Fairmont State engages with alumni and North Central WV community to help shape its future

Just over a year ago, Fairmont State welcomed their new President, Dr. Mike Davis. Early in his presidency, Davis initiated a highly participatory strategic planning process to guide the university's future. His intent was to ensure that every alumnus and community member could contribute to this effort and offer their ideas about how to make Fairmont State a "Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home."

"In the heart of every Falcon there are dreams of what the university they love could be," said Davis. "When we open the door for their participation, the possibilities expand and allow us to collectively craft a future that will benefit everyone."

In the fall of 2023, Davis kickstarted the process by forming the Strategic Planning Process Committee (SPPC) and engaging EAB, a leading higher education consulting firm. The SPPC distributed a campus-wide survey to gather initial feedback. In spring 2024, workshops were held with all campus units, first in small groups facilitated by peers, then in larger sessions led by EAB.

This summer, sessions have been held with off campus stakeholders, including an in-person workshop for alumni at Muriale's Italian Restaurant in Fairmont on July 17. At this gathering, numerous local alumni contributed ideas for shaping Fairmont State's future vision. This was followed by a virtual session on July 29, enabling alumni from around the country to contribute to the process.

The next significant milestone in this process is to engage community members. Residents of North Central West Virginia are encouraged to share their thoughts through a three-question online survey. The survey can be accessed at tinyurl.com/fairmont-survey. At the end of the survey, community members can indicate whether they would like to attend a virtual community strategic planning session on August 15 at 7 p.m. EDT.

"Fairmont State is an integral part of the larger region," emphasized Davis. "Including residents of North Central West Virginia in our strategic planning process is essential to strengthening university-community relations. It provides us with new perspectives and helps Fairmont State understand how we can best serve the region we call home."

As the Strategic Plan takes shape, Fairmont State will continue to engage alumni and community members. The plans developed throughout this process will culminate in a Strategic Vision, set to launch this fall. Following approval by the Board of Governors, work will begin on implementation plans.

Learn more about the planning process for the Strategic Plan at https://www.fairmontstate.edu/about/strategic-plan/default.aspx.