Fairmont State University is proud to continue its spring 2025 Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience, which celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. The series brings together thought leaders to explore resilience in Appalachia through various lenses—including the arts, communication, and performance.

The next speaker in this season’s lineup is Sassa Wilkes, a celebrated Appalachian artist and Fairmont State’s 2024-2025 Artist-in-Residence. He will speak in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms on April 3 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Wilkes is known for his vibrant oil-painted portraiture and community-driven art. He uses his work to explore identity, representation, and resilience in Appalachia. During his talk, he will offer a deep dive into his artistic process, the role of art in shaping regional identity, and the importance of representation in Appalachian storytelling.

“This semester’s Presidential Speaker Series is a celebration of Appalachian resilience, and Sassa Wilkes embodies that spirit through his art,” said President Mike Davis. “As the university’s current Artist-in-Residence, Sassa adds an important voice to ongoing conversations about identity, creativity, and representation in Appalachia. His work challenges perspectives and inspires dialogue, which is exactly what this series is designed to do—engage our community in meaningful discussions that shape the future.”

The series began on February 18 with Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes and Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, who presented “How Food Communicates Resilience in Appalachia.” Their discussion explored the deep ties between food, identity, and perseverance in the region, highlighting the ways in which Appalachian communities use food to maintain traditions and build strength in the face of change.

Looking ahead, the spring series will conclude with a thrilling performance by international escape artist Matt Johnson. On April 30, Johnson will showcase his breathtaking illusions and death-defying escapes in “Illusion, Escape, and Resilience.” Then, on May 1, he will participate in a more intimate conversation about his career, the resilience required to master his craft, and the personal journey that brought him to international acclaim.

All events are free and open to the public. For more details, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/about/president/speaker-series.aspx.