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

Fairmont State continues excellence in financial position; approves new degree planning and gives presidential search update

Interim Dean of the College of Business and Aviation Rebecca Giorcelli celebrates with a student during the fall 2023 Commencement.

The results from the 2022 audit were highlighted by the University’s independent auditing firm, Suttle and Stalnaker, during Thursday’s Board of Governors meeting. The findings presented demonstrated the University concluded its fiscal year in strong financial standing for the fifth consecutive year. 

Fairmont State received an unmodified opinion on its audit, achieving the highest status it can receive and continuing the tradition of excellence in financial reporting. The results indicated the University’s financials were fairly and accurately presented with no uncorrected statements.

“Our continued financial strength and stability signals to our students, employees, and community that Fairmont State remains a well-established institution,” said Board of Governors Chairman Rusty Hutson. “Fairmont State has been serving the State of West Virginia for more than 157 years and we look forward in the months to come to a continued focus on marketing and enrollment efforts in order to ensure a strong freshmen class and the retention of our current students. All of which lead back to continued financial stability for Fairmont State.”

In addition to the audit results, the Board approved a requested Intent to Plan for a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Risk Management through the College of Business and Aviation. Having received the requested approval, the College will now work with faculty and leadership in Graduates Studies to flush out the program details and provide a budget. This final plan will be brought back to the Board during the spring term for final approval and then will be sent to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for final approval. It is possible that the degree program may accept enrollments as early as Fall 2023. 

Additional approvals were received by both the Athletic Affairs Committee and Finance Committee. Near the conclusion of the meeting, Presidential Search Committee tri-chair Jennifer Kinty gave an update on the search process. 

“Our search firm, Buffkin and Baker, has been working hard over the last several weeks to build out our job description and to be sure they understand what we want in our next president,” said Kinty.

The official job posting is expected to be available in early January and will close at the end of that month. The search firm is also accepting candidate nominations. They can be sent to FSUPresident@buffkinbaker.com. For the most up-to-date information on the presidential search process, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/presidentialsearch.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Strawberry royalty crowned as festival season takes the throne

The 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival began with the coronation of Queen Kourtney Jones and King Bryce Cogar, marking the start of a week of parades, entertainment, and community celebrations in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon to honor former chief Virgil Miller at 8th Annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day

Buckhannon will honor former Police Chief and Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller posthumously at the 8th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day, adding his name to the city’s “Wall of Blue.”

City of Buckhannon announces temporary traffic updates

Buckhannon officials have closed sections of Madison and Spring Streets for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival and are reversing Maple Street’s one-way direction from May 13 to 17, urging drivers to seek alternate routes.

Buckhannon celebrates St. Joseph’s Hospital with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week proclamation

Mayor Robbie Skinner issued a proclamation honoring National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, recognizing the contributions of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and its dedicated staff.

Attempted murder, arson, DUI causing death among charges in recent Upshur County indictments

A circuit court indicted area residents on a range of charges, including arson, DUI causing death, child neglect, embezzlement, drug offenses, assault, burglary, and possession of firearms, involving more than two dozen individuals.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: May 12-18, 2025

The City of Buckhannon announces public meeting schedules, accepts bids for city services, and reminds residents of online payment and repair reporting options.

Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrests seven on felony drug charges in Upshur County

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, assisted by local law enforcement, arrested seven Buckhannon residents on felony drug charges, including methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, with further arrests anticipated.

John Alan Keen

John Alan Keen, 63, of Horner, passed away on May 8, 2025, and will be cremated according to his wishes, with arrangements handled by Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s sports schedule this week features a baseball Region I tournament game at John Marshall on Monday and the boys and girls track teams competing in the Region I Championships at Mylan Park on Thursday.

Baseball Bucs to visit John Marshall in regional baseball tournament opener

Buckhannon-Upshur, seeded fifth in the Class AAAA Region I baseball tournament, will open double-elimination regional play by visiting fourth-seeded John Marshall, under a new format eliminating sectional rounds.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 11, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local highlights include library events with a no-fine day, upcoming job fair and fundraiser, a student football camp, a local health department award, and more.

West Virginia Strawberry Festival kicks off its 83rd year with heartfelt ceremony and hometown pride

The 83rd Annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival opened in Jawbone Park on Saturday with community leaders celebrating decades of tradition, family, and local pride, inviting attendees to enjoy parades, food, live entertainment, and strawberry-themed festivities all week.