Fairmont State University students start classes August 26, but the 2024-2025 academic year kicked off for faculty and staff with the annual employee breakfast and Opening Session.
New faculty and staff were introduced, and the University awarded the Abelina Suarez Professorship for the 2024-2029 term to Dr. Julie Reneau, professor of special education and executive director of Autism Individualized Mentoring & Support Services. This honor recognizes sustained excellence by a university faculty member.
President Mike Davis outlined his vision for the University during his address, emphasizing teamwork and transformation. “Over the last year we have taken many steps that reinforce our belief that Fairmont State University is the best regional university in West Virginia,” Davis said. “No single person or group achieved this alone. It took many small steps from many people; and while your step may sometimes seem inconsequential, when we join them together the result is transformational.”
Davis highlighted several key achievements from the past year:
- Complete reorganization of the Student Success division to boost enrollment and support existing students
- Securing over $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for nursing program facilities, library renovations and campus security improvements
- Record-breaking Day of Giving, raising nearly $531,000
- Successful presidential inauguration with more than 750 attendees
- Acrobatics and Tumbling team’s Mountain East Conference regular-season championship and their role as hosts and competitors in National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association Nationals
- Women’s basketball team winning the Mountain East Conference Tournament Championship
- Third-place finish in the Commissioner’s Cup
- Launch of Middle College at Fairmont State backed by $2 million in state funding
- Revival of music and theater minors
- Introduction of a new master’s program in cybersecurity and risk management
- Plans for an outdoor recreation major
- Record number of faculty hires and promotions
“This is just a small sampling of what we accomplished—I could spend hours talking about all the incredible work happening on campus over the past 12 months,” Davis added. “But as I’ve said before, I’ll be here to help you celebrate each success for years to come. I’m excited for the future and eager to see this list grow.”
The morning concluded with an inspirational charge. “Seeing all of you this morning has only increased my enthusiasm for what we’re going to achieve together this year,” Davis said. “I urge you to hold onto this feeling and carry it with you throughout the semester. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue our shared mission to make Fairmont State University a great place.”
