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 Fairmont State University marked the start of the 2025 spring semester with its Spring
Kick-Off event. Faculty and staff gathered to reconnect over breakfast and hear key
updates from President Mike Davis followed by an eye-opening update on the state of
the sector from higher education consulting firm EAB.
Davis opened the event by introducing new General Counsel Tanner James and providing
updates on critical leadership searches. The search for a new Chief Financial Officer
(CFO) resulted in interim CFO John Nisbet agreeing to continue in the role through
June 2026. In addition, top candidates for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position
visited campus recently. Finally, the search for a new provost is moving forward,
with plans to announce the selection before Spring 2025 Commencement.
Davis also shared that the Board of Governors approved Board Policy 1.1, granting
the president authority to adopt administrative policies. An Administrative Policy
Committee is being formed to recommend university-wide policies that will enhance
operations and governance.
One of the event’s major highlights was the unveiling of Fairmont State’s recently
approved Strategic Vision 2025-2025. This document was developed through a highly inclusive, transparent, and participatory
process that was coordinated by the University Strategic Planning Process Committee
and supported EAB. The development involved extensive campus engagement with faculty,
staff, and students, as well as off campus constituencies.
“Our friends at EAB will tell you that ours was the most inclusive strategic planning
process they’ve been a part of – I’m really proud of that and how many people participated,”
said Davis.
The Strategic Vision will be enacted through 11 inter-connected implementation plans.
Each will contain SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and
Time-bound), to ensure measurable progress over the next decade.
Davis also outlined plans for two major upcoming events that showcase Fairmont State’s
impact and community engagement. First, Fairmont State Day at the Capitol is set for
February 13. It will feature 32 displays at the Capitol in Charleston, ranging from
academics to athletics to student organizations that highlight the university’s achievements
and contributions to the state.
“We’re going to take over the hallway and both rotundas to highlight the incredible
impact Fairmont State is making on the state,” Davis said. “This event is an opportunity
to demonstrate how we’re driving economic growth, addressing the demand for educated
professionals, and preparing a skilled workforce to shape West Virginia’s future.”
Fairmont State plays an important role in strengthening West Virginia’s economy by
ensuring the workforce pipeline and encouraging innovation. Through its programs and
initiatives, the university is working to meet the growing need for educated professionals
and support the state’s long-term development.
Second, the university will host its annual Day of Giving on February 27. This 24-hour
fundraising event aims to raise $700,000 while also building school spirit. The event
will feature a livestream showcasing Fairmont State’s achievements and initiatives,
paired with fun and entertaining elements to engage the community.
Davis concluded his address by reflecting on his 18-month tenure and offering insights
into the challenges and opportunities confronting both Fairmont State University and
the broader higher education sector.
“Higher education has never been at a more critical juncture than it is today,” Davis
said. “The way we respond in the next year or two will determine what we look like
in 20 years. The state of the sector does not tell us what our destiny is but instead
provides a map of potential pitfalls and opportunities. We must examine them, be honest
about those challenges, and go right at them.”
Following Davis’ remarks, Logan Moore of EAB delivered a detailed presentation analyzing
the current state of the higher education sector. Moore explored four key trends shaping
the strategic and operational direction of colleges and universities: the shifting
public perception of higher education, enrollment and demographic pressures, sustainable
business models, and the challenges of student readiness and wellbeing.
“This is a moment of reckoning for higher education. We’ve been talking about the
return on investment of degrees for a long time,” Moore said. “There’s been a lot
of debate in the media and a lot of debate in politics about the role of higher education
in our society. As your president said, this does seem to be a pivotal moment.”
Moore highlighted that higher education now faces approximately five times more negative
media attention than it did before the Great Recession in 2007. This surge in criticism
has influenced high school students to turn away from pursuing higher education.
Enrollment and demographic shifts present another significant challenge. Moore pointed
to the declining younger population as a major factor impacting college and university
enrollments nationwide.
Additionally, Moore addressed the issue of student readiness. Many K-12 students fell
behind academically during the 2020 pandemic, leaving them feeling unprepared to succeed
in higher education.
In his presentation, Moore urged attendees to focus on local solutions while addressing
these challenges. He emphasized the importance of building public trust through community-level
efforts.
“One of our community college president partners said public trust is something to
build locally, not nationally,” Moore explained. “We can’t scream into the void and
combat these national headlines. It really matters what we are doing here—in Fairmont,
in your local area, in West Virginia, and maybe even in some surrounding regions.”
Fairmont State’s Strategic Vision provides a roadmap to address these trends and thrive despite the strong headwinds
EAB highlighted. To learn more about the University’s strategic planning process,
visit www.fairmontstate.edu/strategicplan.
For more information on Fairmont State’s Day of Giving, visit falconsgive.fsufoundation.org.
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