Fairmont State Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management named as one of West Virginia’s Top 50 Women Leaders

Fairmont State University's Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Alicia Kalka has been named as one of Women We Admire's Top 50 Women Leaders of West Virginia for 2024. Winning this award has put her in contention for Women We Admire's National Award for Women Leaders in Education.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized," Kalka said. "This is not just a personal milestone but a testament to our team's commitment at Fairmont State to empower students every day."

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Kalka has dedicated her career to supporting students, drawing from her own experience as a first-generation college student. Her journey in student services began as a resident assistant during her undergraduate and graduate studies, where she discovered her passion for helping students navigate college life. This experience led her to pursue a career in higher education, earning a master's in higher education administration.

"Higher education has the power to transform lives," Kalka stated. "My passion for student success is driven by my own experiences. I want to help every student unlock their potential and earn a college degree."

Since joining Fairmont State in 2014, Kalka has held various roles, currently serving as Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. In this position, she oversees student recruitment, admissions, and new student orientation.

Kalka previously served as the Interim Vice President of Student Success, where she implemented several initiatives to enhance student retention and success. During her time in this position, she hired the University's first social worker, increased scholarship opportunities for students, and worked to make on-campus housing more affordable, among other accomplishments.

"Alicia's passion for student success and higher education mesh perfectly with the values of Fairmont State," said President Mike Davis. "We need leaders like her to help more West Virginians appreciate the benefits of attending college and to help them turn their dreams into reality."

Kalka remains a strong advocate for accessible and supportive education, reinforcing her belief that "a college degree is worth it and can change your life for the better."