One way we can do that is to promote civic engagement events that are open to the public.”

For example, on October 17, the Student Government hosted an election townhall where eight candidates for state and federal offices engaged with more than 50 members of the University and Community. President Davis also established a Speaker Series this academic year. The theme for Fall 2024 is “Civic Dialogues,” exploring the importance of an informed and engaged electorate to American democracy.

“Hosting the gubernatorial debate will serve as a prelude to the next event in the series, a moderated discussion about civil engagement across political differences,” said President Davis. “From the debate to our Civic Dialogues series, we want to foster dialogue that unites people through understanding and empathy. It’s that sort of commitment that makes Fairmont State and North-Central West Virginia such a Great Place to Call Home.”

The next Presidential Speaker Series event will be held October 30 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. Speakers will include WV. Sen. Mike Caputo (D) and WV Sen. Michael Oliverio (R), moderated by President Mike Davis. Through a conversational format, “Three Mikes on Democracy” will address how we talk and work across political differences for our collective good. A reception will follow with appetizers and a cash bar.

Learn more about Fairmont State’s Presidential Speaker Series

Learn more about Fairmont State’s Civics Institute