Fairmont State Board of Governors begins Presidential Assessment
Fairmont State University Board of Governors met on Wednesday, February 26 to consider and vote on the renewal or modification to President Mike Davis’ contract and to consider and vote on hiring a consultant firm to assist with a presidential assessment. Davis’s current contract will expire on June 30.
After rising from Executive Session, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Board Chair Jennifer Kinty to enter into a contract with a consulting firm to assist with a presidential assessment. The Board also voted unanimously to make a small modification to the President’s contract that will allow time for the assessment to be completed. Davis agreed to the assessment and contract modification.
“The Board is very pleased with President Davis' work since starting at Fairmont State,” said Kinty. “Out of respect for his accomplishments and to comply with our legal obligations, the Board will begin the assessment process immediately.”
Davis is the 27th President of Fairmont State University. He hit the ground running upon his arrival on campus to begin his tenure as president in July of 2023. Since that time, President Davis has engaged with countless constituents, including students, university employees, community members, business leaders, and state legislators. He has also acted on the insights he’s gathered to develop his vision for the future of Fairmont State.
Prior to assuming the leadership role at Fairmont State, Dr. Davis was Chief of Staff at James Madison University (JMU). In that role, Dr. Davis managed JMU’s presidential priorities and directed matters of policy and institutional importance, including strategic planning, institutional research, and accreditation. He was also regularly involved in external relations, crisis management and strategic communication, alumni engagement and advancement, diversity and inclusion leadership, fundraising, and fiscal management.
President Davis earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Georgia. He also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Syracuse University. His academic research interests center women in the Civil Rights Movement, debate pedagogy, presidential rhetoric, and argumentation and advocacy.
To learn more about President Davis please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/president.
