FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Recent Fairmont State University graduate Alyssa Welling is continuing to serve the University in her new capacity as the Presidential Scholar and Legislative Liaison. 

“Essentially, I work closely with President Martin, our General Counsel, and our legislators in Charleston to advocate on the university’s behalf,” she said. “I assist in research, administration, and communication between the three parties, as-well-as establish and nurture a working relationship between the two organizations for their mutual benefit.” 

Welling, from Ripley, W.Va., graduated in December with a degree in Health and Human Performance with minors in psychology and business. She took her new position at the beginning of the year. 

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Welling as our Legislative and Presidential Scholar,” said President Martin. “Ms. Welling embodies the values that we hold dear at Fairmont State University.  She is smart, tenacious, and has a desire to continue our tradition of excellence.  Her help with the 2019 Legislative Session is invaluable to the institution and I am excited to continue to watch Ms. Welling’s education and future career.

While political science wasn’t Welling’s initial career path, it was something she has always enjoyed. While she was at Fairmont State, she was the student representative on the Board of Governors and will be headed to law school at Texas A&M in the fall. 

“I love American history and I don’t think ignorance is bliss when it comes to our government,” she said. “When this opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t say no. The experience and the connections I’m making are unparalleled.”

To continue furthering Fairmont State’s mission of educating West Virginians and those far beyond the state’s boarders, Welling said she’s excited to be a part of it. 

“When I think of ‘home’, I don’t think about the town where I grew up. I think of Fairmont,” she said. “This university has completely transformed me as a person and I couldn’t be more grateful. The opportunities I’ve gotten wouldn’t be available to me anywhere other than Fairmont State University. I’m so proud to be a Falcon.”