Fairmont State University marked the start of the 2025 spring semester with its Spring Kick-Off event. Faculty and staff gathered to reconnect over breakfast and hear key updates from President Mike Davis followed by an eye-opening update on the state of the sector from higher education consulting firm EAB.
Davis opened the event by introducing new General Counsel Tanner James and providing updates on critical leadership searches. The search for a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resulted in interim CFO John Nisbet agreeing to continue in the role through June 2026. In addition, top candidates for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position visited campus recently. Finally, the search for a new provost is moving forward, with plans to announce the selection before Spring 2025 Commencement.
Davis also shared that the Board of Governors approved Board Policy 1.1, granting the president authority to adopt administrative policies. An Administrative Policy Committee is being formed to recommend university-wide policies that will enhance operations and governance.
One of the event’s major highlights was the unveiling of Fairmont State’s recently approved Strategic Vision 2025-2025. This document was developed through a highly inclusive, transparent, and participatory process that was coordinated by the University Strategic Planning Process Committee and supported EAB. The development involved extensive campus engagement with faculty, staff, and students, as well as off-campus constituencies.
“Our friends at EAB will tell you that ours was the most inclusive strategic planning process they’ve been a part of – I’m really proud of that and how many people participated,” said Davis.
The Strategic Vision will be enacted through 11 interconnected implementation plans. Each will contain SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), to ensure measurable progress over the next decade.
Davis also outlined plans for two major upcoming events that showcase Fairmont State’s impact and community engagement. First, Fairmont State Day at the Capitol is set for February 13. It will feature 32 displays at the Capitol in Charleston, ranging from academics to athletics to student organizations that highlight the university’s achievements and contributions to the state.
“We’re going to take over the hallway and both rotundas to highlight the incredible impact Fairmont State is making on the state,” Davis said. “This event is an opportunity to demonstrate how we’re driving economic growth, addressing the demand for educated professionals, and preparing a skilled workforce to shape West Virginia’s future.”
Fairmont State plays an important role in strengthening West Virginia’s economy by ensuring the workforce pipeline and encouraging innovation. Through its programs and initiatives, the university is working to meet the growing need for educated professionals and support the state’s long-term development.
Second, the university will host its annual Day of Giving on February 27. This 24-hour fundraising event aims to raise $700,000 while also building school spirit. The event will feature a livestream showcasing Fairmont State’s achievements and initiatives, paired with fun and entertaining elements to engage the community.
Davis concluded his address by reflecting on his 18-month tenure and offering insights into the challenges and opportunities confronting both Fairmont State University and the broader higher education sector.
“Higher education has never been at a more critical juncture than it is today,” Davis said. “The way we respond in the next year or two will determine what we look like in 20 years. The state of the sector does not tell us what our destiny is but instead provides a map of potential pitfalls and opportunities. We must examine them, be honest about those challenges, and go right at them.”
Following Davis’ remarks, Logan Moore of EAB delivered a detailed presentation analyzing the current state of the higher education sector. Moore explored four key trends shaping the strategic and operational direction of colleges and universities: the shifting public perception of higher education, enrollment and demographic pressures, sustainable business models, and the challenges of student readiness and well-being.
“This is a moment of reckoning for higher education. We’ve been talking about the return on investment of degrees for a long time,” Moore said. “There’s been a lot of debate in the media and a lot of debate in politics about the role of higher education in our society. As your president said, this does seem to be a pivotal moment.”
Moore highlighted that higher education now faces approximately five times more negative media attention than it did before the Great Recession in 2007. This surge in criticism has influenced high school students to turn away from pursuing higher education.
Enrollment and demographic shifts present another significant challenge. Moore pointed to the declining younger population as a major factor impacting college and university enrollments nationwide.
Additionally, Moore addressed the issue of student readiness. Many K-12 students fell behind academically during the 2020 pandemic, leaving them feeling unprepared to succeed in higher education.
In his presentation, Moore urged attendees to focus on local solutions while addressing these challenges. He emphasized the importance of building public trust through community-level efforts.
“One of our community college president partners said public trust is something to build locally, not nationally,” Moore explained. “We can’t scream into the void and combat these national headlines. It really matters what we are doing here—in Fairmont, in your local area, in West Virginia, and maybe even in some surrounding regions.”
Fairmont State’s Strategic Vision provides a roadmap to address these trends and thrive despite the strong headwinds EAB highlighted. To learn more about the University’s strategic planning process, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/strategicplan.
For more information on Fairmont State’s Day of Giving, visit falconsgive.fsufoundation.org.
