SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Embracing Challenges to Drive Transformation
Michael K . Davis , Ph . D . President , Fairmont State University
The university is dying .
That ’ s what national pundits would have us believe with their breathless talk of enrollment droughts and skyrocketing tuition . They point to the closing of institutions and tell us that public confidence in the value of a college degree has never been lower .
So why , when confronted with such a bleak outlook , did I sign up to be the president of Fairmont State University ? I believe in the beautiful potential of higher education despite the doubters , and I am certain that there has never been a more important time to be a university president .
What is true is that higher education is at a crossroads — our actions now will determine our future . I ’ m not just thinking of West Virginia ’ s colleges and universities , but our state itself . The opportunity to help chart that future as president of a storied school like Fairmont State is simply irresistible .
That opportunity brings responsibility . How can we reshape a campus culture that fosters individual growth and develops the best and brightest future leaders ? How do we make sure we serve our communities as good stewards of place ? At the same time , how do we maintain a legacy of higher education excellence ?
The truth is , there is still no better investment in public dollars than higher education . According to a study by the Federal
Reserve Bank of Boston , every dollar invested in a college campus returns at least $ 7.46 , and this doesn ’ t include such effects as tax revenues and job creation .
Investments in higher education only make sense if those of us who work on campuses fearlessly fulfill our responsibilities . We must ensure that we continue to lead the way in knowledge creation and innovation production and accept our mandate to graduate well-rounded citizens into the workforce .
At Fairmont State , we eagerly own our vision to produce graduates who not only have the skills needed to excel in their professions , but also the leadership qualities for which our civil society is so desperate .
So , is the university dying ? No more so than a caterpillar dies when transforming . The best schools , like Fairmont State , face challenges and emerge even stronger for having overcome . We uphold our traditional values , yet embrace an agile philosophy that allows us to view every challenge as an opportunity to evolve .
That ’ s why Fairmont State University so eagerly embraces challenges . Every challenge is an invitation to become a better school , a stronger partner and a more authoritative industry leader . That ’ s the spirit of a university that is very much alive .
( 304 ) 367-4000 | ( 800 ) 641-5678 | 1201 Locust Avenue , Fairmont , WV 26554