Fairmont State board approves budget, invests in strategic plan and employees

The Fairmont State University Board of Governors met June 25 in the Falcon Center Board Room, hearing committee reports and approving numerous agenda items. The university forecasted a second consecutive year of enrollment growth, proposed investments in strategic initiatives and recommended across-the-board raises for a second straight year — an uncommon combination in today’s higher education environment.

“The position of the Board of Governors has been clear: Creating the most favorable conditions that we can for the institution to maintain stability, achieve growth, and advance real opportunity,” said Board of Governors Chair Jason Pizatella. “We’ve been deliberate in our decisions, focused on the long-term, and kept the University’s strategic vision of being a ‘Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home’ top of mind. As a result, Fairmont State is not only effectively managing the challenges facing higher education through the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, we are also positioning the University as a leader in West Virginia.”

University President Mike Davis updated the board on faculty tenure, promotion and emeritus decisions, as well as numerous employee awards. He also highlighted efforts to expand benefits, including a dependent tuition waiver that will go into effect in fall 2026. Davis said the board’s actions are translating into concrete results for the institution.

“Decisions made by our Board are truly making a difference in both the day-to-day experience of Falcons and the long-term direction of Fairmont State,” said Davis. “Thanks to the Board’s leadership, we are moving forward. We’re investing in our employees, strengthening our academic programs, improving our campus, and expanding our impact across West Virginia. These are the kinds of thoughtful, strategic actions that position Fairmont State to grow, compete, and serve at an even higher level.”

As part of his civic engagement agenda, Davis provided an overview of On the Road with Fairmont State. In July, more than 60 students, faculty, staff, alumni and leaders will travel to McDowell, Raleigh and Wyoming counties to connect directly with communities and strengthen partnerships across the region. The initiative builds on Davis’ summer 2025 solo statewide tour. The kickoff will be at Twin Falls State Park on July 13. Additional events will be held July 14 and 15 in Wyoming and McDowell counties.

Fairmont State Foundation President Marissa Mauro shared that fundraising this fiscal year to date has already exceeded its goal by 16%, making this the most successful year since 2020-2021. The number of donors and number of gifts were also up year over year. Enrollment, Housing & Student Life Committee Chair Lance Puccio reported that enrollment is also trending upward for the next academic year, continuing recent growth. He also updated board members about how the university is promoting student success, fostering wellbeing and supporting student needs.

Assistant Vice President of Finance Rhonda Kuhn provided a financial update for the current fiscal year to date. She then presented the proposed 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets, which the board approved. These include a 3% pay raise, which supplements state appropriations with university resources, ensuring that all employees receive this benefit.

Provost Allen Bedford presented overviews of five-year academic program reviews for the M.A. in National Security & Intelligence, Master of Healthcare Administration, B.A. in Communication Arts, B.A. in Education, B.S. in Exercise Science, B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Spanish. The board approved continuing all seven programs and further strengthening them by increasing experiential learning opportunities, adding micro-credentials and other innovations.

Bedford also presented the Academic Implementation Plan, the fifth of 11 plans to operationalize the university’s Strategic Vision 2025-2035. The board approved the plan, which establishes five objectives that will strengthen the university’s program portfolio, students’ academic success, employees’ career paths, campus cultural programming and community engagement.

Bylaws Committee Chair Drew Paton gave a brief update about the committee’s meeting. General Counsel Tanner James then detailed numerous action items related to the adoption, amendment and repeal of board policies. The board approved all seven actions.

Since the April Board of Governors meeting, the athletics department has announced several personnel changes. With the appointment of Greg Bamburger as vice president for athletics, Bryan Spitzer will be elevated to director of athletics effective July 1. In addition, Daniel Mondragon has been named the 15th head men’s basketball coach in Fairmont State history. Finally, Sami Lusk was selected as the university’s first head women’s wrestling coach.

Before concluding the meeting, the board approved a slate of officers for the upcoming fiscal year. Pizatella will continue as chair, Lance Puccio as vice chair and Drew Paton as secretary — each serving second terms. Committee assignments and an affiliation agreement with the Fairmont State University Research and Development Corporation were also approved.

Davis recognized the service of Jennifer Kinty, David Goldberg and John Schrippa, whose terms on the Board of Governors concluded, as well as Student Representative Harrison Linkus.

With no other new business presented, the board voted to adjourn. The next full board meeting will be held remotely Aug. 20.