Presidential Speaker Series Spring 2025: Celebrating Appalachian Resilience Through Dialogue and Performance

Fairmont State University is pleased to announce the spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience, celebrating the region's vibrant cultural heritage and creative spirit. The Presidential Speaker Series brings together prominent voices to explore critical topics across politics, economics, healthcare, science, the environment, and the arts, fostering meaningful dialogue within the Falcon community. The fall 2024 series focused on civil discourse

"The Presidential Speaker Series is more than just a couple of talks, it’s a reflection of Fairmont State University’s vision of being a Great Place to Learn,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “By bringing bold, thought-provoking voices to campus, we celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachia while fostering meaningful dialogue that challenges perspectives, ignites curiosity, and inspires action. These conversations educate and empower Falcons to think critically, engage deeply, and shape the future with knowledge and purpose."

On February 18 the series will begin with accomplished scholars Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre presenting “How Food Communicates Resilience in Appalachia.” Then, on April 3, celebrated West Virginian artist Sassa Wilkes will share “Reflections of the Artist-in-Residence.” Finally, on April 30, renowned escape artist Matt Johnson will deliver a performance of “Illusion, Escape, and Resilience,” followed on the evening on May 1 by a candid conversation about his life’s journey. 

All events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series, visit Presidential Speaker Series webpage.

February 18 – Food as Communication in Appalachia 

Speakers: Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre 

Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes, Professor of Communication Studies and former Director of the Center for the Study of the New South at UNC Charlotte, is an expert on the intersection of identity and the Southern food movement. A Fulbright Scholar (2020-21), her work has been described as “a call to action” and includes books like Consuming Identity: The Role of Food in Redefining the South, co-authored with Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre. Her extensive research is featured in top academic journals and national media outlets, including NPR and Smithsonian/Zócalo Public Square.

Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication & Film at the University of Memphis, explores how rhetoric shapes identity. Her co-authored book, Hungry Roots: How Food Communicates Appalachia's Search for Resilience, delves into the resilience of Appalachian communities through food culture. She is also a co-editor of several works, including City Places, Country Spaces: Rhetorical Explorations of the Urban/Rural Divide. Her research is widely published in journals such as the Western Journal of Communication and Southern Communication Journal.

Together, they will give a talk on February 18 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. 

April 3 – Reflections of the Artist-in-Residence 

Speaker: Sassa Wilkes 

Sassa Wilkes is a celebrated Appalachian artist based in Huntington, West Virginia, with a background in sculpture and painting. Wilkes is Fairmont State’s current Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year. This position is designed to enrich the University’s academic and arts programs, promote faculty development, and provide valuable cultural and intellectual resources to the community.

Known for his striking oil-painted portraiture, Wilkes integrates community collaboration into his art, often incorporating community-created elements into public works. A passionate advocate for representation and egalitarianism in Appalachia, Wilkes weaves these themes into his work, contributing to a broader dialogue in the region

Wilkes will speak on April 3 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. 

April 30 & May 1 – Illusion, Escape, and Resilience 

Speaker: Matt Johnson 

International magician and escape artist Matt Johnson brings more than 30 years of experience to his craft. Hailing from the UK and now based in Vancouver, Canada, Johnson has showcased his breathtaking illusions and escapes on renowned TV programs such as America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Known for his daring performances, Johnson was a live quarterfinalist on America’s Got Talent in 2021 and earned global acclaim as one of the top 50 acts on The World’s Best. His dynamic shows combine magic, mind-reading, razor-sharp comedy, and audience participation. Simon Cowell described his work as “simply brilliant.”

Johnson will deliver an incredible performance showing off his astonishing tricks and stunts on April 30 at 6 p.m. in Falcon Center Gym 1, followed by a more intimate talk about what drove him to success on May 1 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms.