All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State Board of Governors approves academic restructure

During Thursday’s bi-monthly meeting, the Fairmont State University Board of Governors approved a proposed academic restructure that will reorganize the current two college and four school model to a two college model. The proposal now goes before the West Virginia HEPC and then on to the Higher Learning Commission.  

“This new structure will allow us the resources and opportunities needed to serve our students in a continued tradition of excellence and innovation,” said Fairmont State Provost Richard Harvey. “Our structure has not been looked at in over ten years, which is far too long. Moving forward we anticipate frequent analysis and adjustments as needed.” 

The proposed restructure is the result of a task force that included faculty members from throughout the institution. Members were: Bill Harrison (Chair), Michael Ransom, Denice Kirchoff, Adam Podlaskowski, Sharon Smith, Jason Bolyard, Joni Gray, Marcus Fisher and Erica Harvey.  

“During the fall semester of 2018, the Task Force engaged in an inclusive and transparent process, responsive to faculty input,” said Chair Bill Harrison. “Following a period of weekly meetings, a presentation was made during the University Town Hall meeting on Oct. 23, discussions with academic units on campus, and information presented and collected at the January 15 Faculty Senate meeting.” 

A final proposal was submitted to the University’s Executive Leadership Team and Faculty Senate. After additional edits, the final proposal went before the Board of Governors and was approved.

“The new structure better positions the institution for potential future growth and allows us to be more nimble and responsive to future opportunities,” said Harvey. 

In the coming months, names of the schools and the academic structure within each school will be finalized. Pending approval, the restructure aims to be in effect for the fall 2020 semester.  

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Kelley calls soccer camp a success, has sights on leading B-U girls program to new heights

Logan Kelley, newly named head coach of the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc soccer team, helped oversee a successful youth camp and aims to bring stability and new achievements to the girls program.

Wesleyan professor collecting first-hand accounts, photos to commemorate 1985 flood

A West Virginia Wesleyan College professor and librarian are collecting first-hand stories and photos from the 1985 flood to create an anniversary exhibit preserving campus and community memories of the disaster.