Fairmont State Board of Governors Meeting Underscores the University’s Role as an Affordable Regional Public Institution

The Fairmont State's Board of Governors met Thursday, December 18, in the Falcon Center Board Room to advance the University's status as an affordable, accessible, and innovative regional institution. The session highlighted strategic initiatives aimed at advancing academic excellence, supporting student success, and driving economic growth throughout West Virginia. From celebrating recent achievements to approving measures that promote transparency and affordability, the Board reaffirmed Fairmont State's steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality education and serving as a trusted partner in shaping the state's future.

The Presidential Report highlighted numerous significant events that have occurred since October, including Fall Commencement, Governor Patrick Morrisey's on campus press conference, the Presidential Speaker Series featuring Hope Gas CEO Morgan O'Brien, the U.S. premiere of the A Day to Remember, a Brazilian documentary on the Farmington No. 9 disaster, and many more. The most recent of these includes the launch of Fairmont State's signature "Falcon Fest" beer in collaboration with Short Story Brewing on December 17.

Looking ahead, Fairmont State is preparing to make a powerful statement during Day at the Capitol on January 23, 2026. Visitors to the Capitol that day will see a large presence of maroon & white throughout the building. This event will showcase the University's significant economic impact on West Virginia and provide an opportunity for the campus community to engage with legislators and other elected officials.

"Fairmont State is not just building momentum--we are shaping the future of higher education in West Virginia," said President Mike Davis. "Through meaningful engagement, bold initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we are strengthening our position as a leader both academically and within the broader community. From celebrating the achievements of our graduates to forging collaborations that drive economic growth and innovation, every step we take reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, progress, and the success of those we serve. Our brightest days are ahead of us."

In closing, President Davis provided an update on the Classification & Compensation study conducted by Evergreen Solutions. This initiative will guide salary adjustments to ensure Fairmont State employees are fairly and accurately compensated for their contributions. Employees identified for the first round of salary increases see those in their December 26 pay. All employees will receive notification letters explaining their status by the end of January 2026. Another round of adjustments will be proposed towards the end of the fiscal year and presented to the Board for approval. As important, updated salary schedules, recommended job descriptions, and standard titles are now available for all positions.

"The Board of Governors is proud to support initiatives that place student success and employee well-being at the forefront," said Board Chair Jason Pizatella. "These strategic efforts not only reinforce Fairmont State's foundation of excellence but also amplify our role as a driving force in West Virginia's economic growth and educational advancement. By investing in people and programs, we are ensuring that Fairmont State continues to lead, inspire, and deliver lasting impact for generations to come."

Dr. Anne Bolyard, President of the Fairmont State Foundation, shared details about the upcoming Day of Giving on February 26, 2026, with a fundraising goal of $800,000 and 89 participating areas. The event will once again feature a 24-hour livestream on Fairmont State's Facebook page and the Fairmont State Foundation website, https://www.fsufoundation.org.

During the Finance Report, Vice President of Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer John Nisbet introduced representatives from independent firm Suttle & Stalnaker to present audit findings and outlined a new tuition model for the upcoming academic year for the Board's approval.

Fairmont State University received an unmodified opinion on its fiscal year 2025 audit, marking the eighth consecutive year the institution closed the books in a high level and positive financial standing. The audit confirmed that the University's financial statements were accurate and free of material misstatements, continuing its record of excellence in financial reporting.

The Board voted to approve the tuition and fees proposal for fiscal year 2026-2027. The plan includes an $87 per semester tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students and a $120 per semester increase for graduate students. This marks the first tuition increase in more than a year.

Last year, tuition was frozen and the metro rate was eliminated, creating a uniform structure for all out-of-state students and reducing or freezing costs. To help offset the impact of the upcoming tuition increase, course fees will not rise for the upcoming academic year, several auxiliary fees have been eliminated.

George Wolf, Vice President of Enrollment Management, reported that Fairmont State's cost compared to peer universities will remain unchanged, underscoring their commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable education. He also emphasized that Enrollment Management's deepened focus on helping students overcome financial hurdles is a factor in increased student retention, with 84% of first-time freshmen enrolled for the Spring 2026 semester. Enrollment Management has also diligently worked to ease students' financial concerns through initiatives such as flexible payment plans and enhanced financial aid counseling.

Wolf emphasized the University's commitment to transparency. "It's important that we're transparent so that we can uphold our promise to our students and their families and keep their trust," Wolf said. "It's also vital that we demonstrate that fees are applied in a way that improves academic programs, enhances student life, and bolsters overall student services."

Wolf explained that one of the most significant changes is the consolidation of student fees, replacing smaller and less defined charges. The consolidated fees will fund things that directly benefit students, such as core academic operations and student resources, student wellness initiatives, engagement activities, and other experiences meant to enhance the student experience, and technology services for students to utilize.

Student Affairs reported they have been actively implementing new initiatives to strengthen student engagement and expand support for basic needs. These efforts include overhauls to resources like The Nest, the on-campus food bank, mental health services, and primary care health services.

One of the most significant projects focuses on increasing student involvement through a platform called Engage, which records attendance at campus events. According to Dr. Janna Bredeson, Vice President of Student Affairs, early data suggests a positive correlation: students who participate more in campus activities tend to achieve higher academic outcomes.

Dr. Lindsey Graham Guinn, Executive Director of Institutional Research, presented the Institutional Research and Effectiveness Implementation Plan, which received Board approval. This is one of 11 implementation plans aligned with Fairmont State University's 2025-2035 Strategic Vision. Collectively, these advance Fairmont State's vision: to be A Great Place to Work, to Learn, and to Call Home.

This implementation plan aligns directly with the institution's mission by fostering opportunity, growth, and achievement are data informed. It ensures that decisions regarding academic programs, student success initiatives, resource allocation, and other critical priorities are based on accurate, reliable, and timely data.

Provost Dr. Allen Bedford then provided an update on Academic implementation planning. The first full-day planning session with Academic Affairs constituents and consulting firm EAB took place in December, and a second session is scheduled for January. These sessions, along with biweekly meetings of a working group throughout spring, will identify the strategic objectives of the Academic Implementation Plan. This will be vetted through campus groups before being presented to the Board of Governors in June.

Bedford also reported progress on program reviews for Exercise Science, Communication Arts, Psychology, Spanish, National Security and Intelligence, Engineering Management, Education, and Healthcare Administration. The Engineering Management program, previously on hold, will be relaunched after a review of external indicators confirmed substantial market demand.

With no other business brought forward, the Board entered executive session. No decisions were voted on. Afterwards, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting. The next full Board of Governors meeting will be held on February 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Falcon Center Board Room.