Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors held their bi-monthly meeting June 25 in the Falcon Center Board Room. During the meeting, the Board heard from President Mike Davis and his senior leadership team, whose reports indicated that enrollment and housing are looking very strong for the fall. These updates, together with the University’s continued financial strength, indicate a great future for the “college on the hill”.
“The continued growth in enrollment, on-campus housing approaching capacity, and strong financial position reflect the intentional and strategic efforts underway at Fairmont State,” said Board Chair Jennifer Kinty. “Under President Davis’s leadership, the University continues to move in a positive direction. The Board is confident that these indicators, paired with a commitment to student success and community impact, position Fairmont State for a bright and promising future.”
President Davis introduced Fairmont State’s new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Allen Bedford, who joined the University on June 2. During the last 12 months, Dr. Davis has completed his executive leadership team, recruiting nationally prominent higher education experts with the ability to lead and the passion to innovate. These senior leaders are delivering results and fall numbers are looking very strong.
According to Vice President of Enrollment Management George Wolf, current enrollment data is projecting an overall enrollment increase of 9% for Fall 2025. Traditional student enrollment is also showing a 9% increase for the Fall, and new student registration is up more than 20%. Graduate studies enrollment is also projected to rise. Under the leadership of Dean Mary Sortino, graduate studies are currently showing a 12% increase compared to this time last year.
Another growth indicator comes from the Office of Residence Life, overseen by Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Janna Bredeson. During her report, Bredeson shared that based on current room configurations, the University is currently at 96.1% housing capacity and is showing an increase of more than 120 students compared to this time last year.
“It’s the first year of our new Strategic Vision, and we’re already seeing encouraging enrollment growth—an extraordinary milestone at this early stage,” said President Davis. “Fairmont State’s visibility is expanding beyond West Virginia, and our positive trajectory is unmistakable. The progress we’ve achieved in such a short time reflects the incredible dedication and effort happening across the entire University. I’m very excited and optimistic about the University’s future.”
The meeting also included the review and approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Capital Project Plan. In addition, the Board approved a plan to re-invest more than $12M over the next three years.
“Unlike many of our peers across the country, Fairmont State University is in a great financial position,” said Chair Kinty. “So, it is time to begin re-investing some of our funds to support innovative ideas, partnerships, and opportunities. The goal is to generate sufficient revenue to grow enrollment and positively impact our students as well as the region.”
The Board was also updated on the University’s response to the historical Father’s Day 2025 Flood, with a focus on the importance of public universities supporting the communities they are a part of.
“Within an hour of receiving a call for assistance, the University was set up to receive flood victims in the Falcon Center,” said President Davis. “Dozens of university employees stepped up to help without even being asked. We could not have done this without our Chief of Staff, Brian Selmeski, who represented the University and coordinated with relief agencies. Likewise, our campus social worker, Caitlin Jividen, diligently cared for shelter residents and helped coordinate a Flood Victim Housing Fair with 10 partner agencies. It is employees like these who make Fairmont State ‘A Great Place to Call Home,’ not only for our students, but for the entire community.”
Wrapping up the meeting, the Board approved the 2026 slate of officers. Jason Pizatella will serve as chair, Lance Puccio as vice chair, and Drew Paton as secretary. Their term will begin on July 1. The Board will hold its next meeting on August 27.
