Davis enhances Fairmont State’s Cabinet with the addition of two new executive leaders

Fairmont State University President Mike Davis has selected two new vice presidents to join his executive leadership team, marking a significant step for the institution. Now in the second year of presidency, Davis has set forward a bold vision to make Fairmont State a "Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home." With these hires, he is expanding the team of experts that will turn this vision into reality.

"I am pleased to announce that after thorough national searches, George Wolf will join Fairmont State as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Janna Bredeson will serve as our Vice President of Student Affairs," Davis wrote in an email to campus on July 22. "Both are seasoned higher education professionals who will bring new ideas and energy to the university."

Wolf has 37 years of experience in enrollment management, including previous stints as Vice President of Enrollment Management at Virginia Intermont College, Tusculum College, American InterContinental University-Los Angeles, Westminster College, and Siena Heights University. He currently serves as the Senior Enrollment Strategist at Liaison International. Wolf holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development and completed all doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

As the inaugural Vice President of Enrollment Management, Wolf will lead the collaborative development of a strategic enrollment plan that grows Fairmont State's student body in alignment with the University's vision, mission, and priorities. To do so, he will oversee first-year recruitment and admissions, transfer admissions and orientation, financial aid and scholarships, and retention initiatives.

"From the moment I stepped onto the Fairmont State campus I felt welcome," said Wolf. "More importantly, I heard a genuine commitment from everyone I spoke with to achieve Fairmont State's fullest potential. In my opinion, that potential is almost limitless. I am excited to join President Davis and his leadership team to achieve that potential and build excellence across the University's enrollment management functions."

Bredeson has 26 years of experience in various aspects of student affairs, including service as Assistant Director of Campus Recreation and Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at Western Illinois University, Associate Director of Student Life and Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Missouri, and most recently Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Life University. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.

The Vice President of Student Affairs advocates for students at Fairmont State and supervises housing and conduct, health and wellness, accessibility, campus recreation, engagement/activities, career development, and veterans' services. Bredeson will lead the university's talented staff as they work to increase student engagement, which contributes to student achievement and wellbeing.

"Fairmont State University is clearly dedicated to enriching students' experiences, with a strong emphasis on their success inside and outside of the classroom," noted Bredeson. "I'm excited to collaborate with President Davis and the campus community to position the university as one of the nation's most innovative institutions. I eagerly anticipate contributing to Fairmont State's next chapter-providing the best regional university experience in West Virginia."

Wolf and Bredeson will spend the next few weeks transitioning to North Central West Virginia. Both of their official start dates will be August 5.