Dr. Abbey Zink, a West Virginia native with nearly 15 years of senior academic leadership experience, will join Fairmont State University as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs on April 13, according to a press release from Fairmont State University.
“Abbey Zink brings a combination of strategic academic leadership and commitment to faculty development to Fairmont State,” President Mike Davis said. “Her experience guiding institutions through both growth and transition, along with her collaborative and faculty-centered approach, will fuel Fairmont State’s academic excellence. As a West Virginia native, she also buys into the University’s vision and understands our region’s potential. We are excited to welcome Abbey home, where she will help advance Fairmont State as a Great Place to Learn.”
Zink most recently served as Provost at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She also served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State University in Texas.
Her background spans academic planning, library oversight, accreditation, research and graduate education, faculty evaluation and tenure, and shared governance.
Dr. Tim Oxley, who currently serves as both Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Business and Aviation, is assisting with the transition before his planned retirement in June.
“Dr. Zink’s extensive experience, much of it centered on providing conditions supporting faculty success, will be a great resource for the University,” Provost Dr. Allen Bedford said. “I am grateful that Dr. Zink is joining our academic leadership team. Her skills, values, and dedication will strengthen our support for faculty members, chairs, and deans. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional dedicate herself to advancing Fairmont State’s critical work in uplifting people and opportunities in north-central West Virginia.”
Zink has emphasized a faculty-centered approach built on transparency, consistency, collaborative decision-making and workload equity.
